travelswithalice

September 30, 2021

Madrid

Landed in Madrid at 12:30, in Hyatt Centric by 2 p.m. A tray of ham, cheese, and olives, a bottle of wine, a bowl of fruits … Well, okay, we’ll happily wait for a bigger room.

I loved this hotel the first time, I love it even more now.

On the roof staircase is a beautiful installation.

The lift well. The fan motif brings ancient traditions into the vibrant contemporary art scene.

This is what draws me to Spain. Art, crafts, excellence, poetry, heart.

Madrid offers a virtual cocktail of architectural styles. Most interesting of all is the Plateresque, a rich blend of Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance, which is uniquely her own.

Early evening view from our balcony.

Friday, September 24.

Friday for the Future climate defence protest march.

Sunday, 26.

A bright new day.

I had to be up early for our weekly G7 video chat. It’s Edwin’s birthday tomorrow.

At Orio on Fuencarral for oysters and cava, a few pintxos.

Monday, 27.

At the Prado. Very quiet, perfect way to enjoy any one of the world’s best art galleries.

Coffee and toast with ham and cheese in the courtyard.

Tuesday, 28.

The XCiti lunch group had a zoom September birthday party this morning but it was 4 in the morning, my time, so missed it.

Dinner at Public, our default white-tablecloth restaurant a short walk from the hotel, introduces us to the impossibly rich Tim Baon: turrones and ice cream topped with crema catalana, on a pool of dark chocolate sauce. It looks a mess but is really delicious. Too bad my diet only allows a little taste of it.