We departed on 31 May and arrived that morning (Barcelona time) after 13hrs of flight. Thanks to the cough syrup and flu pill (I was really unwell), I slept throughout and wasn't quite affected by the turbulence. I can't decide if direct flight works better but other than the sore knees from being cramped up in my seat, I had no major complaints. Maybe except that I didn't have my free ice-cream and chocolate!
Barcelona airport was quiet, filled with lots of shredded paper and our suspicion was confirmed on the board - there was a strike - which didn't affect us much fortunately. With 3hrs to kill before our next flight to Madrid, we roamed around the airport - had some coffee, found a spot to bask under the sun and took some silly jump shots. Thereafter, we decided to check in but the counter was empty and we thought it wasn't time yet. We continued to roam around and checked in like 30mins before boarding time? Boy, it was so different inside! That's where all the people and shops were but we didn't have time to explore, we were running late as the gate was closing. Didn't help when the gate was at the other end and so we ran - picture Home Alone scene. We were basically the last few passengers and you could imagine how dumb we would be if we didn't make it.
We flew with Air Europa and it was quite a bumpy takeoff. Luckily it's only an hour or so and we soon arrived in Madrid....
Checked in to the decent hotel.
Met up for our first meal in Barcelona. The jetlag hadn't set in yet.
And we went shopping! Love Sfera! It's somewhat between H&M and Zara but prices way more reasonable or rather they have more unique pieces. We spent so many hours in the shop the boys were complaining. It was also very warm in Madrid, worse than Singapore and soon, we were all feeling lethargic. Ended Day 1 with some sandwiches as dinner and we snoozed early to prepare ourselves proper for the rest of the trip.
Day 2 was sight seeing and branded goods shopping for Mrs Chin. I was very disciplined and decided against owning my first pair of Ferragamo shoes. It was lots of walking on this day and we got lost at the end of the day trying to find a Chinese restaurant to satisfy our Chinese food craving (actually not so much for me. I can usually last a week). Luckily the sun sets really late, like 9pm local time so it wasn't as dangerous. We did find a place but the food sux big time. Oh well...
Day 3 was more sight seeing and less shopping (or was it none?). We visited the Prado Museum (which we couldn't appreciate) and the famous Real Madrid Stadium before meeting the Chins for dinner. It was nice to people watch over a meal and our last night in Madrid decided to turn chilly. I was shivering in my sleeveless top and shorts so it was another early night.
Last few shots before we left for Barcelona. Love my new jacket from Lefties.
Madrid to me is a 'been-there-once-more-or-less-considered-done-that' place. The people speak very little English and are mostly rather unfriendly. Lots of tourists and shopping didn't seem to be the thing there. We didn't feel like the economy affected them much and it certainly wasn't as dangerous as many painted although we were cheated by a taxi driver from the airport to the hotel. In a nutshell, it was enjoyable but not a place where I would want to return again.
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