Madrid

Madrid was generally disappointing, although I expected. The museums are the main draw here.

The Thesson (whatever the hell it's called) museum is really spectacular. Make sure you follow the room "numbers". It's like taking a lesson in art history, from past to present. Although the art work is not always top notch, but they are always representative of the period. Highly recommended. Lunch at the museum was excellent. Just get the menu. I think it was like $12.

I would avoide the main museum (again, I forgot what it's call, just get a tour book). It's really dry. Well, I guess if you are interested in anything pre1850, it wouldn't be so bad.

Definitely go to the modern art museum (damn, I can't remember what it's called). It really is good.

Flamengo dancing at this place close to the Palace was really good. The food was decent too. The appetizer were tasty, thought I don't remember what I had. The steak, well, don't expect what you get in the US. Trust me, in Europe, you want your steak cooked medium. I think the cattles are not "mid-western corn fed", so they are a bit chewy. The portions are big, like most touristy restaurants. The desert was really good, mango sorbet with warm chocolate cake. Dinner also came with a bottle of wine, and of course, coffee. Prixe Fix was $100 with the whole shebang (food and show). I guess, don't do this often.

Oh, the Flamendo place definitely requires reservation.

I think you could do Madrid in three days, at the most if you can arrive by the afternoon and leave in the afternoon or evening.