🇪🇸 Madrid, Day 2: Art, Sandwiches & a Poolside Break
We kicked off our second day in Madrid with a delicious breakfast—buttery croissants, refreshing smoothies, and a warm, golden tortilla española. Just as we were wrapping up, our son announced (with dramatic flair) that he was still hungry. So we ordered a salmon, cheese, and salad sandwich for the kids to share. They took one bite and immediately declared it the best sandwich of the entire trip—high praise from our little food critics.
Fueled up, we made our way to the Prado Museum, where we wandered through centuries of Spanish art. One piece really stood out—“The Bearded Lady” by Jusepe de Ribera. The kids were equal parts confused and fascinated. A fun fact we learned: the woman in the painting, Magdalena Ventura, began growing facial hair later in life due to a hormonal condition. Ribera painted her not as a spectacle, but as a symbol of strength and maternal pride—beard and all.
After all that culture, it was time for a late lunch—crispy fried calamari sandwich, juicy burgers, fresh salads, and of course, patatas bravas (which we could happily eat every day). While we waited for our food, we pulled out a deck of Uno and played a few hands. Between bites and battles over wild cards, it was a fun, relaxed way to keep the kids engaged—and maybe even sneak in a few bites of salad.
In the afternoon, we visited a friend and cooled off with a much-needed swim in their pool. The kids splashed while we enjoyed some grown-up conversation and shade—an ideal Madrid summer pause.
Dinner was simple and perfect: leftovers and snack plates, eaten picnic-style. After such a full day, no one was complaining.
🍽️ Little Eaters Takeaways
Don't underestimate second breakfast. Kids sometimes need that extra sandwich—even after a full meal! Sharing a salmon, cheese, and salad sandwich was a hit and introduced new flavors in a low-pressure way.
Eating out doesn’t mean sitting still. A quick game of Uno while waiting for lunch kept the kids happy and helped pass the time—no screens required.
Museums can surprise you. The Prado’s “Bearded Lady” painting sparked curious (and hilarious) questions. Don’t skip the art—even one memorable piece can anchor the experience for kids.
Simple dinners work. After a long, exciting day, snack-style meals and leftovers let everyone recharge without the fuss of another restaurant.
