Madrid

Have been meaning to tell you that I bought myself a new watch in Sintra. Not that I really wanted a new watch but it became necessary because when we were flying from Dubai to Madrid, prior to landing I needed to turn my watch back 2 hours. Slight problem. When I went to pull out the little knob to adjust the time, I pulled the damn thing all the way out which meant that I couldn't change the time. So I had been deducting 2 hours every time I looked at my watch. Then when we went into Portugal I needed to deduct 3 hours... It was doing my head in but the only watches we were seeing were all in jewellery stores and very expensive. As I wasn't actually planning on living in Dubai just so I could tell the correct time, I managed to find a tacky watch that at least I can read the face on, and the time adjuster knob hadn't fallen out. So now I drive Jo nuts telling her the time .... Constantly...(one of life's little gems).
Back to the blog though. Had a great nights sleep so good in fact that the alarm woke me so I am now raring to go. Breakfast and bags out by 8 for our departure back to Madrid. We actually had grey skies late yesterday afternoon and half a dozen drops of rain but lovely blue skies again now and a forecast of 32 for Madrid. The countryside is ever changing and very pretty. Fields of sunflowers next to corn, next to pasture land then huge areas of different planted trees, including eucalyptus. Aaahh this is holidaying at its best.
We then had a stop in Avila where we were treated to churros and hot chocolate. However I'd much prefer a Balfours chocolate donut or a Kitchener bun any day. Had time to wander around this beautiful little city. It has a fortress wall from aeons ago but you would swear that it was finished last week. It is in pristine condition. I have attempted to download photos onto the iPad but it has run out of room so I am now working out how to just do a couple of photos at a time and as my normal blog time is very limited I can't be bothered trying towork out how you do that now...
So, Avila is absolutely charming and a very special visit that I wasn't expecting. Found a great little souvenir shop that had lots of goodies in it so I got a bit carried away. Some of you may be lucky enough to end up on the receiving end of my gift shopping, however don't hold out on it as I have such great taste that I may end up keeping all these little finds for myself!!!!
Back on the coach and on to Madrid. When we arrived neat the palace we met Denise who is going to be our tour director for our northern Spain tour. Apparently there are only going to be 16 on our tour so that is a lovely small group. She seems okay so time will tell. We then go to have lunch and found yet another outdoor restaurant and this time,no sooner were we seated when the other 4 who are continuing on with the tour came and sat with us. Had a lovely sandwich and a glass of Chardy. Time to meet our next guide for a tour of the palace which was very interesting, then back on the coach to our next hotel. Time for the last of the scotch and a quick freshen up before we head downstairs to meet Shelley and Mark for pre dinner drinks. Then at 6.30 all on the coach to our farewell dinner which was just fabulous. So much food, good company and good wine. Lots of photos taken and attempts at hugging, but I don't do hugging so much nodding of the head and then walking away... Back at the hotel more attempts at hugging and cheek kissing so well and truly time for me to head for my room.