One of the group's favorite spots to hang out, relax, eat, and enjoy the outdoors is the Buen Retiro park. At the part, we've gotten lunch at outdoor cafes several times, enjoying the casual, recreational atmosphere (and the natural shade) that the park provides on a hot summer day. The park itself is gorgeous and well-maintained. Retiro is home to countless gardens, playgrounds, edifices, monuments, fountains, and labyrinths. Each trip to the park brings with it a discovery of something we never knew existed before. In the afternoons and especially on the weekends, the park is filled with people: runners, walkers, bikers, street performers, vendors, families, couples (sometimes a little too affectionate), clowns, musicians, policemen on horseback, stray cats, tai chi classes, etc. Retiro has it all.
One day, we decided to be especially adventurous and rent the paddle boats on the lake (yes, the lake) in the park. Although some of us (namely myself) had a little trouble actually maneuvering the boat via paddle, it was great fun. Afterwards, we boasted sunburns and (maybe) bigger shoulders.
Almost every morning or afternoon that we can, Hannah and I run in Retiro. It's about a 10 minute run from our house (and a two-stop metro ride when we are feeling especially lazy), so the park makes for a perfect and enjoyable circuit. It's also much shadier than the rest of the city, which somewhat eases the heat of Madrid's summer days. Yes, we've gotten a few odd looks and "locas" from the locals while running at midday (I can imagine the sight they were seeing and sympathize), but for us, a run in the park is both a way to get some exercise and to have an adventure every day. Once, we happened to run while there was a parade in Retiro, and we happened upon the Crystal Palace. At the beginning of our running routine, we got lost quite often, as the park is quite large and labyrinth-like. After earning it the hard way, we now have (somewhat) of a feel of the park and its secret gardens, palaces, etc... And just in time to go home! I'm surely going to miss Retiro when I leave Madrid.
Here are some photos:
 |
| Hannah and I after lunch in the park, lakeside (this was post-run and shower) |
 |
| Hannah and Katherine pose by the lake |
 |
| The Crystal Palace |
 |
| View of Monument to Alfonso XII from a paddleboat on the lake |
 |
| Hannah and I "stumbled" on the same monument on our first run (we were quite lost at this point) |
 |
| Juan putting in some hard work. This was before the bumper boat game began. Luckily, no one ended up in the water. |
-Margaret
No comments:
Post a Comment