If you are using National Express bus to transport you to the airport from home it's always a decent idea to allow plenty of time on return to cover flight delays. If you miss your bus you will be charged for a later one.
If you return from your holiday early enough to catch a earlier bus and try to change the booking at the National Express desk you will be charged. However if you go and chat directly with the driver it's likely he/she will allow you on for free if there is spare seats.
Saturday, 28 May 2016
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Buenos Aires (part two) - Nine Full Days (days one to three)
So with 10 nights did the Argentine Capitol offer enough for us to do in the 9 full days we were there. A long time for a City break but when you travel that far it would be silly not to see everything.
Already mentioned in part one BA is full of excellent restaurants so evenings were not a issue, here is our Daily Log of how we filled our time :-
Day One :- We had taken a number of self guided walking tours (five) taken from the Frommers website and decided to do the first one in the Retiro area. We walked and caught the subway which was quite easy as had a direct line and at a cost of 25p a bargain (eat your heart out London tube).
On arrival at Retiro discovered its a big transport hub with a massive railway station in 3 terminals and a major bus hub.
As we exited the station we could see the port so decided to walk to the waterfront first, along a busy road passed some naval buildings and the ferry terminal eventually getting to the inner harbour area. Was a nice area with lots of modern buildings, loads of cafes and restaurants so decided to walk around a couple of the harbours and take a few photos.
Eventually stopped at a cafe for refreshments before finding a tourist information, they pointed us in the direction of where we could book to do a lunch cruise later in the holiday. We called in the office (you've got to look as they dont really advertise) and the nice lady gave us the info of when they sail, we said we would be back later in our holiday.
Eventually made our way back to the Retiro area and spent the afternoon following our guided walk.
We did call in the Armoury museum (men and guns, lol) which again was riddiculous cheap which was good because we still hadn't much local currency.
Also was a Falklands War memorial and an English Clock tower in the area among many other interesting buildings.
On completion of the walk we ended up in the Railway Station and got talking to a chap who explained the train fares to us, one for the diary but we were going to do a day out later.
Although it was a good distance we decided to walk back to the hotel through the centre so we could get some pesos. (For the record we walked over 10 miles in the day, good for the waistline given the damage we could do in an evening with Argentinian food).
Day Two :- Had been informed it was the best day to visit Recoleta district so jumped on the Subway to St Martin and walked rest of the way stopping for coffee and comfort break once we'd arrived in the area.
Its quite an upmarket area and could certainly see the difference in the area with its high end shops.
We made our way to the famous cemetery where of course visited the tomb of Eva Peron.
Lots of people about and outside the cemetery was lots of stalls selling souvenirs which was well worth a stroll around looking at lots of interesting stuff.
This took us into the afternoon where we then did another of our self guide walks around the area which was basically along one shopping street with lots of very old building and impressive architecture.
Eventually walked back to the our hotel stopping off at the upmarket Hotel Presidente for a beer break. Did notice everywhere you bought a drink you got a free bowl of peanuts and as i love them was always welcome.
Was a couple of ladies having a bar meal and one of them had the most riddiculous and obvious boob and lip jobs you could ever see, gave us a bit of a laugh. Personal opinion i think cosmetic surgery for the sake is stupid.
Day Three :- Sunday and we had heard that San Telmo Market was the place to be and as it was the next district to Monserrat where we were staying we decided to walk.
Streets were quiet as we walked and we eventually found a doorway that led to an indoor Antique market so popped in to see what the fuss was about. Actually was thinking it was ok but nothing special until we came out the door at the other end to find the biggest (and probably best) market i've seen anywhere in the world.
Stalls selling everything just seemed to go on for as far as you could see so after our morning coffee/cake break we explored.
Big crowds with a mix of locals and tourists were all doing the same it was great to see all the street entertainers, even had us dancing in the street a couple of times (out shinning the locals obviously).
