The Retiro is Madrid's version of New York's Central Park. Or - actually, since the Retiro was in existence LONG before Central Park - I guess it's the other way around. It's huge and there are many fountains, lakes and beautiful buildings to enjoy while walking through the park.
That last fountain is called the "Fuente De La Alcochofa" or the Artichoke Fountain. I don't know if it's visible in my pic but the very top of the fountain is an artichoke. The next photo is the Monument to Alfonso XII. There is a little lake in front of the Monument that is very popular for paddle and row boats in the summer.
Because the park is so big and there are so many beautiful places to sit and reflect, I think everyone who goes to the Retiro regularly feels that they have their own special spot in the Park. My favorite place is pretty popular as it is one of the prettiest buildings in the Park. It's the Palacio Cristal (Crystal Palace) and I like to sit under a tree and stare at it for a while everytime I go to the Retiro.
Gorgeous ain't it?
I should have also taken some photos of the large number of Spanish men who felt it appropriate to strip down to their speedos and sun themselves in the park - but I was afraid of looking....interested. Seriously, I applaud self confidence but some of these people were really pushing the bounds of what is appropriate in a family friendly environment. But I suppose you leave the U.S. to be "exposed" to other cultures, right?
I'm off to stuff myself. I made a pasta dish that Teresa recommended while she was here and of course - as it was Teresa's recipe - it's awesome. Ciao and Hasta Pronto!
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