We're Not in Texas Anymore!

Thankfully there were no delays this trip, we made it to Madrid right about the time that was stamped on the ticket and all luggage arrived with us too!
We checked in at Hotel Preciados which is right in the heart of Madrid, and is located on a street that is for pedestrians only. It has quaint tapas restaurants and colored canopies shading the street area. We began exploring the area, and walked to the Puerto del Sol.

This area filled with street performers later in the evening after we returned from the bull fights. The lights and the people were amazing. 

We ate at a restaurant after walking and realizing that we were getting pretty droopy from lack of sleep. 

I really didn't want to go to the bull fights, but I have got to say that I really enjoyed them. The pattern was that the bull entered and the little bull fighter helpers worked to wear the bull down, then the main guy came in and worked in the center ring. These horses with body armor attracted the bull and the rider stabbed at the bull. That was when the real bleeding began and the horses leave and the matador uses the red cape to wear the bull down and some stabbed him with a long sword and after the bull falls they poke him in the head to make sure he is dead and then drag him out of the stadium with a team of mules. Gross huh! But absolutely fascinating.