Eventually our stomachs told us it was time for Sunday Lunch and a bit of research had told us there was a British Pub (The Gibralter) in the district so went there. Pub was nice with some decent cask ales, went for some Pub grub with Cathy going for Chilli and me opting for the Beef and Ale pie. Lets just say we were both satisfied.
We had decided not to eat out on the night if we lunch so bought a bottle of wine and some cheese and biscuits along with other nibbles for the hotel (after a couple of beers in the bar of course).
We did have a bit of an incident on the way back when walking along a quiet street Cathy felt something on her back and initially thought a Pigeon had done what Pigeons do. Almost immediately a woman appeared with a tissue and tried to help get it off. Then a couple of lads also came on the seen offering to help and it was apparent it was more than Pigeon s**t.
We sussed something wasn't right so walked as they still insisted on helping, trying to remove Cathy's backpack at one stage even though we clearly said no. I tried to keep myself between them and Cathy and fortunately came to the main road where there was a Police car.
The officer got out and strangely our helpers melted away, although he couldn't speak English we think he was telling us what we expected and they were trying to rob us. Apparently its a trick they do squirting a liquid on someone before robbing them.
Must say I wasn't really frightened thought all, thought if they got violent i could easily handle the Woman, bit worried Cathy may struggle with the two men though, lol.
Seriously this was an isolated incident that could happen anywhere and the vast majority of people in BA were great, never felt threatened at any other stage.
Already mentioned in part one BA is full of excellent restaurants so evenings were not a issue, here is our Daily Log of how we filled our time :-
Day One :- We had taken a number of self guided walking tours (five) taken from the Frommers website and decided to do the first one in the Retiro area. We walked and caught the subway which was quite easy as had a direct line and at a cost of 25p a bargain (eat your heart out London tube).
On arrival at Retiro discovered its a big transport hub with a massive railway station in 3 terminals and a major bus hub.
As we exited the station we could see the port so decided to walk to the waterfront first, along a busy road passed some naval buildings and the ferry terminal eventually getting to the inner harbour area. Was a nice area with lots of modern buildings, loads of cafes and restaurants so decided to walk around a couple of the harbours and take a few photos.Eventually stopped at a cafe for refreshments before finding a tourist information, they pointed us in the direction of where we could book to do a lunch cruise later in the holiday. We called in the office (you've got to look as they dont really advertise) and the nice lady gave us the info of when they sail, we said we would be back later in our holiday.
Eventually made our way back to the Retiro area and spent the afternoon following our guided walk.
We did call in the Armoury museum (men and guns, lol) which again was riddiculous cheap which was good because we still hadn't much local currency.
Also was a Falklands War memorial and an English Clock tower in the area among many other interesting buildings.On completion of the walk we ended up in the Railway Station and got talking to a chap who explained the train fares to us, one for the diary but we were going to do a day out later.
Although it was a good distance we decided to walk back to the hotel through the centre so we could get some pesos. (For the record we walked over 10 miles in the day, good for the waistline given the damage we could do in an evening with Argentinian food).
Day Two :- Had been informed it was the best day to visit Recoleta district so jumped on the Subway to St Martin and walked rest of the way stopping for coffee and comfort break once we'd arrived in the area.
Its quite an upmarket area and could certainly see the difference in the area with its high end shops.
We made our way to the famous cemetery where of course visited the tomb of Eva Peron.Lots of people about and outside the cemetery was lots of stalls selling souvenirs which was well worth a stroll around looking at lots of interesting stuff.
This took us into the afternoon where we then did another of our self guide walks around the area which was basically along one shopping street with lots of very old building and impressive architecture.Eventually walked back to the our hotel stopping off at the upmarket Hotel Presidente for a beer break. Did notice everywhere you bought a drink you got a free bowl of peanuts and as i love them was always welcome.
Was a couple of ladies having a bar meal and one of them had the most riddiculous and obvious boob and lip jobs you could ever see, gave us a bit of a laugh. Personal opinion i think cosmetic surgery for the sake is stupid.
Day Three :- Sunday and we had heard that San Telmo Market was the place to be and as it was the next district to Monserrat where we were staying we decided to walk.
