Postcard Exchange

Madrid

Postcard courtesy of Michelle Mock

El Parque del Buen Retiro is a large park (about 350 acres) in the middle of the city of Madrid. It was originally built outside the city and used as a royal retreat. As the city grew around it, El Retiro became a place for the average citizen to escape to on a hot day in Madrid. It's a great place to get away from the city without even leaving. Students find it a relaxing place to study. The gardens are enjoyable to walk through any time of year. Street vendors, artists and musicians may set up shop. You can rent a small boat and row on the lake seen in this postcard. Often, if you stop to listen, you will realize that you no longer hear the sounds of the bustling city all around you. Sometimes tunes from a guitar or other musical instrument will provide background music for your experience.

Caption: El Retiro