The fun began as soon mom got off of the plane. We set out on the cheaper but somewhat more complex route to our hotel via the Metro. Mom had trouble with her suitcases on the escalators and her way in and out of the subway cars. With 50 lbs packs on our backs, Dana and I helped her along the way.

Our 1st hotel was a 3-star deal and contained luxories I had not seen since my days of business travel at Ernst and Young. After quick showers and a bit of handwashing of our bloomers and socks, we set out to take Madrid by storm. Over the next 2 days, we saw the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerto del Sol, Museo del Prado, botanical gardens, and the Museum Reina Sofia (where Picasso's Guernica is housed). Although we enjoyed the sites, food quickly became a concern. Not even a recommended steakhouse could deliver the proverbial goods. In Madrid, our best meals were the continental breakfasts we had at our hotel.