With New York you say it twice but with Madrid you say it thrice - what a wonderful city. So vibey and buzzy without being loud and overdone.
We arrived as the weather was getting hotter and our accommodation was on the main city street - the centre of town. We enjoyed a private walking tour which started at 7.30 pm. Madrid is hosting the largest Pride event in Europe this weekend and downtown is ready to celebrate. Rainbow bunting on the building, in shops and being waved by pedestrian's. We had a light dinner in a restaurant in one of the many plazas in the area.
In the morning we taxied to the city gardens - OMG - how exquisite were they - going on forever in manicured beauty. We then joined a guided tour of the Prado gallery - another bucket list moment for me - this time I was offered a wheelchair and I gladly took it. It is a great way to go through a gallery - Tony is not so sure and was quite exhausted after 4 hours of pushing. Such beauty to behold with our skilled guide sharing his knowledge and insights.
Our dinner was one of salad and beer - the heat was intense but the aircon made it bearable.
In the morning we set off by train for Cordoba. We stayed in the old town near the Mosque - Cathedral. It got to 41 degrees by 4 pm so we waited until quite late to find a fabulous restaurant where we enjoyed gazpacho and a chicken tagine for the ages. Our food journey has been outstanding so far.
Our morning tour was to the Mosque - Cathedral - I am still processing the enormity of the building and the Cathedral inside the Mosque - totally divine. We then walked across the old bridge and Tony climbed the tower steps for a bird's eye view of the city. An absolute favourite stop on this trip.