I decided to take an early morning walk from my hotel to one of the biggest parks in Madrid called “Parque del Buen Retiro”. I started out walking along some of the back streets of Madrid towards the park. It was a fairly quiet walk and I was able to enjoy the serenity of being fairy alone in this large city of 3 million people. What was enjoyable was seeing things at a slower pace and noticing the beauty of the city. I walked along a quiet street and noticed some inlaid writing on the road. Normally the street would be too busy to read it.

It translates as “The Beauty” “What it is we do not know what for now with certainty mathematics, maybe we never know; but that beauty is something, that exists, that pulsates in nature, and that, just as the wave that reaches the beach breaks into foam ..  speech of entrance in the real Spanish academy” -José Eche garay

I came across some unique bronze statues or city workers that appeared to be randomly placed in areas of the city.

I arrived early at the Parque del Buen Retiro which literally means – park of the pleasant retreat. The gate that I entered into the park was stunning and was very welcoming.

The park itself has some very beautiful vistas and paths. I began to walk the paths with no set direction in mind. I was simply enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the park.

Each path would join other paths that could lead you in many directions. I walked along some of the secluded areas of the park admiring the beauty of the trees.

I eventually found my way to an area called the Crystal Palace. The palace was constructed of ornate glass and was visually stunning to see.

The palace which was built-in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna.

The palace was almost completely made with glass and was an impressive building. I walked around the building and came across a pond at the front of the Crystal Palace.

I walked around for approximately three hours enjoying the sights and sounds of the park. There were people gathering in the park as the day progressed. I could see people jogging, kids playing, couples holding hands and people on tour bikes.

There were some interesting groups in the park as well. One group was doing synchronized moves using Spanish hand fans called “Abanico”

Another group was playing music for money as people walked by.

The Buen Retiro Park is a beautiful and a large nature area in the heart of Madrid.

Below are some of the pictures that I took of the Buen Retiro Park.

It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day. I recommend to anyone who goes to Madrid to take a relaxing day and walk through the park.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”