„Spring sun and slowly warming weather were crowned with 100 euro tickets to an as-yet-unknown Madrid,“ says the traveler. And when forecaster Naglis Šulija promised up to 27 degrees Celsius, there were almost no doubts left.
Read more Analysts: Russia intensifies disinformation campaign before elections in Armenia
However, the biggest discovery of this trip was not Madrid.
A Surprise at Madrid Airport
As soon as they landed in Spain, the trip presented its first surprise. Instead of the reserved „Nissan Juke“, the traveler was offered a Chinese „Lynk & Co 01“ SUV.
The Chinese car pleasantly surprised.
„I tried to resist condemning myself to four days of Chinese captivity,“ laughs R.Raščius. However, his skeptical attitude quickly vanished.
According to him, the Chinese car pleasantly surprised: soft suspension, quality interior, good multimedia, and an unexpectedly attractive appearance made the journey much more comfortable than expected. „It was one of my most pleasant encounters with Chinese car manufacturers,“ he says.
Aranjuez – a Royal Corner of Peace
The first stop was Aranjuez – a small but extremely cozy town south of Madrid.
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez left the biggest impression here. From the outside, the restrained palace hides luxurious halls, royal attributes, and a carefully preserved spirit of history within.
The city’s gardens – Jardín de la Isla, Jardín del Parterre, and Isabel II Garden – also captivated the traveler.
„For a short walk, this is an ideal place – compact, peaceful, and very aesthetic,“ says R.Raščius.
Toledo – a City Surrounded by a Canyon
On the second day, the road led to Toledo – the former capital of Spain, situated in a spectacular bend of the Tagus River.
The Alcázar de Toledo castle rising above the city and the magnificent Catedral Primada de Toledo cathedral create a panorama almost worthy of a film set. However, according to the traveler, Toledo’s greatest beauty is revealed when looking at the city from afar.
„To see the full grandeur of the city, it is essential to visit Mirador del Valle,“ he recommends.
Photographers from all over the world flock here.
From this viewpoint, the entire canyon-surrounded Toledo unfolds – a sight that draws photographers from all over the world.
The Sweetest Oranges – Not in Stores
Journeys between cities here become no less important than the stops themselves.
„It’s essential to stop at roadside fruit vendors and fill the trunk with oranges and tangerines sweeter than honey,“ smiles R.Raščius.
Read more At the Balkan summit, EU leaders urged accelerating enlargement
And he gives the most important rule: „Choose not the prettiest, but the softest“.
Avila – a Medieval City Above the Clouds
Another discovery was Avila – a medieval city situated on a hill, surrounded by an impressive defensive wall.
The Walls of Avila are considered among the best-preserved city walls in Europe. One can walk along them around almost the entire old town, observing the narrow streets as if through the eyes of medieval rulers.
„The narrow streets and abundance of gates made us sweat quite a bit looking for accommodation,“ the traveler recalls. At one point, he thought the car would get stuck between the old walls – „like once in Sicily“.
Besides the walls, according to the traveler, it’s worth visiting the Catedral de Avila, and dedicating evenings here to simple Spanish pleasures – ham, olives, cheese, and a glass of cava.
A Monumental Place Evoking Contradictory Feelings
Before returning to Madrid, R.Raščius also visited one of Spain’s most controversial places – Valle de los Caidos, officially known today as the Cuelgamuros valley.
„The crushing grandeur and futility here are simply overwhelming,“ says the traveler.
The underground basilica, carved into the rock, leaves a somber but undoubtedly strong impression. Above the complex stands a stone cross about 150 meters high, visible from a great distance.
Left Without the „Cherry on Top“
Although Madrid was supposed to be the grand finale of the trip, it was precisely it that left the least impression.
„The capital was supposed to be the cherry on top, but it didn’t turn out that way. Although the center of this metropolis with 3.5 million inhabitants is freed from potential traffic jams by ecological car bans, it doesn’t escape the ant-hill of people. The city’s size, climate, and abundance of museums attract millions of tourists.
Madrid has far fewer attractions or generally interesting, beautiful places.
However, in my opinion, compared to another major Spanish city, Barcelona, Madrid has far fewer attractions or generally interesting, beautiful places. In reality, Madrid has two essential points: the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum. Well, perhaps Buen Retiro Park also has its own appeal, but it’s probably more for local recreation,“ R.Raščius openly admits.
Nevertheless, in one area, Madrid, according to the traveler, is unsurpassed – food.
„What truly delights in Madrid is the choice of food and dining establishments,“ he says.
And although Segovia remained unvisited this time due to logistical errors, the traveler is convinced – it’s just a good reason to return.
„Even if it was short, the warm four-day spring is counted. Get off the couch and enjoy life!“ – R.Raščius urges at the end of the trip.
Read more At the start of „Baja Greece“, Benediktas Vanagas’s „Hilux“ engine stalled: what is the result?