Streets were quiet as we walked and we eventually found a doorway that led to an indoor Antique market so popped in to see what the fuss was about. Actually was thinking it was ok but nothing special until we came out the door at the other end to find the biggest (and probably best) market i've seen anywhere in the world.Stalls selling everything just seemed to go on for as far as you could see so after our morning coffee/cake break we explored.
Big crowds with a mix of locals and tourists were all doing the same it was great to see all the street entertainers, even had us dancing in the street a couple of times (out shinning the locals obviously).
Eventually our stomachs told us it was time for Sunday Lunch and a bit of research had told us there was a British Pub (The Gibralter) in the district so went there. Pub was nice with some decent cask ales, went for some Pub grub with Cathy going for Chilli and me opting for the Beef and Ale pie. Lets just say we were both satisfied.
We had decided not to eat out on the night if we lunch so bought a bottle of wine and some cheese and biscuits along with other nibbles for the hotel (after a couple of beers in the bar of course).
We did have a bit of an incident on the way back when walking along a quiet street Cathy felt something on her back and initially thought a Pigeon had done what Pigeons do. Almost immediately a woman appeared with a tissue and tried to help get it off. Then a couple of lads also came on the seen offering to help and it was apparent it was more than Pigeon s**t.
We sussed something wasn't right so walked as they still insisted on helping, trying to remove Cathy's backpack at one stage even though we clearly said no. I tried to keep myself between them and Cathy and fortunately came to the main road where there was a Police car.
The officer got out and strangely our helpers melted away, although he couldn't speak English we think he was telling us what we expected and they were trying to rob us. Apparently its a trick they do squirting a liquid on someone before robbing them.
Must say I wasn't really frightened thought all, thought if they got violent i could easily handle the Woman, bit worried Cathy may struggle with the two men though, lol.
Seriously this was an isolated incident that could happen anywhere and the vast majority of people in BA were great, never felt threatened at any other stage.
Thursday, 5 May 2016
Buenos Aires (part one) - The Journey
Recently back from a excellent holiday in Buenos Aires, had a great time and found it to be an interesting city. A couple of firsts for me in that I'd not done South America previously and it was the first time I've crossed the Equator.
We got a excellent (would call it bargain deal) through Expedia for direct flights with British Airways plus 10 nights in a 4 star hotel with breakfast. Total cost was £1,600 (£800 each) for two of us.
Going out our flight was at 10-25pm so we decided to have a day out in Windsor which was nice, I'd been before but Cathy hadn't.
We made our way to the heathrow area at around 6pm and went for a meal at a pub called The Pheasant and must say i can recommend it for value. If you go there make sure you have a good appetite the portions are huge.
After meal it was a matter of parking the car pre booked through Holiday Extras (Purple Parking) and getting to terminal 5 on the provided transfer bus.
Flown back overnight but never out and was pleased we were both able to sleep which was great because we arrived at BA still quite lively considering it was a 14 hour flight. Due to the 4 hour time difference it was around 8-30am
As you cant get Argentinian Pesos in the UK we had been advised to take US dollars and change. Our plan was to change them at the bank at the airport then taxi to the hotel, sods law the bank was on strike.
However a lady on one of the taxi desks said she would take dollars and gave us the correct rate (14 to dollar or approx 20 to the £ in real terms).
We actually got to our hotel at 9-30am expecting not to get in our room but hopeful we could leave our bags and go and explore the area. To our surprise the staff at the Hotel Metropolitano Supera said the room was ready so we had chance to unpack and freshen up before walking into the central district to try change some dollars into pesos.
Its about a 40 minute walk (the hotel staff had given us a map) and when we eventually got there we found out we needed our passports so couldn't change any.
By this time we were ready for some food and fortuately found a nice place that accepted dollars so enjoyed our first Argentinian meal.
Did find a ATM so decided to use my debit card to draw some money, got calculations wrong and only got £50 (1,000pesos) but decided we would manage on that until following day.
