June 11 Madrid

Breakfast at the hotel and we eliminated more items from our panniers including our bike shoes and a heavy chain.  

Took the metro from Barajas to our new hotel where the Vaughntown experience begins.  Walked down the street and bought a few new shirts for Craig before entering what is an apartment replete with a kitchen, a living room and a bedroom. 

Craig's hanging out in the bedroom while I've got the couch and I'm watching BBC of Muhammad Ali's funeral procession.

We haven't been this far away from each other since leaving home! 

There's a tapas reception in an hour for all the facilitators so we'll get a better sense of what this week will look like.

Meanwhile, I'm reading Isabel Allende's new book, The Japanese Lover and relishing the silence.  

Tapas reception was fine. We met the group of English speakers - 5 from ISA, 1 from Canada, 4 from England.  2 more we have' tyre met. 10 Brave Spaniards we will meet tomorrow. More about that as it unfolds. 

Gorgeous night here in Madrid. Went for a light dinner and discovered a charming place.  Gazpacho, salad, and an anise aperitif our waiter brought us - all for 40 Euros including the tip.  

No, it's not all about food, is it now?!