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536   Barcelona to Madrid.

On the plane, I was seated next to a senor from Barcelona que se llama Juan Armillas Gran, a necktie manuf. (negrios). He was kind & helpful, when I told him about my tickets. Said it happens often - just a formality at the office to get others. The tickets can't be used without one's passport in any case. Told me he would get in touch with me, after taking me to the hotel in his taxi from the airport. 

Found my room at the Hotel Plaza - handsome, indeed. A large double, handsomely furnished & carpeted, with a couch and desk, to boot, two large French windows opening on a private terrace with a nice view, a large carpeted foyer & a tremendous bathroom. All this, in a luxury hotel for 125 pesetas (3.15) plus 15% service tax.

I was so tired after unpacking & bathing, I indulged in the luxury of having dinner sent up to my room. Beautifully & elegantly served - & went to bed


537  Madrid. May 9th.

for a twelve hours rest & sleep.

A.M. No breakfast after last night's tremendous dinner. Took a cab to the Prado Museum & spent the morning there till 1.30. Then back to the Plaza del Callao, the tourist main office, where I sat & lunched in a café - outdoors, till 3.30, waiting for the afternoon bus tour of Madrid. (75 pesetas - or 1.90) Left Plaza Callao, Avenida Jose Antonio, Plaza de Espana, Viaducto, Plaza de la Cebada, Calle de Toledo, Puerto de Toledo, Flea Market (for antiques) Plaza de Cascorro, Plaza de Santa Cruz, Plaza Mayor (numerous shops, where in the 18th century, bullfights were held & which was formerly the place where inquisitions were held, Puerta del Sol Plaza Canovas, Paseo del Prado - beautiful Gardens & walk) Glorieta de Carlos V, Paseo Reina Cristina, & a visit to Retiro Park. Lovely gardens, (365 variety of roses) charming lake, etc. Then visit to the bullfight ring, chapel for the toreros,