Eventually got back to our hotel which was in the Monserrat district which on the surface looked a rough area with lots of graffiti, horrible footpaths with lots of potholes and litter in the streets. To be fair a lot of BA residential areas are like that apart from the few upmarket estates, effect of a weak economy i'm afraid.
Saying that the area would feel scary in the UK but never felt uncomfy in Monserrat, always people about and surprisingly plenty of restaurants and shops within two blocks of the hotel (good convenience store over road).
One thing i didn't like was the amount of dog dirt everywhere in BA, had to watch your step, reminded me of council estates when i was growing up back in the day, one thing we've improved in our country.
That evening we ate at a small restaurant very close to the hotel and we couldn't believe how cheap food and drink was in Argentina. Was consistant everywhere we went, bottle of wine in restaurant between £5 & £8 (more than half that in shops) and food woud estimate 30% cheaper than the UK.
Also will had food quality all 10 days was excellant, definately go to Argentina for the food you wont be dissapointed.
After meal it was to bed as it had been a long day and we wanted to be fresh for the first full day.
We got a excellent (would call it bargain deal) through Expedia for direct flights with British Airways plus 10 nights in a 4 star hotel with breakfast. Total cost was £1,600 (£800 each) for two of us.
Going out our flight was at 10-25pm so we decided to have a day out in Windsor which was nice, I'd been before but Cathy hadn't.
We made our way to the heathrow area at around 6pm and went for a meal at a pub called The Pheasant and must say i can recommend it for value. If you go there make sure you have a good appetite the portions are huge.
After meal it was a matter of parking the car pre booked through Holiday Extras (Purple Parking) and getting to terminal 5 on the provided transfer bus.
Flown back overnight but never out and was pleased we were both able to sleep which was great because we arrived at BA still quite lively considering it was a 14 hour flight. Due to the 4 hour time difference it was around 8-30am
As you cant get Argentinian Pesos in the UK we had been advised to take US dollars and change. Our plan was to change them at the bank at the airport then taxi to the hotel, sods law the bank was on strike.
However a lady on one of the taxi desks said she would take dollars and gave us the correct rate (14 to dollar or approx 20 to the £ in real terms).
We actually got to our hotel at 9-30am expecting not to get in our room but hopeful we could leave our bags and go and explore the area. To our surprise the staff at the Hotel Metropolitano Supera said the room was ready so we had chance to unpack and freshen up before walking into the central district to try change some dollars into pesos.
Its about a 40 minute walk (the hotel staff had given us a map) and when we eventually got there we found out we needed our passports so couldn't change any.
By this time we were ready for some food and fortuately found a nice place that accepted dollars so enjoyed our first Argentinian meal.
Did find a ATM so decided to use my debit card to draw some money, got calculations wrong and only got £50 (1,000pesos) but decided we would manage on that until following day.
Eventually got back to our hotel which was in the Monserrat district which on the surface looked a rough area with lots of graffiti, horrible footpaths with lots of potholes and litter in the streets. To be fair a lot of BA residential areas are like that apart from the few upmarket estates, effect of a weak economy i'm afraid.
Saying that the area would feel scary in the UK but never felt uncomfy in Monserrat, always people about and surprisingly plenty of restaurants and shops within two blocks of the hotel (good convenience store over road).
One thing i didn't like was the amount of dog dirt everywhere in BA, had to watch your step, reminded me of council estates when i was growing up back in the day, one thing we've improved in our country.
That evening we ate at a small restaurant very close to the hotel and we couldn't believe how cheap food and drink was in Argentina. Was consistant everywhere we went, bottle of wine in restaurant between £5 & £8 (more than half that in shops) and food woud estimate 30% cheaper than the UK.
Also will had food quality all 10 days was excellant, definately go to Argentina for the food you wont be dissapointed.
After meal it was to bed as it had been a long day and we wanted to be fresh for the first full day.
