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Madrid
We had a seven hour overlay in Madrid on our way to Tenerife, so we took a taxi to Plaza de Oriente and enjoyed a 4 hour walk around the city. The city is old but beautiful. It is kind of a blend of New York, Shanghai, and Washinton D.C., yet has its own unique style. We took some pictures, visited the markets which have many kinds of fresh sea food, meats, and of course, sheep brains. We walked around Plaza Mayor to see the street artists. We had a strange but tasty lunch in a very small eatery where we could just point at the dishes that we wanted to eat (great for tourists who have trouble with Spanish menus.) On our way back to home, we stayed in Madrid for one night at the Tryp Ambassador. Again, we walked around and city and enjoyed the foreign atmosphere. The night Madird is even more beautiful and crowded. Lots of people wondering on the streets and standing around the eateries. We went to an amazing bakery to drool over pastries that we could not bring back home. We did some shopping and, by 9:00 or so, finally found El Cenador del Prado, a restaurant recommended highly in Fodor's. I went into the restraunt to ask for a table, but there were no customers inside. I asked the owner if they were open, he said yes, but that they were completely booked that evening. After we moaned and acted very hungry and hopeless, they said that we have a table, but we must leave by 10:15 pm. So we enjoyed a wonderful three course dinner and left only a bit late. The place was packed when we left. We hope we can go back there and visit again sometime.
Catedral de la Almudena January 28th, 2000, 5:00 am	Catedral de la Almudena January 28th, 2000, 5:05 am	the street in front of Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world January 28th, 2000, 6:47 am	A walkway near the Plaza Canovas del Castillo January 28th, 2000, 8:31 am
A fountain near the Plaza Canovas del Castillo January 28th, 2000, 8:34 am	Plaza Canovas del Castillo January 28th, 2000, 8:38 am	Fuente de Cibeles January 28th, 2000, 8:39 am	Catedral de la Almudena at night February 4th, 2000, 1:27 pm
Catedral de la Almudena at night February 4th, 2000, 1:30 pm	Catedral de la Almudena at night February 4th, 2000, 1:33 pm	Don't touch the railing... February 4th, 2000, 1:37 pm	Beautiful Spanish Bakery February 4th, 2000, 1:45 pm
Beautiful Spanish Bakery February 4th, 2000, 1:45 pm	Organ Grinder February 4th, 2000, 2:05 pm	Dinner at El Cenador del Prado February 4th, 2000, 3:44 pm	cañas fritas February 4th, 2000, 4:10 pm
cañas fritas February 4th, 2000, 4:15 pm	lights in Madrid February 4th, 2000, 4:40 pm	Puerta del Sol Fountain February 4th, 2000, 4:56 pm