Madrid Historic Centre

I almost did not want to get out of the taxi when we arrived at Cava Baja as I was sure he had brought me to the wrong place.  Narrow streets heaving with bars and rowdy revellers, like first night of Schoolies, but for 25+.  I could not see how my accommodation could be here.  He pointed me to the doorway for #30 and I felt better and pushed the bell for Flat 4B. I had been told Rosa would meet me at my Airbnb.  I was buzzed in through the old wooden door, entered the stone hallway and summised 4B was on the 4th floor.  Alas the nice man at 4B was not Rosa, and his was not a BnB.  He very helpfully phoned Rosa, who by this time had arrived and was waiting in the street and all was good. #30 contains 2 buildings and mine was across the courtyard (and away from street noise as it happened). I went for a walk when the revelry had lessened.  It was still very busy, but now mainly families.  Some drama with a barely warm shower and fridge not working, but I decided that could wait till morning. A lovely sunset to end the long day.

Electrical woes were quickly fixed this morning with the flick of a switch in electrical box.  The streets were almost deserted today, such a contrast to my arrival yesterday afternoon.  I went for a walk and bought some bread, ham, cheese and tomato. Heaven.  I don't have a lot planned while in Madrid. I have two more full days after today and a 0400 start on Thursday.  There's certainly enough in my immediate vicinity to keep me entertained, fed and watered. 

I must have looked Spanish today. A lady in supermarket asked me, in Spanish, to hand a item from the shelf to her and discussed it in some depth.  I was later asked in Spanish for directions. When I asked at the ham shop (where else) for some vino rojo, he asked me several further questions in Spanish and looked confused at my head shaking and protestations.