Madrid
So Sorcha and I headed to Madrid last week, got some cheap fights €32 return including baggage checked in, you can’t even get a return train ticket to Dublin from Limerick for that! Arrived in Sunny Madrid and made our way to our accommodation. It was really close to the Metro station and very central.
So once arrived and sitting on the bed and trying to figure out what we were going to be doing that night, decided to put our wallets and passports into the room safe. Sorcha realised she did not have her wallet on her. Few minutes pulling at bags, running back to reception seeing if she had dropped it to realise she did not have it. Then her phone did not work, so gave her mine and I got my laptop running so we could get in contact with folks/AIB/Visa, 4 hrs later all was sorted. AIB were top notch in cancelling her cards and getting them reissued and getting a hold on sorting out Visa.
Still a PITA for the start of ones holiday. But we got over it, and spent the next morning walking around, having some nosh, we only realised how much we were being ripped off when I paid €1.79 for Tea and a Croissant. I took some amount of pictures, there was just so much to see and do. If I went back again, I’d possibly take a 2 day tour instead of one, for €15 you can get a bus tour of the city, there are 2 routes, old Madrid and new Madrid, with 18 stops on each one. So plenty to see and do.
On nights out, we went to different restaurants, there was such a variety, and again the meals were very reasonable at most we paid for 2 people with main courses, wine and deserts was €35(that was with having duck and veal). I did however get screwed when I ordered a JD and Coke when I got charged €15. NEVER AGAIN! so stuck to local cider, which at 7% was only about a €1 and a lot tastier.
There was an abundance of Shoe/Bag shops over there, I did in fact purchase 8 pairs of shoes, 2 handbags for myself and 3 for Yvonnie. I did then have to leave behind a bath towel and my hair-dryer as I had no room in my suitcase for them 
It was a great holiday one I needed badly and a well worth visit.
April 18th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
it sounds like good craic despite the lost wallet.
prices sound really reasonable over there. your post reminds me of my February trip to Milan. I did some shopping but on flying out of Dublin had my suitcase almost empty as I knew I would get some stuff over in Italy. it is worth considering when you plan a shopping spree
July 12th, 2007 at 12:41 am
great reading,have been to Barcelona,next is Madrid great to read your review,..(any sign of becks? only joking.)