My visit to Madrid was, quite frankly, inadequate. We flew in from Palma and after getting settled into the hotel for a bit, we learned that our teacher (and group leader) was ill and unable to guide us for the day. There was quite a lot of consternation between 8th graders about leaving her behind for whatever sites we were supposed to be touring. But in the end I really don’t know what we did that day besides hang out at the hotel because I don’t have any photos! (remember I lost the film…)
I do know that we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner that night. Apparently one of the parent chaperones felt up to taking a bunch of kids there on the metro and back. It seemed like a very special and glamorous place, I even bought a t-shirt in the gift shop. Thank god my horizons have broadened since. Check out my man on his slick portable phone though. That’s gold.
The Hard Rock is long gone from this spot, but the Torres de Colón and Palacio de Villamejor across the street are still here.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my visit, I certainly did. It just didn’t involve any of the parks or churches or palaces or museums or plazas or fountains that you would normally go to Madrid to see. Wait! There is a fountain; we loaded up on a bus the next day bound for Toledo. On the way out of town I snapped this last shot containing what I can now tell you is a bronze replica of an 18th century carving la “Fuente de la Alcachofa” (Artichoke fountain). The original fountain sat in this spot in front of Atocha railway station for 99 years until it was relocated to nearby Retiro Park in 1880. This bronze replica dates back to 1986. At least the photo is moderately composed and in focus; good job 14-year-old Jeremy.
The next city for 8th Grade Spain is