I’d been in Madrid briefly once before on an ill fated European trip in 2001, but only in the airport for most of a whole night for a flight connection and considering I believe you need to get out and walk the streets of a city to get a proper feel for it, I was glad to be asked to go on this trip by my company. It was my first work trip abroad and I got to see a lot more of the city this time!

The transfer from the airport took some planning as it involved a couple of underground connections and some walking in fierce heat but at this stage of my travelling career I was getting used to figuring out a city’s public transport system so I persevered instead of taking the easy taxi route. I believe trying to come to terms with the transportation system in a foreign city is one of those essential things you need to do to get a proper feel for a place.

The hotel was lovely, fairly fancy so I settled in and done some sightseeing before work began. First stop, as I’m a former big football (Barcelona not Real!) fan was the Bernabéu which was still under reconstruction but open to tours so I done a self guided walk-around. Very impressive! Especially the retractable pitch and trophy room. Dinner night one was a tapas tour. I always like to do a food tour wherever I go as they show you the most authentic places and give you some city history too. Other meals were pre organized venues by the work partners but it was all good.

Other notable attractions were the main square, the palace, El Retiro park, the subway system and the awesome San Miguel food market. Drool..