Today we went south of Madrid, looking for the warmth of Aranjuez. Although it is sunny and not very chilly in the city only a half an hour trip can make a huge difference in temperature and allows you to stay outdoors longer.

When we arrived in Aranjuez the city was quiet and the light was great for pictures. The place has been a royal site since the 16th century and its gardens and buildings are famous for their beauty. We peacefully strolled around the Royal Palace and the Island’s Garden (Jardin de la Isla) noticing that we were completely alone in a city that nowadays lives off tourism, summer tourism. ;). From time to time a local would pass by probably thinking that we were the only crazy visitors in town during wintertime.

We took a small train called “Chiquitren” that goes around the city and to the Jardin del Principe (Prince’s Garden). The trip lasted about an hour, probably more during summer and shows you several buildings in the immense land that covers the Prince’s Gardens. The Tajo River which crosses the city can be seen running through the gardens and by the Royal Palace.

The gardens must be magical during the fall of the leaves in autumn and during the summertime , full of flowers surrounding fountains and sculptures and tall green trees. At this time of the year the scene is also charming and perfect if you are looking for uncommon pictures of the area.

The town is also famous for its strawberries so they have stands everywhere selling “Fresas con nata”(strawberries with whipped cream).

We left the city after a great lunch at Quid Restaurant. I had a panache de verduras (mixed vegetables), a whole trout with ham and red pepper and a new dessert for me called leche frita. I guess I do not need to convince anyone that I am well fed in Spain.