Busy, Busy, Busy...My Family in Madrid

This past weekend went by quickly, but quite enjoyably. My mother and aunt came to Madrid to see me for a week and so, early Friday morning, i woke up, checked that their plane had landed and then headed off on the pink line to get them. It was wonderful to see them both again, though they were exhausted from their flight. We took the metro down to where they were staying and finally they were able to relax...until i got them out into the city for a walking tour. We later went to the market to pick up some essentials and snacks and came back the apartment to have a light dinner before they both went to bed. The next morning we headed out to see the National Library, Plaza de Colon, and the newly opened Archaeology Museum. We passed by the Madrid´s famous Alcala gate where MTV´s European Music Awards concerts were taking place, and ended up across from the Neptune fountain at Starbucks. I later brought them to the Thyssen-Bornemiszma museum and that night we took a walk around the Plaza Mayor, and crowded Sol, to see the city lit up at night. On Sunday, we headed out early to see the Rastro Market before the crowds became unbearable. The timing was perfect as we arrived at La Latina metro stop at 915, walked down the main street browsing, and then, around 945 walked back up the hill, knowing exactly what we wanted to purchase, and where the best prices were. We reached the top of the hill right when the market began to get too crowded, and, after the last few purchases, went back to the apartment. Sunday afternoon, as the clouds began to roll in, we went to the Sorolla Museum, which i have spoken of before, and spent the rest of the afternoon at El Corte Ingles Castellana. Last night we spent out, the wind becoming much cooler, browsing through shops around the Barrio de las Letras. I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing a new culture with friends or family...wandering alone may be enjoyable, but it is always better when there is someone to share  it with.