I'll be traveling sola in spain in early June and I have my first five days pinned down(Barcelona with day trips to Montserrat and Tossa de Mar.)
BUT i can't make up my mind about how to spend my time in Madrid!

I was considering spending my first two nights in the medieval town of Toledo and then my last three nights(until I meet novio and go on to Andalucia)in Madrid doing the holy trinity of museums, y el Rastro y el Retiro park on Sunday.

Now, I've never been to Madrid, so be kind and don't thrash me too soundly for what I'm about to say...The reason why I'm thinking about splitting my time in Madrid is because there aren't medieval towns in california, however, if I want to see a metropolitan city I can always go to San Francisco!
Any suggestions/opinions anyone?

Muchisimas Gracias!
Marvilyn

ps. I'll be posting in the travel companion board too! For anyone who'll be in Spain 5/30-6/9

pps. Thanks jer for your review of Los Amigos hostel. I now have a (safe for the sola female traveler) place to stay while I'm in Madrid!

Salud, dinero, y amor!

Hi Marvilyn, welcome to "Spain Lovers Anonymous!"

Good Catalu�a itinerary, nice choices for day trips. There is a really nice thread on Tossa by member "Martap" on my board at www.multimadrid.com/cgi-bin/jersbbucgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=8&t=000030 in case you want to get even more psyched for the visit

On a Madrid note, there is a bit of a problemo with the Retiro Park as of about 6 monnths ago, the main lake is under some nasty construction making it not such a nice place to visit right now For details take a look at the thread at www.multimadrid.com/cgi-bin/jersbbucgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=000007 on monuments under cconstruction, there are links to photos in some of my posts there. I will be updating that thread as time goes by but it is not likely that teh construction/renovation will be completed by early June

I would go to Toledo and spend one night, then off to Salamanca for the second (or maybe even Segovia) if you have not been. I think one night in Toledo is enough to soak in its charm

I think that splitting your time in Madrid is a great idea, I would never get down on ya for that. Toledo is a total must see for anyone who is going to be in Madrid for 5 days!

On that Los Amigos Hostel topic, you really should enter to win the 2 free nights there. You can do so at MY HOSTELS SECTION HERE (there is a link that says "click HERE to win 2 free nights!" right where Los Amigos is mentioned.

Saludos & Suerte,
jer...

I think the Retiro Park pond works are going to be finished by late June, and there are some other minor works going on in the Park, that should be finished by the Summer.

Thanks for your blessing on my itinerary! A go-ahead from the jer-mister (you don't mind if I call you that, do you? ) gives me a lot of confidence!

I may spend two nights in Toledo. I want to have enough time to get thouroughly lost. But I have to save Segovia para cuando mi novio arrives. He's a castle nut

Great thread on tossa too! I had actually done a search before and found that thread! I am such a savy boarder (Breaking my arm, patting myself on the back)

Bummer about el Retiro! I'll just have to drown my sorrows in a tapas bar

Mama needs two nights at Los Amigos! I emailed my entry and I'll be crossing my fingers and toes!

Muchisimas Gracias!
Marvilyn

Hola Marvilyn, call me whatever ya like, as long as ya call me

Glad you value my opinion so on your itinerary

I got your entry for the Free Hostel nights givaway. Did you see the panoramic room view of the Los Amigos Hostel at http://www.multimadrid.com/panoramics/hostels/los-amigos ?

You can also keep an eye on reception at their 24 hour webcam on their homepage.

Jejejeje, ya really only need 20-30 seconds to get lost in the streets of Toledo

Let's hope Max is right and they have completed work onthe Retiro by the time you arrive.

Saludos,
jer...