GRUMPY SISTERS' INK

After a disappointing paella lunch In the Plaza de Mayor, amongst the street entertainers like Spider-Man, square Bob whatever, and the headless men (not to mention the cheerleading group with some famous footballer in tow), we had our first escapade in the metro. Very clean and quick, and buying tickets was a Touch screen event. We emerged at Retiro Gardens, classed as a Peter place. Being a holiday it was very crowded, but that was a good thing, as it led vibrancy and character to what were basically formal gardens. There were all sorts of entertainers there, unicyclists, face painters, magicians, and balloon animal makers. Every corner had something going on. Even though they all had their crowd patter in Spanish, you could understand the universal language of the crowd pleaser, the goading and the pantomime that accompanies them. The lake was crowded with small boats. Nickie showed us the island with the apple tree - a place that she and Lucas had chosen to be on Peter day. Horse chestnuts in Full bloom, and long avenues of trees made this a peaceful place despite the crowds. That evening Nickie does her magic once more and she leads us to an out of the way, tiny restaurant, serving good Spanish food, with a delightful hostess who worked hard to get us to understand what was offer, to the extent of drawing pictures. Walked back past the palace, bathed in lights and saw the horse guards returning to their floats after another parade for the May celebrations. (Please excuse any and all typos. Autocorrect can be very sneaky!!)