Madrid Day 6: Active living

Ok, the moment has arrived. I’m going to write about something I actually know something about! Physical activity! 

Today, we walked 15 minutes (1500 steps) to a regional train station which took us to the incredible monastery in the mountains known as San Lorezo de El Escorial. This regional train differs from the city Metro that I’ve written about previously. But it’s equally impressive. Again the system is cheap, clean, efficient, and expansive. Many trains are double decker which is just fun for a train nerd 🤓 . The ride was comfortable and honestly a joyful way to see the region and landscape. (M2M has upgraded to moving pictures!)

This begs the question of why the U.S doesn’t have a similar system when we certainly have the need.  The answer unfortunately is money, power, and greed. Special interest groups that benefit from our current car-dependent system lobby heavily to oppose laws that would set up an expansive public transportation system. I am confident that if the U.S. were to adopt a similar system in major cities, it would be incredibly successful and dramatically limit our carbon output. 

Following our super-fun choo-choo ride, we went on a 1 hr, hike (10,000 steps) to an outlook over the village and monastery. The terrain reminded me of Boulder, CO in many ways. 

Our flag could use a good iron. Go Hawks!

This was followed by a traditional Spanish lunch at La Cueva, a beautiful restaurant housed in a building from 1768 (no big deal). In Spain, lunch is typically served at 1 or 2 pm and is the largest meal of the day. It is often a 2 or 3 course meal. Today we began with a tuna/olive salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing. This was followed by a hearty helping of paella which is a combination of Spanish rice, protein (chicken today), and assorted vegetables. The meal ended with a cinnamon/banana custard. 

What I’m noticing about Spanish cuisine is that while a little bland at times, I do not experience the typical food coma I am subject to following a similar meal back home. This is due to the low sugar and limited processing allowed in Spanish food. Another example of a public health policy designed to protect the public from bad actors that does not exist in the U.S. for the same reasons that prevent us from having fun fancy trains!!! 

Round 1!!

Round 2!!

Next we were fortunate to be led through the monastery (8,000 steps) by Eloy, a local professor of art history. I can’t begin to explain how impressive this place is. It was built during the renaissance period for the royal prince. It houses an amazing library that Hogwart’s would be proud of, countless pieces of Spanish art, a church, and is the burial site of the past kings of Spain including Prince Phillip II. You can actually stroll through the pantheon and see the caskets!! If you are ever in Madrid, I highly recommend this day trip. 

This painted ceiling appears to be 3D, making it feel like you’re looking up at heaven. 

Eloy describing this painting of the last supper. 

Judas looks super sus(picious).

My favorite room. The library. Every scientific discipline is represented on the ceiling…except medicine. Go figure. 

On this trip, I’ve been averaging 17,000 steps per day and today I have 22,000 steps (and it’s only 6:30 pm). I have not been working out as I simply don’t have the time or need given how much walking I’m doing. Many people do work out at gyms which tend to be a bit more focused on cardio equipment and group fitness classes which are extremely popular. This makes sense to me given the social culture of Spain. There are also many free outdoor public exercise options for young people (calisthenics) and older adults (pedal bikes). 

Like riding a bike. 

For those who report lack of time and/or motivation as the major barriers preventing them from being active (most people), living in an environment that constantly promotes, nudges, and encourages you to move is the optimal solution. Madrid gets high marks from this guy.