I could never dream that I would sleep so close to the Royal Palace. There, where the monarchs spent their time, their life, where they enjoyed the views of the mountains, the city, the parks, fountains... Well, where they are supposed to spend their time. When I got to my room at the Opera Hotel, after an event we had, it was very late. Everything went very well and we also enjoyed a dinner at the house of the organizer of the event where I participated. The following morning has come too soon and with a gift - a headache. Oh, that gin tonic, maybe I shouldn't have it. It was almost 10 in the morning. Why I was wasting my time, when I planned to visit so many places? A quick decision had to be made, to get up and go out into the streets of the capital that I love so much. However, still after a few more minutes between the soft sheets, a thought crossed my mind - how close I have slept to the kings of Spain. It can be declared as a happy feeling.
The truth is that I only had to go out into the street, pass by the Royal Theater and I was already in the Park where Felipe IV sunbathes every day in the same position. He also greets the tourists who pass here every day. A lot of tourists. Those, curious, like me. We pass by his side, perhaps we stop a bit but do you know where we continue? To see the Royal Palace and dream of seeing the other Felipe, the 6th or his wife, Doña Letizia.
A few more steps, but I stopped. These trees with white flowers, with so strong and good smell. Some Russian-speaking girls walked past me and mentioned the word magnolia... and maybe something like take a picture of me here... Well, I guess, but at least I found out it's magnolia. Later, during the day I saw these trees in so many places. Madrid was full of blooming magnolia trees!
There were also other things that made me stop for some moments. Statues. I am wondering how many stories and secrets they heard during their "life"? You see, there is always someone sitting there on the benches and I just don't believe statues ignore all of it. They just stand there, for years, decades and maybe centuries. They would be bored, that's why I am sure they can listen to the passers-by. You see the wisdom in their gaze. Elegance in their posture.
But we could think about them from a different perspective too. What if they were also waiting in line, as you will see in the following photos? Maybe they were tourists that waited for so much time and in the end became statues.
As you can also notice, the line to enter the Royal Palace was pretty long. A year and a half ago we were in Madrid, it was winter and there were also a lot of people waiting to see the interior of the Palace. But now, I think the line was much longer.
Although you can buy the entrance with Bitcoin, still, you probably have to wait. And I didn't want to convert myself into a statue, I had other things to see. There are so many other emblematic spots in this city.
When I climbed to the balcony of the Cathedral that is located in front of the Royal Palace I was still seeing the line, to the other entrance of the palace.
It was a bit less crowded in this spot. But the big gate was closed and the palace is fenced. When you want to enter, wait in the line :)
I was happy also with this view, though I paid for the entrance to the Cathedral's museum which includes the balcony and climbing up to the dome.
I checked the time and decided to go back to the hotel to pick up my belongings (two days of staying packed in one backpack 😌) and leave the hotel at midday. Sure, I wanted to see also Sabatini Gardens, which are facing the Royal Palace, but from the opposite side than the cathedral. In a few minutes, I was back and passed the gate.
Luckily, I didn't get lost in the maze as I followed the main path for pedestrians. Just once I stepped off the route when I wanted to smell the flowers of the magnolia tree. As I mentioned, Madrid was full of those white beauties.
This is probably the spot that is photographed the most in Sabatini Gardens. More statues, preparing themselves to jump into the water and cool down in hot, summer days.
Alfonso X the Wise was also here, I guess he was without a hangover, as he is wise.
However, I had to find some shade under a magnolia tree and search for a painkiller. Headache in Madrid is not allowed!!
