Madrid and Segovia

We are in a very modern hotel, but it has mirrors, glass and coloured lights in the oddest places so really is too clever for itself by half. Anyway could have done with a lot more sleep but up and out we were by 8.15 to get a taxi with the other four people who were continuing on with the northern Spain part of the tour. Confusion reigned supreme because half of us were sure that Denise was booking the two taxis for us and the other half thought we had to book them ourselves. Turned out that the latter group were correct so two taxis dutifully then ordered and arrived and we all set off in them to our new hotel which is apparently 4 kms away. I am in the first taxi with Ian and Helen from NZ. Our driver speaks no English but takes off when advised of the hotel we are to go to. Eventually he pulls over and attempts to get the 2nd driver to overtake us as he is now lost... The 2nd driver is not happy. Words are exchanged. GPS finally consulted and away we go again in the exact opposite direction we had been travelling. We finally get to our new hotel and are met by Denise. That is 15 minutes of my life I am never going to get back...Thankfully our rooms are ready so we head to our room and are delighted by the space, grandeur and comfort. Just enough time for a quick freshen up and then downstairs to meet the rest of our new group and away we go.
As it is early Sunday morning the streets have virtually no traffic so we have a very good view of the city again. We stop at one of the many parks to see the Don Quixote statue. Weather is a delightful 23 and glorious.

I feel sorry for poor Pancho but he seems happy enough here to tag along. We then head to the Prado Museum which is beautifully set out. There is a marble piece by Michelangelo and you can over indulge in Goya, Rubens, El Greco, Velasquez and even that nut job Picasso.

We had enough time left for a quick coffee then back on the coach towards Segovia where we have opted for the optional tour. Maria is our guide, same lady as yesterday. She is very knowledgable and has a good sense of humour. It is a good hour drive and pretty countryside along the way. Segovia is a fortified city that dates to medieval times. As we approach it we see a spectacular Aquaduct that is 1 1/2 km long and 30 metres high. It is an amazing piece of engineering with absolutely no mortar between any of the huge blocks..

 Wandering through the narrow lanes we then get to a large square. I think they all tend to be called Plaza Mayor but don't quote me on that. Jo and I find yet another great outdoor restaurant for our lunch. We have a lovely view of the square and a beautiful cathedral.

We then meet up with the group again and make our way to the magnificent Castle that was Walt Disney's inspiration for Cinderellla's castle. 

Inside this 14th century palace are various weaponry and armoury of the Spanish medieval era along with tapestries and paintings... All quite wonderful. Panoramic views of the countryside and all too soon time to head back to the coach for our drive back to Madrid as it is already 4 o'clock.