It's a pretty cold, windy day here in Madrid, high up on the plateau, and we're getting the full brunt of it while waiting for the free entry into the Royal Palace, the Palacio Real.

Walking around the central city though has been fun, seeing sights like the Puerta del Sol, Gran Via and Teatro Real. We also find some great authentic tacos for a mid-afternoon snack, a solid import from Mexico.

The Royal Palace is the largest of its kind in Europe, and certainly an impressive Baroque structure. It is a glimpse into the staid and strict lives of royalty from the early 19th century, and yet it remains in active use for state ceremonies and banquets. Surprisingly though, it could use a coat of paint in more than a few places.

We kept a relaxed pace to the day, and look forward to the bus tour tomorrow and exploring Parque de el Retiro. And hopefully finding some authentic paella! For the moment though, we made it ourselves, and found a very solid €2.60 bottle of wine to go with it.

Jan. 16: A Visit to the Royal Palace

Travel Podcast producer Ted Cragg steps out from his home studio in Canada to embark on his own great adventure, spending 3 months, primarily in Portugal, slow travelling with his wife Emilie and their two young kids, 5 and 7 years old.

It's been 11 years since the end of their last great trip (pre-kids, of course!), a 'round-the-world odyssey over 15 months. Since then, travel for them has been limited, and slow travel nonexistent.

However, 2023 suddenly represented an opportunity to reconnect with that life. They decided to seize the moment and pick up where they left off, 11 years later.

This podcast documents the daily experience of travel as a family in 2023. Practical info for parents, travel tips for Portugal and beyond, and observations and reflections on travel, and how it has changed and evolved.

Ted produces travel podcasts, such as Destination Morocco, and hosts his own regular show, Travel Podcast the World, which profiles other travel podcasters, sharing advice and insight on the craft.

Now, he puts that advice into practice, in a bold new audio adventure.