Madrid, the spanish connection to South America

Tuesday 7th February. Hotel Tryp Diana at the airport (A$110)

Barb with her knight in shining Armour

Here we are in Madrid, the capital of Spain at 11.45pm on the 8th February. The weather is a bit warmer than Vienna.We are suffering from jet-lag after such a long trip.  We found the new rules for carry on luggage a bit ridiculous, only 100mls  of each item is allowed up to a maximum of 1 litre. The inspectors wanted  to confiscate our toothpaste, 150gms but Barbara argued sucessfully that 150gms did not make 150mls. The guy just shrugged his shoulders and let it go. We had our shampoo in an unlabelled bottle and this was subject of some discussion before they decided it was OK.

We rang the Tryp Diana Airport Hotel and in about 10 minutes their bus picked us up. Although the hotel was a bit tired, the rooms were comfortable and we slept until 8.00am. About A$110 per night. We had an expensive coffee and croissant in the cafe and then headed to the Metro to go to the Tijcal Hostal, where we had booked for the next 4 days. This was a pleasant hostal in the old centre of  Madrid and was A$70 per night. It was heated, had cable TV  and provided breakfast in the price. A popular place frequented  by many tourists.

Broccoli Tree

Although there were not many channels to watch, we were surprised that there was a 1-900 advertising channel advertising explicit sex for making phone chats. I had to quickly cover Barbara's eyes and change the channel! It was not that sort of hotel - strange.

We had not planned it as we chose the cheapest route, but going to Madrid is an excellent pre-cursor to travelling South America. It gives insight into the Spanish influence in South America.

During the next four days we visited most of the historical sites recommended in the various guide books. They were all of what one might find in the capital cities of Europe. We did a side trip to the City of Toledo, not far from Madrid. This was an excellent place to go and not to be missed. We viewed priceless art collections that Madrid is renowned for.

El Retiro

We arrived at the airport a few hours before the Avianca flight left to Bogota. When we went to check in we were told that unless we had proof of leaving Colombia, we would not be allowed to travel to Colombia. We were not prepared for this. A bus ticket or intinerary would have sufficed, but as we did not have this, we are forced to buy a refundable ticket from Bogota to Caracas, one way. One learns by experience.

Plaza Mayor

Toledo