After a large breakfast, we caught a taxi to where we were taking a Segway tour. We were a bit early, so we had a coffee in a local bar before returning to the Segway tour office.
Madrid Segway Tour.
After a quick lesson for Paul, we were soon hurtling off at a breakneck 4 mph. After a short trip, a view of the Atletico Madrid football stadium and a little more practice on our Segways. Our guide removed the training mode and adjusted our machines to allow us to crank them up to 9 mph.
Our guide had asked us what we had already seen and, after talking to us about where we wanted to go, adjusted the tour to suit us. Only Paul and I were in the group, so we got to see what we wanted at our own pace. Madrid appeared to be a much quieter, more peaceful and beautiful city than I had expected. The traffic in the town was mostly underground or using the ring roads and was nothing like going around a large English city like London.
It was a very hot day, and after about an hour, our guide took us to a sheltered spot for a 10-minute break. He reappeared from the back of a Cafe with olives, a Spanish omelette and two beers; it was about 11:00 am, so I guess it wasn't too early for the beer. After our refreshments, we continued to be shown around many areas, parks and buildings of interest.
After the Segway tour, we returned to the office and were given photos of our trip. We then went to a local restaurant for lunch. I had Gazpacho and the best pig's cheeks I have ever eaten. They were fantastic. Refreshed and with our stomachs filled, Paul and I then went off on the Metro to the Bernabeu Stadium, home of the Real Madrid football team.
After visiting the Nou Camp in Barcelona a few years ago, I think the Bernabeu is looking tired and wouldn't be allowed in the Premier League in Britain on safety grounds. I was very disappointed with the stadium and the tour, but as a new stadium is being built, I will reserve judgement until I see the new one. As far as a comparison with the Emirates Stadium, home of the mighty Arsenal, is concerned, the Bernabeu doesn't even come close.
After we toured the stadium, we retired to a nearby Irish bar for a few pints before returning to the Plaza Mayor for a few more beers before returning to our hotel.
We had a great day, and I think Paul enjoyed his first Segway tour.