Sensory overload

A more leisurely start to the day, getting up late and then wandering into town by a different route along some wide lovely streets with yet more wedding cake architecture and gorgeous wrought iron balconies.
Breakfast was at a little bakery that was full of beautiful pastries and macarons and we had a lovely feast....I tried one of the omnipresent giant palmiers - all buttery snap - with two tasty coffees.
Wandered down to the Thyssen gallery. A beautifully converted palace it was stunning. Fabulous and varied collection, with exquisite examples of everything from 15th century religious paintings (which I discussed with VickyG on WhatsApp as I went round) to French impressionists, German modernists and cubists and pop art. Some stunning paintings....I’d love to come back to take longer.
We enjoyed perusing the shop (as always in a museum/gallery!) then set off to hunt down paella. C has been brilliant finding places for us this weekend and we found it amusing that no matter where we wanted to go was always 19 minutes walk away according to Google. Perfectly compact city!
Although the chosen restaurant was full we found another one across the road that was great - some delicious fried veg (asparagus, artichoke, aubergine) with delicious sauces, as well as the paella we’d been seeking. Never had honey with aubergine before but worked really well. We chatted on about how much we’d enjoyed the weekend and how we need to make this an annual trip, considering which city we should go to next, as we munched our way through everything. More wandering through lovely streets (starting to recognise places and building a mental map of the place) back to a shop that C and M had spotted on Friday and they both bought several pieces of jewellery that were very much their styles, and Winsford found a great picture based on the shape of the Infanta’s dress in Las Meninas painting.  Beautifully wrapped with handmade paper flowers.
Then we headed to the Chocolateria San Gines to sample the famous churros and hot chocolate. Long queue but it was very efficiently dealt with - mainly because they only sell these and so its just a matter of saying how many people and then finding a seat before huge piles of churros and rich velvety chocolate arrives. We dipped and supped till we were sated then headed back out. I think we’ve done everything food wise that we’d planned!
Back via last minute shopping to the flat to rest and pack, then headed to the airport. Had a bit of a wait but C used the time well to research a future trip - Dublin or Seville seem the likeliest candidates!
Late home but it’s been great (not least the 20,000+ steps each day!) and I’m looking forward to the next trip of our Dangerous Women’s book group!