The weather in Madrid has been bright and sunny with high temps in the 50’s – really pleasant.
Hotel Europa is located in the heart of Madrid at Puerta del Sol – a major Metro stop and hub – much like Times Square in New York City. If/when we return to Madrid we think we’d stay in a less hectic neighborhood. Nearby is the Santa Ana neighborhood with many restaurants, bars, and shops. We stopped at Cafe Carmela for breakfast,

and ate a Spanish favorite – toast with olive oil and tomato. It’s very good!

Our goal was to make our way to the Lavapies District. It’s in the south part of the city and less touristed. We navigated downhill to the main square, Plaza de Lavapies at the end of this street. No crowds here!

A stop for lunch nearby started with wine and bread…

There are flower stalls all around town and this one with a favorite winter flower, cyclamen.

And, it’s still officially fall so there are sunflowers too!

We ended adventure for this day with a calamari bocadillo and a beer.

We’ll pack up soon to head home tomorrow – happy travelers!
