Day 32/33 (1-2/1/10) - Madrid (Adios, Acapulco)

I would like to say that 2010 was a year that we began afresh; our energy restored, our faith in the world renewed. But...we slept for half of it. Having been up until 6am on the first day of the new year, we did not arise again until later in the afternoon/early evening. I think this was the case for most other Madridians. Most places were closed, but we went to a small Turkish place for kebabs. There is not much else to report for January 1st (that doesn't bode well...) so I will bore you no longer with dull details.

Saturday was much more successful. We awoke at 10am, the earliest we had been up and actually out of bed in Madrid. First on the agenda was our beloved churros - from Valor, a famous chocolateria with locations throughout Spain and Europe. We had seen lines extending all the way around the cafe previously, but when we got there around 11am we did not wait long for a seat. We indulged in rich, hot chocolate and churros - possibly the best way to begin the day.


Afterwards we walked around so I could take some photographs. Before I begin this next tale I should provide some contextual information. My friend Sophie had put me on to these two men who call themselves "The Lazy Beggars" - they are what they sound like: two men who travel around (mainly Spain, although they have been elsewhere) and beg for money. They have four signs that they put up when they beg, reading "Food", "Wine", "Joints" and "Cocaine". But what really sets them apart is that they have a blog, and you can give them money using PayPal. The best way to learn about them is to visit it.

Anyway, I didn't know where they would be (or even if they would be in Madrid), but I had looked on their website and in the course of doing so had trawled through some of their photos (of which many are of their dogs).

So as I am walking across Plaza del Callao, I spy these two men and their dogs:


I recognised the dogs from the photos instantly, but wasn't completely sure it was The Lazy Beggars. So I made Nik stalk around with me until they had set up shop in one of the side streets. Once they did though I went and said hello, got a photo (they have a sign advertising photos for 278 euros) and in doing so had a few laughs.


As their motto goes: "Be Happy, Be Lazy, Be You!" Maybe something to aspire to for 2010..?

Most of the day was spent back in Atocha, where we visited the Reina Sofia. The line to get inside was horrendous, but the wait was well worth it.


We saw some amazing works of art - from Dali to Picasso (including the 'Guernica') to a series of beautiful photographs depicting life in Spain over the last hundred years or so. There was also an exhibit featuring artists works from the "constructivism" era, with paintings, posters, video exhibits and sculptures.


In the evening we went to a new tapas bar that was the next street over from us, called El Patio del Carmen. It was a great little bar - we had the usual (sangria, cerveza) and kept the tapas orders coming. It was quite cheap (about 2,30 - 3,90 euros per tapas plate) and incredibly delicious. I only wish we had discovered it sooner.



That night we said goodbye to Javier, who had been an absolutely wonderful host throughout our stay. We bought him a box of Ferrero Rocher as a thank you gift, and he was incredibly touched (and sorry to see us go!)


Our attempts at a good nights sleep were thwarted by packing and the excitement of the onward journey. But there was still a hint of sadness at leaving Javier, Acapulco and Madrid.