2 days in Estepona and we honestly haven't gone far! First night we all woke up 5am to a crazy loud CRACK of thunder that felt like it was right over us. Then more lightning and thunder... And as we laid there awake we heard a gurgling sound coming from the bathroom. Hmmmm A couple more gurgles and decided to investigate. Ugh. The torrential rain caused the sewer for this building to back up somehow. I don't know the details... But I do know was there was some f...

So we got up "early" (730) and even made it down in time for breakfast, which Olivia was pretty thrilled with. Don't know why but this girl is all excited to eat breakfast out! Of all things.. To the train station in Madrid. A pretty well oiled machine. Waited at the boards where departures are listed, and about half hour before your trains time it posts the track number and off you go to the right level and gate. Security is noticeable and luggage gets screene...

Today I managed to get up at 10 (!!) and eventually woke everyone else up too so we could get going. No one was tired last night til after 11. Getting adjusted to new times especially when dinner doesn't happen til after 9 here. The place comes alive at night. Yesterday we were on the hop on/off bus and it took us down the Gran Via (Great Way) which was originally planned as a thoroughfare joining different parts of the city. The architecture is STUNNING along ...

Everyone slept until noon today! Good rest after a long travel. Down our amazing street "Calle Baja" in La Latina district in Madrid, we found the Mercado de San Miguel. Heaven! Every market stand has tapas of their specialty: the fish stand has fish tapas, etc. Everyone just bellies up and buys their tapas on a little plate, skips to the next booth for their beer or wine or sangria (in glassware!) and stands nearby at a table or counter to eat and drink and chat...

Can't believe we're here already... Flights were great, kids slept the whole way! Big seats, good movies, and even good food ;). 9 hours to London, switched planes and 2 hours to Madrid. Jesse even got "randomly"'selected in London for an extra security check and pat down!