Madrid

When I travel, it sometimes takes a few days to become adjusted to the rhythm, the new environment, the uncertainties.  For this reason, I thought Ireland would be a nice place to start, if only because they speak English.  I still think this was a good idea.  However, since arriving in Madrid, my happy points are up by at least eleven - and mainly because of the simple pleasure of using a new language to do even such normal, mundane tasks as ordering a meal, buying a train ticket, or asking for directions.  But it also might have something to do with the friendly people and the beautiful buildings, the sun and the heat (finally), all the dogs who follow their owners off leash, the uninhibited PDA, the really talented street performers.  Of the performers, most of all the juggler who started talking to me, but then ran away, "No! No! No!" when I tried to give him money.  And especially El Parque del Retiro.  Something about me: I love parks.  Especially big green parks full of fountains and sculptures and trails and little rows of booksellers, and massive congregations of rollerbladers (my people) and playgrounds full of tan, shirtless guys working out, (sorry Dileep ;), never mind all the museums, palaces, and gardens inside.  El Parque del Retiro happens to have all of this, plus some, and I would recommend the place to anyone visiting Madrid.  Sadly, I have to skip off to Portugal after only two days, so I will have to explore the city more another day.