Under the influence of a hypnotist, we can make decisions, but are they truly ours? Currently, according to the latest statistics, before booking a hotel, Air-B&B, restaurant, theatre ticket, tour-guide, camp-site and the like, 84% of people read at least ten reviews before making a decision. If that’s what it is.
It’s no wonder then, that the age of ‘the influencer’ is upon us.
Day 7 – A relatively short and uneventful 215K hop down into Madrid and Camping Osuna. A three-nighter on the cards. A lunchtime ‘Jesus stop’ replenishes our most essential supplies. AKA wine and water.
Today’s tally = 2 Stink Bugs
Day 8 – City stops inevitably lead to necessary decision making. Always too little time and too many sights. The must-see Lonely-Planet list gets shredded. With Madrid centro just under an hour away, a long afternoon is planned between two main attractions. The phenomenal Royal Palace with its 3,418 rooms and alongside, just outside the Palace gates, Madrid Cathedral.
It’s Wednesday, mid-day. Time to make a bit of a fuss about changing the guard. We arrive just as proceedings commence.
Routines well rehearsed. All twiddles present and correct. Sir!!!
Are they looking at their reviews already? . . .
Our delayed timed entry starts below stairs. A series of connected massive kitchens, that in days gone by would have most likely worked around the clock.
No expense spared. Marble, exotic hardwoods, finest silks and furnishings elaborate every nook and cranny of every room. The attention to detail critical. When keeping your head firmly on the job in hand and more importantly, on your shoulders, it’s no wonder such perfection was achievable.
Two hours later and finally, the not quite five star review . . .
Then it’s sarnie time. A nearby low wall, metres away from the Cathedral, utilised. At 2.45pm we climb the steps to enter. Entrance door firmly shut in our faces. Everyday opening hours, 10am to 2.30pm! Still, we save the entrance fee. Next time we’ll definitely go to . . .
Before our Gran Via metro return, we go drown our disappointment with a coffee and chocolate cake . . .
2 – stink bugs released from captivity