Madrid Day 2, Saying Hello and Goodbye, Accompanied with 40k Steps

Saturday, May 24th

We woke up earlier so that we could do everything before Paige left for her flight at 1 p.m. I also made plans to meet up with Edu, my Spanish friend from the Philippines, and to walk around Madrid, taking photos of my favorite European city. 

In the morning, Paige and I went to Zap Coffee, my favorite view of Sol, but I can’t say they make the best cup of coffee. However, Paige hadn’t been there before, and I wanted to introduce her to a hidden gem from my time. The cool morning breeze grazed the top of my mug and sent a refreshing wave of air into my lungs. It was nice that Sol was no longer under construction and we could enjoy its true beauty. I was grateful that Paige was down to go there with me. 

Paige wanted to use the morning to revisit all of her favorite spots and pick up gifts for her family. Her favorite spots were also my favorites, and I was just happy to spend time with a friend. We walked from Sol to Retiro because, again, I love the steps and could save on the metro. Plus, I’d walk this route almost weekly. She kindly agreed, and we began along my loop.

Retiro was so lovely; the sun was shining, yet it wasn’t blisteringly hot yet, perfect. We first strolled about and then, with intent, found the rose garden and had a moment there. I am obsessed with the Rose Garden and was so happy that it was open so that I could see it in full bloom again. I think the poor weather this spring delayed the blooming process, which is why it looked so good still. Before leaving, I walked over to the pond and sat on the steps overlooking the water. I took a breather and had a reality check; again, I’m living my dream, and I wanted to recognize that. Pair that with street performers, a moment of pause, reflection. Of gratitude upon the many blessings in my life. For one, the sweet friend that I had with me and the opportunity to travel here. How lucky am I, a feeling that has followed me the entirety of this trip.

Paige asked me where next, and I requested a visit to my old apartment and the Palace. She was down, so we hopped on the metro and navigated to Opera. It was so nostalgic for me to get off at the Opera station, to walk up the street to my apartment, under Pub Nicos, and back down to the Palace Gardens, a walk I took daily to read in the sun. It was so special to show my home to someone; I cannot put into words the feelings coming to the surface being back here.

We thrifted our way back. Paige was in a bit of a rush, so I didn’t get anything because I didn’t want to hold her up; it was fun just looking around anyway. We returned to her place with an hour to spare before she had to leave for the airport. I took the time to pack up my stuff, and she got all of hers sorted. The feeling of being ready to go but waiting for the clock filled the apartment. Paige was ready to go, although I can’t say I was ready. I got a bit emotional because her leaving reminded me of when I had to do it and when I saw all my friends go. I knew that it was the end of an era, and I mourned that for Paige and was sad myself to say goodbye to my friend. I knew that her leaving meant that I would also be departing soon. 

I was with Paige right until she got picked up by her Uber. I treasure my friendship with her so much. I gave her the biggest hug goodbye, and that marked the beginning of the end of my stay in Madrid. But, I had a few more items to check off my list. One being lunch at Honest Greens. 

My disheartened mood after saying goodbye to Paige was quickly turned to energetic positivity as I met up with Edu and was in the presence of his high energy and enthusiasm. We met at Principe Pio, and we walked around Casa de Campo. I was curious about his job and if he had a girlfriend, both of which were answered within the first ten minutes. I was overjoyed for him, for how well he was doing and how happy he was. We had the best time catching up, walking around the park, and sitting next to the pond. I was grateful to have seen him again and how much his positive energy lifted my spirits. He had a concert to head to, so we walked back to the station, I gave a big hug goodbye, and we went our separate ways once more.

Since I was in the area, I thought I might as well see the Palace once more. I called my mom and grandma and recounted my travels thus far, telling them about my conversations with Deloitte the day prior, and they got really excited for me. I ended my call with them right when I got to the palace. I stood there for a moment, looking out and taking in the view. I continued on and went to the viewpoint between the Palace and Cathedral. I recall so clearly when I came here with the other study abroad students in my program two years ago. It was one of our first days in Spain, and we were in awe of the view, thinking it was the best sight ever, little did we know what we were all about to experience in the coming months. 

I stopped back at Paige’s to rest for a bit, grab my camera, and then forced myself off the couch to spend my last few hours taking in my favorite city. I wanted to capture my favorite spots around the city. I walked everywhere. Back to my old neighborhood, Plaza Mayor, Gran Via, Sol. I took Edu’s recommendation and went to Taste of Sichuan, ordering the mapo tofu per his request. Also, thank goodness I checked the bowl before taking my first bite because I saw brown chunks and thought I might have gotten the wrong dish because why would mapo tofu have meat in it? Thankfully, I asked before taking a bite, because I somehow completely missed the word beef in the mapo tofu description, and they kindly remade it for me. 

I walked almost the entire day, so much so that I clocked in 17 miles. Had it not been so late in the evening, I would’ve been tempted to go for a marathon. I ate a late dinner and had an early flight, so I quickly wrapped up my time in Madrid and made my way to the airport hostel. And that marked the conclusion of my time in my third city, Madrid. 

I was ready to leave, once more. I only had two days there, but it was plenty to do all I needed. I had a good night when I arrived, catching up with Paige, plus I felt I did so much both Friday and Saturday that my stay didn’t feel short. And the trip felt worth it. To visit Paige like I promised, to almost see Joey, to touring the Deloitte Madrid office and getting all my questions answered over lunch, to being uplifted by Edu, and to revisiting all of my favorite spots in my second home. This stop gave me both joy and clarity. Joy in my current friendships and being able to make new friends. And clarity in knowing I for sure want to work abroad in this city and to have the patience until the time comes. I am grateful to have gotten to return to Madrid and spend quality time in the city.