Hey everyone, <BR> <BR>Well, with great sadness, we returned from Spain early this morning (a little after midnight). Of course, being our 4-year-old's birthday, sleep past 6 AM was not much of an option! I will put together a detailed trip summary later, but here are a few notes I wanted to get out there: <BR> <BR>1) Security is tight, but not suffocating. We never felt uncomfortable, but Barajas airport in Madrid has just instituted new baggage security measures where they check luggage and will pull people off the plane for questioning if anything looks suspicious. A few people were questioned but were back on in a few minutes, primarily Spaniards. The only downside to that was that Delta was caught off guard to the new measures (instituted Wed.) and our plane left 2 hours late, the only flight to be late of our entire trip. By the way, we flew through Atlanta on both legs and had no problem. <BR> <BR>2) Cab ride to and from Barajas to Puerta del Sol ranged from 2000-3000 pesetas. Travel time is 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. We traveled around 9 AM both times. <BR> <BR>3) Hotel Europa in Madrid is FANTASTIC! I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking for a good hotel in a great location. It's about 20 meters past the "Bear" statue (for lack of a better term) in Sol, on Calle de Carmen. A double ran 9000 pesetas/night. Rooms fairly small, but comfortable with nice marble bathrooms. Room #120 has a nice view of the inside courtyard with french doors that allow a nice breeze. The staff is very friendly and all speak at least a little English (I speak Spanish, but my wife appreciated it), with one of the staff appearing to possibly be North American (perfect English with no accent; however, I didn't want to be rude and ask him). Location also very nice for quick trips to El Corte Ingles to pick up travel supplies and less than one minute to Metro stop in Sol. The restaurant next to it has good food, excellent sangria, and is a perfect location for people watching while sitting outside. Make sure to check out Mister Gofre across the street for an excellent warm waffle with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. <BR> <BR>4) We never saw any pickpockets or heard of anyone that had been victimized. In fact, I never wore a moneybelt the entire time I was there. Used an ATM/debit card for all transactions, either by withdrawing money or charging at stores for larger purchases. <BR> <BR>5) The best deal for bottled water that we found was at Museo del Jamon: 95 pesetas for a 1.5 liter bottle (carry out only). <BR> <BR>6) Noticed very few Americans for most part of trip in Madrid, more and more later. Of course, there were tourists all over Toledo <BR> <BR>I could go on and on, but it's time to unpack and get adjusted to life back in the states. If anyone is on the fence about going, all I can say is that we had a wonderful time (can't wait to go back) and never felt unsafe or unwanted. But that's strictly your decision to make. I promise to come back with a full report and answer questions.

Thanks for that, Greg -- I for one wish you WOULD go on and on; I'm longing to go to Madrid myself. <BR> <BR>Did you spend all your time staying in Madrid with daytrips, or did you venture farther afield?

Thanks Greg! I'm looking forward to hearing more too. I'm taking my first trip to Spain at the end of Oct. and all the Warning! Danger! Muggings! reports I've read here were starting to get to me. I'm glad you had such a good time.

We stayed at the Europa a couple of years ago and thought it was a great hotel for the price. We often ate breakfast at the restaurant next door and sat at outside tables and watched the paseo, sipping Sangria several nights. <BR> <BR>The location is ideal, with a metro stop very nearby and several things in walking distance (Plaza Mayor for example). <BR> <BR>We loved Spain and hopefully will return one day. Seville was our favorite, but we had a good time in Madrid as well. <BR> <BR>Thanks Greg for bringing back good memories. <BR> <BR>j

Thanks for your post Greg. My wife and I have had resevations in Madrid and Seville for weeks now and we cannot decide what to do! My wife is 6 months pregnant and with everything that's happened, we're hesitant to go to Europe right now. Sounds like things are fine in Spain and that we should stop worrying and go. Thanks again!

we am leaving for Barcelona on Tuesday to board the Legend of the Seas. We have about 5 hours until we have to board ship. Any recommendations?

Carol, <BR>If you only have 5 hours, you should <BR>definetely head straight to the Sagrada familia; don't waste time for the tour that goes inside but take a long look at that architectual miracle from the outside. Then, you can go to Casa Mila. Make sure that you go up to the roof where you will see the famous chimneys and also enjoy a great view of the city. Then, you can head over to La Rambla and take one of the side streets to the Old City. Then, you can navigate your way to the Colon Promenade which will take you directly to the Colon monument and the Port.

Spain is definitely a beautiful country. Been there four times already. This past September I traveled to Barcelona, Zaragoza, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Bilbao and Burgos. I’m now planning to hit the Spanish islands in June 2002. There is so much to see in Spain!

My first time to Spain will be in April next year. Want to know about cheap but good accommodation in Madrid. If you only had 4 days in Madrid, where would you definitely go? <BR>

Hester: <BR>For cheap acomodation you can try this: <BR>www.halconviajes.com, and check in 'Weekend Plan'. You will find some economics and wonderfull hotels, specially for the weekend. <BR>For your full four days these are my suggestions: <BR>1.- Museum area: Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen... <BR>2.- Royal Palace. <BR>3.- Day trips to: <BR> 3.1.- Toledo <BR> 3.2.- El Escorial <BR> 3.3.- Segovia and La Granja de San Ildefonso. <BR> <BR>Probably, you won't do everything, but all these places are must see. <BR> <BR>Hope you'll enjoy

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Greg, <BR> <BR>Your journal entry on Madrid was very thoughtful. I would love to hear more. I am traveling solo on my first trip to Spain in November. Of course family and friends are concerned about my safety...but I am too excited to even consider not going. <BR> <BR>How did you book your hotel? Is there a central website for hotels in Spain. I would rather not book hotels for the other towns I intend to visit (Toledo, Seville, Granada, Arcos, Ronda,and Barcelona) b/c I am not sure how much time I will spend in each town. Anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks. <BR> <BR>-Andrea

Try hotelsearch.com for hotel listings. One more thing to add to Greg's note bottled water is cheapest at the supermarket, we bgt the 1.5 l from El Cortes supermercado for abt 60pts ie 40 cents?

good options for booking hotels:<BR>www.bancotel.es<BR>www.hotelworld.com (easy process and <BR> great hotel specials)<BR>www.abahotels.com : the absolute best rates,but they charge your credit card in advance and you can get charge for changes or cancelations.<BR><BR>www.solmelia.com : great hotel chain,<BR>all sorts of hotels, very different in<BR>style and price range, great internet specials<BR><BR>Hope these are useful! <BR>

Thanks from me too Grey! I am heading to Barcelona and Majorca in June 2002, flying Delta. I look forward to hearing more about your trip.