Thursday, 7 April 2016
UK Days Out - Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Recently visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park (near Doncaster) and can recommend it as a fantastic day out if you like Animals from Polar Bears to Meercats to Lions.
https://yorkshirewildlifepark.com/
A good walk aswell and even the cafe is decent so a thumbs up from me.
Here are a few photos I took :-
https://yorkshirewildlifepark.com/
A good walk aswell and even the cafe is decent so a thumbs up from me.
Here are a few photos I took :-
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
Vienna - City Break
Vienna brings 3 things to mind, Rigsby's Cat, A cassic song kept off no1 by Shaddup a ya face or the main City in Austria.
Of course this post is about a trip there I did recently with.my friend Cathy.
We actually got a fantastic 6 night deal using cash and points through Avios which included flight from Heathrow and back plus a 4 star hotel including breakfast at the Wilmshof hotel, cost us around £180 each.
We did stay over in London the night before at the Park International Hotel on Cromwell road in Kensington which was ideal for getting to Heathrow as it was close to the Piccadilly tube line (Gloucester Road).
Was going to go to the West end but we decided to eat at the Holiday Inn next door, superb restaurant and even better could get discount through my Gourmet Society Card.
On to Vienna our hotel was a block away from the Praterson Station which we could get trains, subway & trams which was handy. We could catch the S7 train direct from the airport which was hany and would advise anyone to take this option rather than the CAT train. Much better value although stops a few times.
We purchased a vienna card which could be used for transport around the city.
Our hotel was in a working class area of the City and although a few small restaurants not too much else, however it was only a couple of stops on the subway or trams into the main city centre, ideal really.
Was very impressed we got a free upgrade at the hotel to a deluxe room on arrival (these things dont often happen to me). Room was really nice very big and even had under floor heating in the bathroom.
The staff were all nice, breakfast was simple buffet but adequate would certainly recommend the place.
So the 5 full days we were there we broke down into 3 self guided walks we had downloaded from the Frommers site (Days 1, 3 & 5). These were a great way of seeing the city, took a little following at times but allowed us to see many things great about Vienna.
Day 2 we visited the Zoo which is a must (our Vienna Card gave us discount) and its in a massive park.
Day 4 we went to the Prater the big fun fair close to our hotel went on the big wheel along with visiting Madame Tussauds. Its in another massive Park and afterwards we walked to the Ernst Happel Stadium, I've a thing about visiting major sports stadiums.
Of course this post is about a trip there I did recently with.my friend Cathy.
We actually got a fantastic 6 night deal using cash and points through Avios which included flight from Heathrow and back plus a 4 star hotel including breakfast at the Wilmshof hotel, cost us around £180 each.
We did stay over in London the night before at the Park International Hotel on Cromwell road in Kensington which was ideal for getting to Heathrow as it was close to the Piccadilly tube line (Gloucester Road).
Was going to go to the West end but we decided to eat at the Holiday Inn next door, superb restaurant and even better could get discount through my Gourmet Society Card.
On to Vienna our hotel was a block away from the Praterson Station which we could get trains, subway & trams which was handy. We could catch the S7 train direct from the airport which was hany and would advise anyone to take this option rather than the CAT train. Much better value although stops a few times.
We purchased a vienna card which could be used for transport around the city.
Our hotel was in a working class area of the City and although a few small restaurants not too much else, however it was only a couple of stops on the subway or trams into the main city centre, ideal really.
Was very impressed we got a free upgrade at the hotel to a deluxe room on arrival (these things dont often happen to me). Room was really nice very big and even had under floor heating in the bathroom.
The staff were all nice, breakfast was simple buffet but adequate would certainly recommend the place.
So the 5 full days we were there we broke down into 3 self guided walks we had downloaded from the Frommers site (Days 1, 3 & 5). These were a great way of seeing the city, took a little following at times but allowed us to see many things great about Vienna.
Day 2 we visited the Zoo which is a must (our Vienna Card gave us discount) and its in a massive park.
