Aranjuez, Consuegra, Madrid

From the mountains of Asturias the journey continues to the wide plains around Madrid. From the small village to the big city. The contrasts are great!

Aranjuez is located 47 km south of Madrid on the Tajo River. The most famous attraction is the Palacio Real, the former summer residence of the Spanish kings. The palace is surrounded by extensive gardens with magnificent fountains, groups of trees and meadows.

These gardens are described by composer Joaquin Rodrigo in the Concierto Aranjuez (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9RS4biqyAc).

Jürg and I walked through the Jardin de la Isla on Saturday from fountain to fountain.

There are always many people in Aranjuez. Even late at night, people laugh, talk and have a drink in the squares. On Saturday morning, many people are out shopping and we buy an umbrella because it is pouring when we want to leave the market hall. We really like this city.

On Sunday we visit Consuegra. This village in Castilla-La Mancha is known for its 11 windmills from the 16th century. Here, Don Quijote, the eccentric, otherworldly nobleman from the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, is said to have fought against giants.

On Monday we visit Madrid. Aranjuez also has an impressive train station. A train to Madrid departs every half hour. We gladly take advantage of this service, as we have already experienced the heavy traffic in Madrid on our way there. The journey to Madrid Sol takes unexpectedly long - but we are on vacation - and before noon, we are at the Puerta del Sol. So many people and one skyscraper next to another, we need to have breakfast first.

Refreshed, Jürg takes on the role of tour guide. We visit the somewhat quieter magnificent parks - but of course, also the Palacio Real.

At the Mercado de San Miguel, we couldn't resist trying some tapas and having a glass of white wine. After all, everyone here is eating and drinking. Only the Asian tourists are taking pictures of the appetizing displays.

The Plaza Mayor is incredibly busy. We are impressed and quickly disappear into the alleys full of bars and fun shops. It's already 3 pm, time for a Spanish lunch: at Lucio in a typical, dark comedor, we have salad, artichokes, and octopus, but there is no coffee here. We walk past a nice hairdresser and decide to get a haircut before coffee.

We want to return to Aranjuez from Atocha. We wander around the huge train station hall until we find the ticket machine, the right train, and the right platform. But in the end, everything works out and we take the crowded evening train back.

Elsbeth