Day 17: Madrid, Spain, 10; 422 miles total

Solo Tour Day in Madrid

My tour mates left early this morning for the airport, Stuart and Stephen by train and John by cab. With my appointment cancelled, I had a free day. I googled Best things to do in Madrid, looked at several sights, and decided to check them out by bike. 

Madrid has an extensive loaner-bike program, many people cycle, and all the major streets have shadow bike lanes (bikes share with vehicles). Plus, cyclists are permitted to ride in pedestrian zones and on sidewalks. After touring the sights shown in my photos, breakfast, and lunch, I spent several hours at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, packed the bike, went to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, then tapas for dinner. Looking forward to returning home.

Every time I pack my pike, it seems to pack differently, especially when the trailer is included. I put the trailer undercarriage in my checkable back pack, same as when I left. While I did get my bike shoes in the case, I have one, leftover trailer tire wrapped in a t-shirt in the back pack. 

—Dog of the Day #1. Many more to come.

—Plaza Mayor. Once the site of executions, these buildings house very expensive apartments. When in Madrid 2 years ago, a major section on the south side was being renovated.

—Groups with Guides. While probably less crowded than in summer, Madrid was still packed with tourists. I encountered the same guide-actor leading the group on the right three times. He said the motto on the building had significant meaning in Spain, but he could not tell them until later in the tour. Quite an act.

—The Mercado—2nd Stop. Site for many upscale produce, seafood, and meat vendors, all beautifully presented.

—Artfully Presented Fish

—15 Euro Entree. Not sure if it was cooked yet.

—Olive Vendor

—Traditional Madrid Breakfast. In the Mercado/Plaza de San Miguel area, I finally had the traditional hot chocolate and churros. Dip the churro in the thick, syrupy chocolate . . . yum.

—Royal Palace

—Madrid Cathedral, backing the Royal Palace.

—Madrid Cathedral Apse. The two tour groups were viewing remains of a Moslem mosque.

—Old Prison Site. Near the Royal Palace, clearly the inspiration for AF's San Quentin.

—Don Quixote and Sancho Pancha. Still searching.

—Templo de Debod: Egypt with a view

A gift to Spain in 1968, this 2200-year-old Egyptian temple dedicated to Amon and Isis is located on a hill over Casa de Campo. By day the views to the Royal Palace and cathedral on one side and Casa de Campo and the mountains on the other side and a park surrounding the temple.

—Photo Shoot #1. 

—Photo Shoot #2.

—Templo de Debod 

—Opera House

—Interesting Building. Did not match nearby buildings.

—Congress. Well guarded.

And from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which welcomed photos:

–Wyeth

—Card Game

—Picasso

—Dogs 2-5 of the Day. They appeared to have a pack leader and a minimally interested owner who was more focused on his phone than the dogs, who pretty much walked themselves.