The train trip was fantastic – fast, cool and on time. We went through quite a few tunnels and loads more olive groves. I doubt if Spain will ever run out of olive oil. I was glad I had booked as there was not a spare seat on the train.

We easily made it to our apartment which is right in the old part of town – known as the Lavapies, near the Metro Station of Tirso de Molina. It is seedy, but central. Looks like the owner had just put a few things away so we could come and stay in his place. It is on the second floor, of course! I will be glad not to have to lug my bag up or down too many more flights of steps.

We spent some time in the late afternoon getting our bearings. We headed to the Plaza Mayor, which is undergoing a refurbishment program, and where Mick was able to pick up a map.

We plan to get tickets on the Hop On Hop Off bus for two days tomorrow. That should allow us to get a look at most of the city and to choose a few places we want to explore a little further.

We spotted this lineup in front of a shop, and I took a photo because it looked so unusual. I came home and did some research about the store – Casa Hernanz.

This shop is famous and has been making espadrilles since the 19th Century and shoppers must line up to wait their turn to get into the small shop.

We then found the Mercado de San Miguel – famous for its food and wine bars.

Mick tried a few oysters at €2 each and said they were fabulous.

We bought a sample of tapas including cod fish with caviar, tuna and anchovies and skewered sardines and olives. I was too slow getting the photo before Mick got stuck in. These tapas gave us some great ideas for our next dinner guests. Plus, they tasted yummy!

The food looked very tempting.

It had been a long day and our feet were tired, so we wandered back to our area and found a restaurant quite close by – Taberna Antonio Sanchez. It had mixed reviews on Trip Advisor, but the location was right.

When we arrived in the Taberna Mick wanted to get a photo of the decor. Apparently it has not changed since it was opened in 1884.

And yes, that is a bull’s head on the wall.

We selected a few small dishes each: eggplant and honey (a speciality), black pudding (Mick), Gypsy Stew (like cassoulet), Madrid Tripe Caserole (Mick) and I had a shot of ….

…. gazpacho.