Oh Madrid!

I do not even know what to say. Words can not describe for me, the energy this city has. I only felt this same energy once before, when I was in Rome.

Madrid is big, spread out, touristy, and hot. You have to get over that and experience the absolute magnificence it has to offer. I’ve never met friendlier people ever.

A person from Madrid is called a Madrileño. What is interesting for such a huge population is that if you live there, you are a Madrileño! You do not have to be born there. If you are there a few months, your a Madrileño. In many other cities, you remain a guest forever. You often are not really a part of it. I feel you can fit in even if you are not fluent, but try.

I was most welcomed there and spoke with foreigners who were only there for a few months. They told me they joined clubs and groups. They were studying Spanish and felt welcome, part of the city.

 I do not believe that sense of belonging, you are one of us, happens in many other places.

Madrid is fashion, art, culture, and there is a social scene built upon sharing food, drinks, and conversations. I love it.

I was in Madrid 2 nights when I landed in Spain. I was happy to spend 5 more but sad to leave today to go hiking again.

I’ll return to this fine city on July 7-9 (Madrid celebrates Pride then and my timing was accidental), before returning home 2 weeks earlier than originally planned, on July 10.

There just isn’t enough time to see it all, but there are a few things I still need to see.

The heat was unreal and my last day was resting inside because it really got to me!

Today, I find myself on a long journey from Madrid. I am heading on a 5.5 hour train ride back to Santiago de Compostela ( the place that all Camino routes end.

 I will cross-cross this country again. I have to say that my train has taken me through magnificent countryside , mountains, and valleys! Sights that I never seen before but feel blessed to see them today.

It’s too difficult to capture photos from this high speed train!

Why am I going back to Santiago? I have wanted to walk a shirt 130 Km route in Northwestern Spain known as the Camino Inglese (The English Way).

I have to take another train north west from Santiago to the coast tomorrow, then simply walk back to Santiago ! EASY…. I hope!

I am hiking the Red Route – #1.

I’m almost walking from the Bay of Biscay to Santiago.

I have wanted to do this for 2 years. I feel the need to get out of cities and back on the trails where I am the most at peace. It’s my happy place,

I have attached many photos I took this last week while I was in Madrid.

I took 700, but you will only see a few!