Heading to Madrid

We drive past the town of Avila. One of the most intact city walls. 

And then on to Madrid. 

We stop for lunch at Plaza Mayor, basically the town square. 

Looked a pretty peaceful place, but this police car parked in the plaza may tell another story. 

We checked out a fresh food market next door, 

Mercado de San Miguel. 

Noticed a building nearby that reminds me of that clever street art on the wall of Riverside Market in Christchurch. 

Lots of impressive buildings. Quelle surprise!

We popped in to the Prado Museum for a drop of culture. Imagine my surprise when there was no Landcruiser in sight.

I did take these shots before almost being arrested.

When we entered, we were in a room with red rooms. The guide told us that we couldn’t take photos in the red rooms. OK.

The next room was a different colour, and it was a long one, so take a photo in each direction. Until the tap on the shoulder. “No Photographs!!”

But it’s not a RED room, for fuck sake! I may be colourblind, but I’m not THAT colourblind.

I’m right, aren’t I? Not a red wall in sight.

Billions of boiling blistering blue barnacles!!!

Finished the night, and the tour, with a dinner. Then some fool wanted to take photos. Here’s our table of reprobates.

 The blonde next to Sarah is called Lily, but since when has that stopped me?

When we met, and for most days on the bus, she wore pigtails, so obviously I called her Pippi Longstocking.

She’s traveling alone, and plans to wring enjoyment out of every moment. A party animal. She’s leaning on 60, but has the body, dress sense and energy of a 20-something, but without the self doubt. She doesn’t give a damn, she just going to have fun.

Watching her in her miniskirt, dancing in the aisle of the bus to Dancing Queen as we go back to the hotel, I’ve decided to call her Charo.

Most of you will need to ask Uncle Google who that is.