Day 2 in Madrid

We had a great sleep in our apartment and didn't get up until 9:00 am. I guess we had to recharge after a couple of hectic days plus, sunrise is not until 8:30 am. It is another below normal temperature day (high of only 18C) with some rain in the forecast for late in the afternoon.

We got underway at about 11:00 am after the showers stopped and thought we would try to take in some attractions within a couple of km in case the rain started early. Our first attempt was for a tour of the royal palace. By the time we got there, the line up to buy tickets looked like at least an hour so we decided to leave that until tomorrow when we could get an earlier start. We did get another view of the main courtyard from outside the fence.

Next to the palace is the Cathedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena, a cavernous structure with colourful modern ceilings. No line ups so we decided to make this our Cathedral visit of Madrid.

Upon exiting the Cathedral, we noticed a brochure for the accompanying crypts, located just around the corner. This was a huge structure in the basement of the church with ornate architecture and full of prominent dead Catholics from past and present centuries.

Only a km or so away was the Museo de Cerralbo. An old mansion owned by a collector of paintings, armour, expensive furnishing and keepsakes. And it was free for seniors! I would like to see an episode of American Pickers filmed here!

From there we walked to the Opera House to do a tour. Unfortunately the main theatre was closed today so we declined and wandered the streets in the neighbourhood.

It started to drizzle at about 2:30 pm so we decided not to venture too much further from home. We discovered a Tim Hortons at Plaza de Santo Domingo and stopped for a coffee. The barista says, "do you want an American Coffee?". I say, "no, a Canadian coffee!".

About the time we finish our drink, the skies open up with and absolute deluge. We left our umbrella and rain jackets behind because the forecast was for the rain to start around 5:00 pm. Fortunately it let up a bit and we didn't get too wet on our quick walk home.

After spending a few hours at the apartment, it was time to head out in search of some supper. This time we were smart enough to wear our rain jackets and bring an umbrella. It was just drizzling on our way to the restaurant at the Plaza de Isabell II.

We had another Tapas dinner in a restaurant featuring 60 different tapas selections. When we left it was raining a bit heavier but not too bad to inhibit getting a few photos.

Chris got inspired by the girl posing by the fountain but moved around to the other side where there were no Asians posing and so I could get a photo of just her and the other end of the horse.