El Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid, Spain
Cynthia Kane writes:
If you are looking to enjoy a nice day in the park, and you’re in Madrid, then you should definitely head over to what once was the private land of kings and queens, the Parque del Buen Retiro. The park is around 350 acres, which means there are plenty of options for that perfect picnic spot. Maybe you want to sit by the duck pond, or near the Palacio de Cristal, a large glasshouse that holds art exhibitions - mostly sculpture and installation. Or maybe a little wine by the rose garden is more what you’re looking for. For me, my favorite spot is off to the right of the Plaza de Independencia entrance. Here I can sit for hours looking up into the trees.
Spending time outdoors helps get my creative juices flowing - so it’s not a shock that my first novel, CLASS PRESIDENT, about a girl who must overcome her past so as to move forward in her present, was developed while outside.
For more attractions in Madrid go to
http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Attractions/
December 4th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Ahhh, El parque buen retiro.
Many an afternoon spent in one of the small cafes or on the lake. It was actually within the park itself that I came up with the idea of a website showing off the best of Madrid to visitors who speak English. Kind of an undercover reporter. The truth is that Retiro really gets the creative ideas flowing. I just wonder how many famous people found their inspiration there???
I have a detailed article on my thoughts about retiro here: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/retiro.html