Madrid - Thursday, 9/19

My feet are not doing well.  After the back surgery in 2011 my left foot has residual symptoms from sciatic nerve damage.  A few weeks ago my right foot got into the act when some painful plantar fasciitis struck during a tennis match.

Typically we would walk for miles every day, experiencing close-up all that a city has to offer.  Unfortunately that is not in the cards for me;  I'll be experiencing all that pain pills and ice packs can offer!  Nonetheless, though I'm forced to take it slow, there's still lots to see, tapas to eat, and liters of good beer to drink!  I've just got to do it closer to the apartment (or take a taxi)!

Fortunately the apartment is just a few steps from Puerta del Sol ... which is in the middle of "everything".   Juan, the apartment owner and a very personable Madrilleño, made sure that apartment #4a was ready for early check-in.  After a long comatose nap we went out to explore the neighborhood.

A mime entertains unsuspecting victims in the plaza at Puerta del Sol.

Irish pubs are popular in Madrid!