Discovering Madrid: From Family Memories to Local Delights

Kimberly·July 5, 2023·0 comments

Good morning from Spain! For my final visit to Nina’s Coffee & Brunch, I decided to sit down and savor a meal. My new friend, Amelia, greeted me and quickly prepared my Americano. Today, I paired it with a bagel topped with eggs and a side of plantains. It was delicious, and I’m sad to say goodbye to this adorable cafe I’ve grown to love.

Bagel with eggs and an americano at Ninas.

Today, I’m traveling to Madrid, a city that holds a special place in my family’s heart. My Great Uncle Gene moved to Spain after WWII; he fell in love with Europe during the war and felt more welcome in Spain than back in Texas. He taught at the now-closed Torrejon Air Force Base. When the base closed, he spent his last year before retirement in Portugal, then returned to Madrid with his partner to live out his retirement. Sadly, he passed away in 2007 in Madrid, but he was buried in Houston with his twin brother, my Gramps. I grew up hearing stories about Uncle Gene and family members who visited him overseas. Although I never made it over while he was alive, I’m thrilled to finally see the city I’ve heard about my whole life.

An old black and white photo of Uncle Gene and Gramps. — Uncle Gene (Left) & Gramps (Right)

This is my first time traveling by train for an extended trip, as I’ve only taken trains for day trips so far. The train is easy to locate, and I have a very enjoyable ride, seated at a table with three other passengers. Everyone keeps to themselves, and the train is quiet as we navigate through the beauty of Spain. I have some difficulty locating the restaurant where I am to pick up my Airbnb keys, but once I am inside my flat for the next few days, I am in love! This might be my favorite place I’ve stayed. It’s an old attic on the fourth floor of the complex, perfect for a single guest, or maybe two if you get along well in tight quarters. My favorite part is the air conditioning, which works great! I love my time in Europe, but I do miss the convenience of air conditioning at home.

Two wicker chairs face the tv showing off the living room.

Bed in madrid, it is tucked under the sloping roof you have cannot sit up in bed.

The National Prado Museum is free in the evenings, so once I am settled, I take my time walking the half hour to the Prado. However, when I arrive, the line to get in wraps all around the museum. Even if I manage to enter, I’ll only have two hours at the museum, and it will be packed! I decide to count my loss and walk around the park behind the museum. During my walk, I stumble upon El Retiro Park, a beautiful monument that sits behind a pond where people are enjoying the day from paddle boats. It is a serene scene, and I feel like I am transported back to the 50s. I can already see why Uncle Gene fell in love with Madrid. As the sun sets, I make my way back to my flat, excited to walk the streets with Uncle Gene tomorrow.

El Retiro Park, a monument with a horse that overlooks a pond.

On my first full day in Madrid, I decided to spend my morning exploring local museums. First stop: the (free) Museum of the National Library. Here, I learn about the Spanish Civil War, Nobel Prize-winning poets, and best of all, books from 940 A.D.! One of my favorite things about traveling is the opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures, which is why I love visiting local museums. I then head to the National Archaeological Museum, where I am immersed in the Prehistoric and Roman influences in Spain.

An old book open to a page in the center.

Kimberly in front of a stone monument outside National Archaeological Museum,

My wonderful Airbnb host sent me a list of places to visit, including the Mercado de San Anton food hall. Within the food hall, I picked up croquetes and empanadas from Espiedo and sangria from BODEG6N bar. I can now add croquetas to my list of favorite foods!

Sangria and croquettes (deep-fried roll filled with veggies) at the market.

As the day heats up and locals retreat for siesta, I decide to become a local and also take advantage of a siesta. When in Spain, after all.

Tonight, I treat myself to paella and a mug of sangria. I thought I was ordering a glass, but it seems my angel, Uncle Gene, was looking out for me when I ordered my drink. I am enjoying all of this on the patio inside the beautiful Plaza Mayor.