Last night’s foray out into the night life of Madrid to a veggie restaurant was a spectacular success (apart from DM having picked up something that disagreed with him). I found a veggie restaurant in carnivore heaven, got us there by Metro, had a lovely meal, walked around the city and back on the Metro via a different route and got back to the hotel feeling decidedly pleased with myself!

This morning, with David feeling ever-more decidedly dodgy and my feet killing me, we decided ‘discretion was the better part of valour’ and went for the easy option of a bus tour of Madrid as the way to spend our last afternoon in the city. This is him looking and feeling lousy (hence the B&W conversion – green isn’t a good look) in the Spanish brand of Pizza Express (which I can’t remember its name) and I hate to say it but it was probably the best meal we ate in the city! (Make of that what you will.)

The weather was a bit better, some blue poking out between the grey/black of the rain clouds. This was a similar principle to the Barca bus that we took a couple of years ago. It’s a great idea and I wish there was something akin to it in London – the London tourist busses are phenomenally expensive in relative terms.

It’s been fun, even though DM has been various shades of green, ‘compact beige’, puce and now, as we arrive home, a more normal olive-complexioned David is returning.

Talking to the ‘flight attendant’ in the cabin while the plane was filling up, she said she loved Madrid (because of its safety) and disliked Barcelona (because of its crime) – I must say that although I liked the people of Madrid, I found Barca to have more to do (even though it is much smaller) and generally more appeal. Maybe it’s the ‘small-town’ girl in me that just prefers that type of city.

Our flight home was almost too good to be true time-wise and with a hassle-free entry into the UK, we surprised Barry, our ever-faithful taxi driver by being too early! We arrived home a good half-hour earlier than planned and R&A have been overjoyed to see us, just as we are to see them.

Now, it’s 9.30pm in the UK, I have tonight and tomorrow night in my own bed then I have the dubious pleasure of setting off on my travels again.

Last year we had a hollow victory of sorts...and the year before was a happy day for my folks and my Nan, whose world has since been torn apart....though for anyone out there who is interested, she's getting along fine now and is rebuilding her life nicely!