running the new perimeter

What started off as an effort to stay in shape and keep the tradition of running UCLA's perimeter alive, ended up being the best way to explore Madrid. In attempts to navigate the city on our afternoon runs, we have been stumbling into luscious parks, towering statues, and sought-after monuments. It is surreal to be passing by such extraordinary sights during an everyday activity. We had to go back and take pictures at night.




Aleks and I reenacting the discovery of the magical garden.


Running to "that cool building over there" ended with us starring up at the incredibly large and unbelievably intricate walls of Palacio Real - one of the "top ten things to see in Madrid." Good thing we wanted a work out! Palacio Real was built between 1738 and 1755 and has 252 royal guest bedrooms. The royal family does not officially reside here anymore but it is still used for important occasions.



Parque del Oeste is not only gorgeous, it is also home to Templo de Debod - a 2nd century BC Egyptian temple that was transported to Spain as a gift. Cardio went down on the priority list about now.



So yeah. I casually go on jogs here. No big deal.