Chocolate con churros x dos continued

Next we toured the royal palace which is the third largest palace in Europe. It has 2800 rooms, and we toured the 25 that were open to the public.  They were real sticklers about the no-picture rule.  Here's a few of outside and the entryway. 

The interior courtyard

Entryway steps

Looking straight up from the top of those steps

A view of Madrid and the former royal forest from an outdoor walkway

The palace rooms were so opulent as to be almost indescribable.  Each room had frescos on the ceiling showing various royal and religious motifs of gods, both Christian and Roman/Greek, and kings and queens doing all kinds of saving of people, Spain, and the world.  Tapestries, embroidered wall coverings, huge rugs, giant chandeliers, collections of clocks with all kinds of movable features, portraits, fancy furniture, incredible stone mouldings around each door, statues and busts, silver and gold serving pieces and lots of china, a dinning room table to seat 130 set with the current king and queen's service, carved frames and carvings in the corners of walls and ceilings, gilded everything, the throne room (also called the hand-kissing room), and it just went on and on.  Hard to believe hundreds of people have lived there for centuries.  The current royal family lives in a mansion a few miles away, but the palace is still used for also official ceremonies and events. We also toured the armory which had spectacular displays of armor for children, horses, and soldiers.  We saw some of the armor worn in the official portraits in the palace and in the Prado. 

After touring the palace, we sat and had a drink in the Plaza de Oriente.  

Now to explain that interrupter photo from part 1.  There is this a tiny book shop "clinging to the side of the church like a barnacle," according to Rick Steves.  It has been selling books from that spot since 1650. Here's a few shots of its charm.

Up the street from the book shop is a destination I've been thinking about ever since we began planning this trip (thanks Amanda!)

I'm happy to report it lived up to its reputation and exceeded all our expectations!

A much needed break in our day.  Duly fortified we made our way back to our charming abode and went shopping at a cute toy store near our hotel.  Wonderful toys from all over Europe to entice us grandparents. Unsurprisingly, we found some treasures to bring home.