Day 4 we went to the Prater the big fun fair close to our hotel went on the big wheel along with visiting Madame Tussauds. Its in another massive Park and afterwards we walked to the Ernst Happel Stadium, I've a thing about visiting major sports stadiums.
As for nightlife we avoided the Opera which street vendors everywhere where trying to push their tickets but we did visit a Jazz Club one night which was small, cozy and friendly. Music was good but the evening ended with a bit of Drama when an elderly gentleman was taken ill, Cathy got the job of holding him up until the medics arrived. Turns out he was a ex musician that had actually played with Louis Armstrong. He gave Cathy his buisness card.
Bit of a shortage of decent bars/pubs but one night we found a little place where the local Germans used, was actually a good laugh with a free juke box so we were able to play a few of our favorites.
Lots of good restaurants in Vienna and believe it or not we did 6 different types in the 6 nights we were there.
1. American - Only had burgers but they were the real meat homemade type and were excellent.
2. Italian - Charming little place (and i mean little), food was good but service average.
3, Chinese - As good a Chinese as you would find anywhere, superb.
4. Austrian - Close to hotel but we had to have a Schnitzel not really my favorite food but waiters were good.
5. Spanish - Lucky find another small place but really nice.
6. Greek - No far from hotel we spotted this one, really nice food.
On returning to London we stayed at the Holiday Inn express (term 5) and wasn't overly impressed especially with the bed which needed a new matteress, We did find a nice little Pub in Colnbrook for walkable from hotel, just a locals place but good beer and food.
Sunday, 11 October 2015
City Break - Madrid (part two)
With 4 full days to explore Madrid I decided to use my feet, always reckon the best way to see a City is by walking and to be fair its a City that doesn't let you down, some lovely plazas and many interesting buildings.
Before travelling i'd purchased a guide book that had a few recomended walking routes so i followed them with a few of my own variations with of course a few coffee stops.
Obviously as I had a Metro ticket i used the trains to get to and from the starts of the various walks.
First full day i spent around the Medievel district which is the main city centre, my first route took me from the Sol plaza along the road to Plaza Mayor, then down some steps in the south west corner of the square.
The route took me around many churches, small Plazas and along many narrow streets with cafes and taverns along the way. Also visited a couple of indoor markets along the route (good place to find a toilet because Madrid is a little short of public toilets).
After a Lunch lunch i arrived at Isobel Plaza then along to the Palace and its amazing grounds. Did intend to go in the Palace but the queue was riddiculous so gave it a miss and just got a few pics from the outside.
Next day I started at Plaza Espanya on a walk that took me along the Gran Via and its amazing buildings eventually came to a big roundabout where i turned right along a road full of museums eventually finishing near the botanical gardens.
Take note if you go straight on at the roundabout (near the arch) about 50yards on your left is a cracking Irish Pub called the James Joyce, had done my homework and had lunch there.
Must admit should have gone back one night as they had live music on but was a bit away from the hotel and involved changes on the metro.
Did take note the the Spanish Naval museum was along the road incase i ran out of places to visit or it started raining. Just interested to hear the Spanish version of events during the Armada.
Third day the weather had cooled (first two were hot and sunny) so it was off with shorts and on with the Jeans for a visit to Retiro which is a big park.
Spent lots of the day in the area and was plenty going on, a couple of footie matches for a start which i stopped off and watched for an hour or so while recharging the batteries.
Although Madrid is walker friendly it has a lot of subtle hills add to that all the stairs to get to the Metro my legs were starting to feel it.
Also that day was a big charity cycle ride going on around the city, many ending up in the park, bits of entertainment (music) scattered about.
Turned out a nice relaxing day.
On last full day I got metro to the Bernabou (Reals stadium) for a couple of photos, didn't do the tour though as on principle not going to pay anything towards Ronaldos wages, will leave that to the many Japanese tourists that were there.
Afterwards got Metro to Lago where there is a massive lake you can walk around with many lakeside restaurants.
Not just the lake the area is a a massive area with lots of bike and walking trails, a big one around the area is 15km so any keen walkers take your boots.
