Destination: Madrid

In February 2020, my husband and I took a leap of faith and clicked that "Pay Now" button on the airline's website. It marked the beginning of a dream we had nurtured for years – a journey to Europe together. As luck would have it, February was my birthday month, and this spontaneous decision felt like the perfect gift to myself.

Our destination: Madrid. The city of art, culture, and tantalizing cuisine. We started researching must-visits and must-dos in Madrid. We even borrowed a Spain travel guide from our public library.

Little did we know that March would bring a wave of uncertainty that would delay our trip for three long years.

So this trip to Madrid was literally three years in the making waiting. And I have to say, it was so worth the wait. Madrid welcomed us with open arms, gifting me a renewed appreciation for color through its unique aesthetic and a taste for vibrant living through the lively communication and love for food shared by its people. I had heart eyes everywhere I looked as soon as we landed. I do not recall the last time I felt this inspired and I came back from the trip with a joyful sense of gratitude.

Stay.

We found our sanctuary in Hotel Mediodia, a reasonably priced gem nestled in Atocha. Its location was ideal, surrounded by restaurants and local sights such as Mercado de Anton Martin. Plus, it was conveniently close to Madrid's art trifecta: the Reina Sofia Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and Museo Nacional del Prado. Atocha train station was just a stone's throw away, and we could easily reach Puerto del Sol and Salamanca by cab.

Eat.

Bar El Brillante

Just below our hotel was a humble eatery that served Spanish dishes and drinks. As recommended by a student of mine who lived in Madrid for five years, we chowed down on bocadillo de calamares, fried squid rings in a crusty baguette, as well as patatas bravas, potato wedges smothered in spicy tomato sauce, for our first dinner in the city.

Rodilla

Rodilla cafes are pretty much everywhere in Madrid. We were just supposed to stop by for coffee but we could not resist ordering something to eat as well. My husband loved its buttery and flaky croissant with cafe con leche, his drink of choice throughout our trip. I was very pleased with the tostado de tomate, a slice of toast with crushed tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt, and freshly squeezed orange juice - my drink of choice throughout the trip. They also had a bevy of sandwiches with homemade spreads and I absolutely loved their tuna spread with cheese, walnuts, and a touch of port wine.

Cañas y Tapas

Another restaurant that was located just behind our hotel. It was a warm summer day and we decided to try eating there for lunch. We ordered a basket of fried seafood and cheese appetizers, a couple of Coca-Colas (Spanish Coke is way smoother and less carbonated than Japanese Coke), and a big order of their paella. It was tasty, the meat was super tender, and the soccarat alone was a gastronomic gift.

Chocolateria de San Gines

Famous for its churros dipped in incredibly thick and rich hot chocolate - soooo good!

Casa Dani

Located in a market in luxurious Salamanca, this place served up the most decadent tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelet) that we still dream about to this day. We also feasted on Iberico ham and Manchego cheese.

Jollibee

Well, you can’t really take the Philippines out of this Filipina, can you? Especially when there’s no Jollibee in Japan. Their Chickenjoy and burger steak had us coming back there four times throughout our stay in the city!

Do.

Visit Museo Nacional del Prado

I love art museums! Next to a fabric store, this is my happy place! We had booked tickets to two of Madrid’s biggest art museums and I was pleasantly surprised by the scale of the collection in this museum. Museo Nacional del Prado houses some of Europe’s finest pieces of art. For the longest time that I had been teaching them to my students, I finally saw up close Francisco Goya’s The Third of May 1808, Hieryonymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, and Diego Velasquez’ Las Meninas.

Also visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Part of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art along with Prado and the Reina Sofia Museum, this museum boasts an impressive collection, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works. Notable artworks that made me squeal were: Annunciation (Jan van Eyck), Hotel Room (Edward Hopper), Swaying Dancer/Dancer in Green (Edgar Degas), and Portrait of Giovanna degli Albizzi Tornabuoni (Domenico Ghirlandaio).

Take a day trip to Toledo

Just a 30-minute train ride away, Toledo dazzled us with its stunning architecture, Moorish influences, and historic cobbled streets.

Visit Civitas Metropolitan Stadium

My husband loves football and this visit to the stadium, home of Atletico de Madrid, includes access to a small museum about the beginnings and triumphs of the team as well as to the stadium itself, dressing room, and other areas as it was off-season.

Take a morning walk at Parque El Retiro

Lush gardens, statues and monuments, and an enchanting artificial lake offered the perfect respite from city life. A morning walk serenaded by a park violinist was a highlight.

Shop and dine at Puerto del Sol

Known as Kilometer Zero from which all Spanish roads radiate from, this bustling square exuded charm. Plaza Mayor is a stone’s throw away and while appreciating the architecture, there are hidden retail and restaurant gems waiting to be discovered as well.