Shake It Off

I'm posting early today because I owe you an apology - and I wanted to get it over with and get on with our trip. I've been grousing around for days, nitpicking and sniping at any and all. And it occurred to me that I've been disproving my "travelers gotta roll with the punches" mantra left and right. I'm not rolling, I'm growing roots in elitism..."well, that's not what it's like at home." I'm not at home...not even close. 

I'm fortunate enough to be traveling when traveling isn't cool. I'm fortunate enough to have a washer at home I understand and can use rather than beating my clothing against the rocks at the river. I'm fortunate enough to have seen sooooo many things on our journeys, and I have no room to whine that I can't see them again because it's a Spanish holiday. I'm fortunate enough to have people who love me so I never have to spend time alone unless I want to.

So, dear readers, I apologize for blogging about some pretty insignificant stuff, and will try to do better.  

Let's see...the weather - it's been much warmer than we expected. Berlin was in the 50s! Madrid is closer to normal in the 40s. It's rained a little in both places, but that's why we have umbrellas. While Germany was cloudy and grey, Madrid is bright sun-shiny and warm if you find a cafe seat in just the right spot. Of course, Valencia and southern Spain should be even more temperate...time to break out the sneakers.

The food has been fantastic! Although COVID and the holidays prevented us from getting into some of our favorite restaurants (read: we didn't get ANY sausages in Germany), we delighted in schnitzel, decadent desserts, wonderful beers, and an interesting array of international foods. In Madrid, we've eaten our weight in tapas...and will continue to do so! The Patatas Bravas (crispy little potato bites served with a spicy sauce) are the best!

We haven't done much shopping. COVID has closed many stores, and my suitcase is heavy as it is. But I'm sure that before we're done, I'll have some lovely trinkets/memories.

Well, the laundry's done! HAH! I'll post more tomorrow. Tonight we're going on a walking tour of the old part of Madrid and do a tapas and taverns hop. Should be a lot of fun!