A Stroll in the Park

Today, in a moment of madness, I ended up walking all the way home from Avenida de America to my house, which took me about two hours. As usual walking so far was not the proposed plan of action, I had decided to walk to Manuel Becerra to catch the 71 bus to my barrio but as always I miscalculated, went in the wrong direction and before I knew it I was on Calle Serrano. (can you believe that after four years in this city, I still can't find my way around!) So I though what the hell, I've come this far, I may as well take a walk in the Retiro and catch a bus at the other side of the park. By the time I had crossed the park, it was only another four metro stops to my home, and although it was all uphill and the sun was beating down, I decided I may as well go the distance.

My unplanned wandering around the city was very pleasant, I hardly ever go into the centre or the park and I forget how beautiful Madrid really is. And how is it that I can live so close to such an amazing green space and never pop in for a quick stroll around? I get so caught up in the hecticness of city life that I sometimes forget to take the time to enjoy it and it really is worth taking the time to do! And on this occasion, not only did I have a lovely walk, get some much needed exercise and see the city a little, but I also got to finally finish A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens while I was walking home. (Dangerous I know, but I can't help but walk and read, as you know I have 1001 books to read, and I have only just finished number 70!)