The next leg of our journey took us from southern France into Spain. Our driver picked us up. We were crammed into the taxi. We had the biggest one we could order.
We boarded the train in Montpellier and traveled first to Barcelona before connecting to Madrid. Both train rides were relaxing, comfortable, and gave us time to simply enjoy the changing scenery.
By this point in the trip, train travel had become one of Kiya’s favorite ways to get around. She can stretch out, relax, and enjoy the ride without worrying about being squeezed into the backseat of a car. As we’ve learned throughout Europe, taxi drivers come in all varieties—some are incredibly friendly, some seem a little grumpy, and a few make you question every life choice that led you to getting into their car!
When we arrived in Madrid, our Uber brought us to our apartment where our host, Angel, was waiting to greet us.
What a wonderful welcome.
Angel gave us a complete tour of the apartment, explained how the keys worked, showed us the air conditioning, answered all of our questions, and even left us a bottle of Spanish wine waiting on the table. After several less-than-perfect accommodations earlier in the trip, it felt wonderful to walk into another fantastic VRBO.
Once we settled in, we headed to a nearby grocery store to stock up on a few essentials. That evening Gabe treated us to another one of his wonderful home-cooked meals—a delicious pasta dinner that we enjoyed together while catching up on the day’s adventures.
The following morning we set out to explore Madrid.
Our first stop was the magnificent Almudena Cathedral, located directly across from the Royal Palace. Unlike many of Europe’s medieval cathedrals, Almudena is relatively young. Construction began in the late 1800s and wasn’t completed until 1993, when Pope John Paul II consecrated it, making it the only Spanish cathedral ever consecrated by a pope. Its beautiful blend of neoclassical, neo-Gothic, and modern architectural styles makes it unlike any other cathedral we visited.
Stepping inside was breathtaking.
The soaring ceilings, intricate carvings, colorful stained-glass windows, detailed sculptures, painted domes, and beautifully decorated chapels all drew our attention in different directions. Every corner seemed to reveal another incredible work of art. Standing there, I couldn’t help but wonder how many skilled craftsmen spent years—perhaps even decades—creating such beauty by hand.
We wandered quietly through the cathedral, taking time not only to admire the artwork but also to reflect on how incredibly fortunate we were. Moments like these make you pause and realize just how amazing life can be when you have the opportunity to experience places you once only dreamed of visiting.
As we walked back outside, Mom spotted the cutest little yellow open-air sightseeing car.
Naturally, we had to ride in it.
For the next half hour our driver took us through the streets of Madrid, pointing out historic buildings, lively plazas, and hidden corners of the city that we probably would have missed on foot. It was such a fun way to get our bearings while giving our feet a little break.
Next, we made our way to the famous Mercado de San Miguel.
If you’re ever in Madrid, go hungry.
Originally opened in 1916, the market is one of Madrid’s most beloved culinary destinations. Inside, dozens of vendors serve everything from fresh seafood and Iberian ham to tapas, cheeses, pastries, fruit, and desserts. The energy inside is contagious, with people sampling small plates from one stand before wandering to the next.
We certainly did our part.
Gabe convinced me to try pot stickers, and they were absolutely incredible—without question one of the best things I ate during the entire trip. Mom enjoyed a roasted zucchini skewer topped with Parmesan along with a mixed vegetable skewer, while all of us picked up containers of beautifully prepared fresh fruit. It was one of those meals where every bite seemed better than the last.
After lunch we wandered back toward the apartment.
I wasn’t quite ready to call it a day, so I headed back out on my own to browse a few more shops. Earlier in the trip I had bought a beautiful silk scarf that I had been wearing in my hair almost every day. Somewhere during our train journey the day before, it disappeared.
I was disappointed—but only until I found another one.
While shopping I also discovered a pair of wonderfully funky earrings that simply had to come home with me.
When I returned to the apartment, Gabe had once again transformed into our personal chef. This evening’s menu featured chicken, rice, and vegetables, and somehow it was every bit as delicious as the night before.
To finish the meal, he surprised Mom with a small dessert so we could celebrate her birthday one night early. It was a simple celebration, but somehow those are often the most meaningful.
We already had plans to take her out for dinner the following evening, but this little family celebration felt like the perfect way to begin her birthday festivities.
As I write this tonight, I’m relaxing in our apartment while watching the Spanish women’s national football team parade through Madrid after returning home. The streets are filled with cheering fans, waving flags, and celebrations echoing throughout the city.
What a wonderful way to end another unforgettable day in Spain.
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