After the jet lag faded, we were able to confirm that, yes, Madrid IS fabulous! Immediately there was a sense of acceptance and ease that I can't quite explain. It isn't just a laid back feeling, it is so much more.
We took the mandatory siesta and ventured out as the sun went down. The heat of the day was starting to dissipate, but it was still worthy of a few moments standing under the misters in the Parque de Espana. We wandered around the stalls in the Festival de Cinema at the outdoor theater. Later a movie would be on the huge screen, people wearing headphones enjoying a show while drinking Tinto de Verano and smoking cigarettes. The smell conjures happy memories of my grandparents, my grandfather enveloped in a cloud of smoke happily humming a tune. The air has some humidity, but is still that thin, fresh crispness I love. There is an aroma of flower scents and someone's perfume that wafts by me. It is all intoxicating. We wander up a street and find a bar with seats outside. Delicious tiny tacos and an unhurried pace let us lean into the night. We return to the hotel and sleep like the dead.
The next morning we keep it simple. We do a little shopping, after all Spain me needs a few things. My daughter is light and laughter incarnate. The weight of living under stress, strain and oppression has lifted and when she cries happy tears and says "mom, I am so happy here" I cry with her. My tears are those of relief. I was so scared to take the leap, head into the unknown. Now standing here, I can't believe how fabulous it feels. We enjoy another siesta and manage to go out as it gets dark aka the proper time, and find a little side street restaurant. The meal is incredible, pork loin on a toasted piece of rustic bread slathered in béchamel cheese sauce and ribs grilled with a Pedro Ximénez sherry. The heat of the day is behind us and the warmth left over wraps us in a gentle hug.
Our second morning we woke late. My daughter's creative juices are flowing so we stayed up all night discussing a new storyline for her next screenplay. Her film career has just recently gotten a little boost with her short being an official selection to the Women's International Film Festival in South Dakota and her mentor, Emmanuel Kervyn, having screened her feature length film and raved about it. Now, with the freedom of being in Spain, out from under the stress of censorship and hostile politics, she is a fountain of excitement! The late start to the day doesn't matter, we have only one plan for today, to follow my friend Norman's suggestion and go to Azotea del Circulo.
We arrived at the grand building that houses Azotea del Circulo and checked in for our reservation. It seemed this place was a bit of a secret with hidden signs and a quite gesture to the elevator tucked around the side of a large wall. This oasis is a rooftop bar with a view of Madrid you simply cannot believe. Luxury lounge spots and tables poised at the railing to take in the view give you delightful options to while away the afternoon. Aperol Spritz in the glass, a smattering of delicious snacks, and the picture is complete. No one hurries you here. The world has stopped and you get to soak in a new reality.
The hours unfurl and I am left with one thought: Spain, where have you been hiding?
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