Thanks Maribel, We are there four nights starting May 11. Definitely will look into concert at Palau de la Música. Took the tour last visit, and were blown away by its beauty. I also hope the hospital is open (not the type I usually visit on vacation ), but the Hospital Sant Pau, which was the favorite place we visited in 2015.

Starting May 11? As in a week from now??? Have your dates changed? I thought this was a December, pre-Christmas trip. Perhaps a typo...

Yes, the Hospital will be open, but not that kind of hospital you usually visit on your trips!! Let's hope the Barcelona-Madrid trip doesn't require an. ambulance!!! (but in Madrid, I know some really good physicians now!)

"Starting May 11? As in a week from now??? Have your dates changed? I thought this was a December, pre-Christmas trip. Perhaps a typo..."

I should never post before my morning coffee ... yes, December

Morning coffee? I thought perhaps you might have had a matai or two, starting early but... It's 6:30 pm here but just 9:30 am in Pasadena!

Make that MAITAI, I think I'm the one who may have started early!

Seriously, though, if you do have any mishap of any kind, God forbids, while in Madrid, shoot me a PM.
We've established a wonderful team of physicians here, and for my husband, all with perfect English.

When will you arrive in Madrid? I would love to meet you!

"When will you arrive in Madrid? I would love to meet you!"

Hi Maribel, We arrive December 15 depart December 20. Looks like it will just be Tracy and me. Let's stay in touch, that would be great to meet you. We owe you lots of vino for all your help.

What a fun trip!

The details and notes on the Fodor’s thread that Maribel gave you are wonderful! Two fantastic restaurants that Revulgo, Maribel and Ekscrunchy suggested were the following — written up in my Madrid trip report:

TriCiclo
Our first night was at this amazing restaurant! It had a beautiful calm atmosphere with soft lights and intimate tables. We started with the most gorgeous cheese board and negronis. Three hours later we finished after an outstanding dinner, dessert topped off with a glass of champagne from a very old vineyard. Highly recommend!

Restaurant Berlanga
A beautiful walk across El Retiro Park brought us to this lovely warm restaurant. A couple of us ordered paella in advance. The others ordered steak tartare and lamb cutlets. We finished with Expresso Martinis and lemon sorbet. The restaurant was full and rooms were lovely. This was a perfect place to spend the afternoon on New Year’s Eve.