Because we’d seen a lot of Spain previously, we decided to go off the tourist track this time. Our plan was to rent a car and explore mainly central and northern towns. I use the word “plan” advisedly!

We started with three perfect days in Madrid beginning with our Friday night arrival. I made advance dinner reservations so we had great meals hitting all the classics, including: Garlicky shrimp, refined fish, paella, and casual tapas. All delicious. All spots had charming or rustic vibes.

We also bought a three museum pass and hit them in two days because passes let you skip the lines: The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia. The latter two museums were our favorites with wide ranges of art in their collections and were nearly empty to boot. Where were the tourist hordes we were promised!

On the third day, Monday, we went to a special 100 anniversary, multi-media show about Sorolla, an artist whose impressionistic works were a new find for us. We loved the paintings, didn’t mind the immersive experiences but I, for one, didn’t like the VR room at all. With VR goggles on, we moved through spaces where images were hurtling past and we were afraid to move for fear of hitting someone or thing. I prefer reality.

Our hotel, the Calalonia Atocha, was well located so we could walk most anywhere in the city. And walk we did. We do know better but still our days were filled with 7-9 mile excursions. We were so exhausted each afternoon that instead of me blogging and Andy playing the guitar he so carefully packed, we would just collapse and sleep!

Speaking of guitars, we also visited a couple of guitar makers including the man who made one of Eric Clapton’s. My guy talked shop, played a few guitars and briefly contemplated buying one. He was in his happy place!

On our last morning, we made one more pass at Grainery, our local coffee/ bakery spot, grabbed our car rental and headed outta town. Everything was going according to plan…