Madrid, Spain

Madrid is not the capital city I was expecting. Instead of the hustle and bustle of industry, Madrid is sophisticated, charmingly relaxed and full of music. Not to mention, the home of some of the world's most famous pieces of art. 

I thoroughly enjoyed a stroll through the Buen Retiro Park. Watching a pair of Japanese tourists row their little boat in increasingly hysterical circles, listening to buskers and watching kids chase giant bubbles is my idea of relaxing. Just be wary of the gypsies who throw curses at you if you refuse to pay them for a sprig of magical rosemary.

I loved the botanical garden. It was exploding with autumn colours at the time (November) and well worth the entry fee.