European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 7, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                ,4 Bronze statue of Philip in in a Square near the East Entrance of the Royal Palace is considered one of the finest sculptures in the City. Lively Madrid continued from Page 3 Yoke the nation has since blossomed economically and its newly Avant Garde capital has moved to the forefront of fashionable Europe. And yes though once a budget traveler s dream Madrid now has become one of the most expensive cities in the world. Though the population of the City and its environs is approaching 5 million old Madrid is quite compact and a visitor can get about easily on foot. The primary tourist precincts Are bordered roughly on the East by Retiro Park an elegant Fountain filled Sanctuary from Urban Clatter on the West by the 18th-Century Royal Palace now a museum on the South by Calle Atocha and on the North by the Gran via a Broad and Busy Avenue lined with shops movie houses and hotels. The area within is reasonably Safe although Street theft targeting tourists has been a problem in the City. One can easily spend a Day wandering its streets and visiting the wonders of the Prado. One of any visitor s goals should be the Plaza mayor about a 20-minute walk West from the Prado and one of the most Beautiful Public squares in Europe. Take in lunch at one of its Many outdoor cafes while watching the passers by and admiring the architectural Beauty All around. The life of the City seems to swirl through the huge Square by Day and a As those who return for an evening visit will discover a by night. The setting is Lovely but prices Are High even Tor Madrid. A bowl of Melon soup at an average looking the Many carnivals and fairs add to the City s colourful and Lively atmosphere. Cafe was $9, As was a tossed Green salad. Accompanying hard Rolls were $2 each. A Small Avocado salad with tiny shrimp was $ 14 a bottle of Beer $3.50 a bottle of Mineral water $2.75. Add in a few other incidentals plus tax and tip and by the time it was All Over the final Check came to about $54. The second Day of the tour through the More recent Quot romantic Madrid neighbourhoods including the one dominated by the Prado also featured a visit to the Centro de arte Reina Sofia the Queen Sofia Art Centeral 18th-Century Structure that has been restored As a museum of contemporary Art and Madrid s famous Al Retiro Park. Al Retiro located a few blocks from the Prado was originally the grounds of a 17th-Century Palace but is now a huge area of Shady Trees clusters of Well tended Bushes formal Flower gardens statues and a Large Lake used by boaters. It is an Ideal place to relax and pass the hottest part of the Date. That night we did Dine at 10, and i had prepared for the evening by taking a Nap. But i began to nod off again at dinner even before dessert arrived. A two Days in town is not enough to become night prowling Madrilejos. Some of them were just entering the restaurant As we departed for our hotel and bed. At dark the lights come on and the night owls come out in search of entertainment. 4 stripes Magazine May 7, 1992