We had an early start with breakfast in the hotel (which pretty much sucked by the way for 7EUROs per pax), then we were off to the Madrid Flea Market, aka Thieves Market. As most of you might already know, Spain is well known for pickpockets so wherever you go, make sure you keep your bags close, and guys, don't put anything in your pockets (front or back), tried to carry a bag and have it in front with you. The Thieves Market if you ask me is nothing special really, very much similar to our pasar malam without food and of course a different variety of items. Expect to find a lot of household items, some clothes, bags, shoes, etc. As it gets rather crowded, there are police patrolling the area for it is a feeding ground for pickpockets given the scores of people hence the name Thieves Market.
There are MANY stalls and they trickle all the way down the slope. Unlike SG, it's quite nice walking around as the weather was lovely. Rather chilly in fact.
A thin overall and a nice warm scarf should be sufficient to keep you warm. If you opt for a short skirt like me, then do wear knee length boots or your legs can get really cold. :)
We chilled for awhile at a deli nearby then grabbed a cab to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). It was majestic and the intricacy of the interior was astounding. There was just so much attention to detail and everything was so magnificent that we were kept in awe throughout our tour of the palace. There were many influences in the design and it was apparent that everything was exquisite and probably took a long time to build and construct. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures inside so here are the pictures we took outside.
When you visit the Royal Palace, be sure to check out the Armory as well which showcases battle gears from the olden times. Truly amazing. I can't help but wish Singapore had such rich history as well.
Right in front of the Royal Palace is the Cathedral which I initially thought was rather grand until I saw Gaudi's La Sagrada Familiai in Barcelona as well as the other Gothic Cathedral in Seville. Still, definitely a step up from the more modern designs we have in Singapore.
Everything is just so scenic in Spain. I really love the countless alfresco dining options. Of course, weather has a big part to play, but it's also the very strong dining culture here which is not really present in Singapore.
Generally, Spain attracts many tourists, be it internal (traveling inter-city/state) or external tourists. Everywhere is bustling with people, yet because of the spaciousness and the wide streets, you don't feel claustrophobic or like it's too crowded. People also generally speak in softer tones I think, or perhaps because it's sparse, the streets are as a whole rather quiet and peaceful.
We got this restaurant off our trusted Spain guide book and it was YUMMSSSS! Check out my review on foodgossip.wordpress.com
Love the mirrors in Spain. All so big and so clear!
After lunch, we went back to the hotel for a quick rest before coming out again to visit the Museum (i forgot the name of the museum. sorry! it's right next to the RITZ Carlton Hotel though). There were many beautiful oil paintings and S and I spent quite a bit of time looking through the pieces, especially Goya's work. We've always been suckers for such paintings. There's a rather extensive selection and many of the works showcase a very obvious biblical influence. It's also interesting to see the different painting styles evolve over the time and the use of various paints, canvas and colours. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed again. I tried to sneak a shot but was asked to keep my camera. hahahaa
Walking to the museum from our hotel. At night the temperature drops quite significantly so be sure to have a warm jacket, preferably a long one too like the one I am wearing should suffice. It has a thick collar that can zip up to wrap the neck.
a fancy hotel we passed by. So many rich asians staying in what looked like a damn expensive hotel.
Some government building we saw on our way to the museum.
the museum! S was rushing me as we only had slightly over an hour before they closed. If we came the next day we would need to pay entrance charge. Heee…free on Sundays!
It was a rainy evening unfortunately and whilst checking out the Plaza, we came across this night market nearby. Quite cool. Mainly standing room and it serves fresh oysters, prawns, etc. Reminded me somewhat of the Sydney Fish Market but nicer and definitely cooler! It was tough trying to order there though as everything was in Spanish and it was popular. People seemed to know how to order, what to do, but it was tough for us as we couldn't speak the language or understand it.
The PLAZA is supposed to be this lovely place for al fresco dining at night but it was raining when we got there so that pretty much didn't allow us to try that dining option. Instead we settled for a sheltered restaurant, indoors at the perimeter of the square. IT WAS BAD. Whilst the pictures may look like it's cosy, which it was; in fact the decor is similar to Pete's Place @ Hyatt Hotel in Singapore, the food sucked and it wasn't cheap. If you ask me, don't eat at the PLAZA, it's a tourist RIP-OFF.
XoXo
Germaine
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