parque del retiro, madrid

as great as the art museums are in madrid, it's never been one of my favorite cities. it's always felt just a bit too big, loud, and dirty, but today i discovered el parque del retiro, which has softened my heart towards the city. it's huge, unlike most other city parks, with a pond where you can rent boats, a duck pond, a rose garden, a little library stand, cafes, a botanical garden, exercise areas, playgrounds, and plenty of green!

one of my favorite areas was the duckpond with weeping willows that reminded me of being back home, and these quaint little bridges.


lots of beautiful shady green areas

and it finally felt like spring, with the trees in bloom and flowers all around

the few early roses in the rose garden


i'm not entirely sure what this is, but it's cool looking.


here's where you could rent boats. i was tempted, but there was so much else to do and see in the park!