Parque del Retiro

The parks here are mostly small, tucked in between apartment complexes or business, perhaps boasting a shoebox sized play area for children or a modest fountain. Most at least have trees and benches; picnicking or lounging in the shade is a favorite hobby of the Spanish when the weather is nice. Some parks are particularly beautiful or well-maintained, some are more frequented by residents than others. The novelty for us is not in the beauty of the parks however, but in the sheer numbers. They are everywhere.



There is one park to top them all, though: the renowned Parque del Retiro in Madrid. This reserved area is enormous; it would take many days to walk all the winding paths through the trees or note every statue or visit every tiny café. It is the epitome of a Spanish Sunday afternoon, with its sidewalk performers and vendors, fortune tellers, magicians, jugglers; stunning sculptures, fountains, impressive gardens, and the lake dotted with rowboats. There are crowds of people—families or couples or artists or photographers—perhaps reading in the grass beneath a tree, working to capture the beauty on film or canvas, or simply walking the pathways, snacking on sunflower seeds or sweet popcorn. This time of year, the children are bundled up in their hats and gloves, happily cruising in their strollers or running ahead of their parents.



In 1632 the park was created for the royal family; it was not opened to the public until 1868. It sparks quite a beautiful feeling to walk the same pathways that millions and millions have walked before. I can't wait to see it in Spring!