El Retiro

Have you ever sat in your cubicle in the middle of a long week at work and yearned for a lazy afternoon in the park? You imagine that the sun is bright and the sky, without a cloud. The flowers are blooming pink, purple, orange, and red. You can even smell their decadent perfumes. An accordion player keys a perfect melody.

Well folks, today my working woman dreams came true.

After language class, Alex and I wandered over to the Retiro, a beautiful park on the eastside of Madrid. The walk from the city center itself yields historic buildings and sprawling avenues, like the Banco de España and Paseo del Prado. What beautiful sights to behold!

The park welcomes locals and tourists alike with ancient wraught iron gates and rows of trees and flowers. We took a few minutes to stroll the paved and non-paved trails of the Retiro. We stopped by the picturesque Monument to Alfonso XII and watched families and friends and lovers row little boats across the lake. It was here we heard an accordion (and a trumpet or two) playing love songs in the background. I did a double take and asked myself, is this real?!

We landed at one of the many park benches to read and relax. More trees. More smells. More accordion. And a bit of vitamin D on my pale winter arms. Perfecto!

The only thing that would make the day better would you, my lovely family and friends.

And an ice cream cone!

Of course, trading the office for an afternoon in Madrid’s Retiro comes with a price. I do miss my office and colleagues and structured life. I miss the thrill of checking things off of my list. (Sad, but true!) And I will be back in action later this year! But for now, I welcome a lazy afternoon in España with my hunk of a husband. 

This time is precious.

Banco de España 

What a hunk!

 El Retiro