Its what i would call dry scrub land but i did walk a section (2km or so) to the Casa de Campo (near the Zoo) metro stop before getting train back to the city centre.
Nightime twice i went into the City and twice tried a number of the bars close to my hotel. Was a Irish Pub (Molly Mallones) within 10 mins and lots of other interesting places including a couple of Rock Bars.
Must say as a solo traveller i found Madrid and the people very friendly, everywhere i seemed to stop ended up talking to someone which doesn't always happen.
I would recommend anyone to visit, very nice and i would say safe place for us tourists.
On my return home i set the alarms off at both Madrid & Heathrow, had my hands, belt and shoes swabbed then tested in a machine.
I asked if it was drugs at heathrow assuming i'd touched something in a bar but was told it was explosives that was alarming.
However the chap at heahrow said it was a very low reading and could be anything such as some soaps or shower gels causing the alarm.
Before travelling i'd purchased a guide book that had a few recomended walking routes so i followed them with a few of my own variations with of course a few coffee stops.Obviously as I had a Metro ticket i used the trains to get to and from the starts of the various walks.
First full day i spent around the Medievel district which is the main city centre, my first route took me from the Sol plaza along the road to Plaza Mayor, then down some steps in the south west corner of the square.
The route took me around many churches, small Plazas and along many narrow streets with cafes and taverns along the way. Also visited a couple of indoor markets along the route (good place to find a toilet because Madrid is a little short of public toilets).
After a Lunch lunch i arrived at Isobel Plaza then along to the Palace and its amazing grounds. Did intend to go in the Palace but the queue was riddiculous so gave it a miss and just got a few pics from the outside.
Next day I started at Plaza Espanya on a walk that took me along the Gran Via and its amazing buildings eventually came to a big roundabout where i turned right along a road full of museums eventually finishing near the botanical gardens.Take note if you go straight on at the roundabout (near the arch) about 50yards on your left is a cracking Irish Pub called the James Joyce, had done my homework and had lunch there.
Did take note the the Spanish Naval museum was along the road incase i ran out of places to visit or it started raining. Just interested to hear the Spanish version of events during the Armada.
Third day the weather had cooled (first two were hot and sunny) so it was off with shorts and on with the Jeans for a visit to Retiro which is a big park. 
Spent lots of the day in the area and was plenty going on, a couple of footie matches for a start which i stopped off and watched for an hour or so while recharging the batteries.
Although Madrid is walker friendly it has a lot of subtle hills add to that all the stairs to get to the Metro my legs were starting to feel it.Also that day was a big charity cycle ride going on around the city, many ending up in the park, bits of entertainment (music) scattered about.
Turned out a nice relaxing day.
On last full day I got metro to the Bernabou (Reals stadium) for a couple of photos, didn't do the tour though as on principle not going to pay anything towards Ronaldos wages, will leave that to the many Japanese tourists that were there.
Afterwards got Metro to Lago where there is a massive lake you can walk around with many lakeside restaurants. 
Not just the lake the area is a a massive area with lots of bike and walking trails, a big one around the area is 15km so any keen walkers take your boots.Its what i would call dry scrub land but i did walk a section (2km or so) to the Casa de Campo (near the Zoo) metro stop before getting train back to the city centre.
Nightime twice i went into the City and twice tried a number of the bars close to my hotel. Was a Irish Pub (Molly Mallones) within 10 mins and lots of other interesting places including a couple of Rock Bars.
Must say as a solo traveller i found Madrid and the people very friendly, everywhere i seemed to stop ended up talking to someone which doesn't always happen.
I would recommend anyone to visit, very nice and i would say safe place for us tourists.
On my return home i set the alarms off at both Madrid & Heathrow, had my hands, belt and shoes swabbed then tested in a machine.
I asked if it was drugs at heathrow assuming i'd touched something in a bar but was told it was explosives that was alarming.
However the chap at heahrow said it was a very low reading and could be anything such as some soaps or shower gels causing the alarm.
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