2025 Europe Travel Series: Part 5 of 8
Madrid welcomed me with a familiar warmth, and yet it carried layers of meaning I didn’t expect. It felt like a city full of signs, doors, and symbols waiting for me to notice them. A city meant to be walked, and I walked everywhere. And even though this isn’t my “inner reflections” blog (that one comes next), Madrid still held a quiet soul underneath the adventure.
Plaza de España, Templo de Debod, Plaza Mayor & Puerta del Sol
June 27
My first full day in Madrid began with ease. I explored the city with my friend Pilar. She was my guide that day and she made everything feel lighter and more fun. We walked through Plaza de España, wandered toward the peaceful Templo de Debod, and enjoyed the sunset glow behind the mountains before walking past the Palacio Real.
From there, we continued to Plaza Mayor, a historic square that has held celebrations, markets, and stories for centuries. Standing in the middle of it felt like standing inside a living memory… warm, vibrant, and full of life.
Our walk brought us to:
Puerta del Sol – “Gate of the Sun”
Once the eastern entrance to the old walled city, its meaning carries a quiet power:
- New beginnings
- Awakening
- Rebirth
- Stepping into the light
Standing there in the plaza felt like the perfect way to enter my Madrid chapter… through a doorway of new beginnings.
And that night, my body slowed everything down. What started as tiredness became four days of being completely sick with rhinitis allergies and maybe even a cold… partly from previous smoking and partly from the city’s pollution. I rested, reset, and waited for my energy to come back.
A New Day, A New Door
July 1
After days in bed, I finally felt stronger. My curiosity sparked, and because I had been reading about the symbolism of Madrid’s doors, the very first place I chose to visit was another symbolic doorway:
Puerta de Alcalá
Observing the Puerta de Alcalá felt powerful. It made me feel as if I was welcoming a new version of myself. And in a way, I was, because it symbolizes:
- Arrival
- Progress
- Transition into a new era (for the city, but for me, as well).
Puerta de la Independencia
Located at the entrance of El Retiro, this gate honors Spain’s independence and sovereignty, a symbol of:
- Freedom
- Serenity
- A transition from noise into peace
While there, it felt like crossing into a calmer version of the city and maybe a calmer version of myself.
I spent time wandering Parque de El Retiro, embracing the slow pace after days of stillness. I laid down my blanket underneath some trees to rest and journal on a very hot summer day in Madrid.
Doors That Led Me Through Madrid
July 4
This day became the continuation of my “doors of discovery” adventure. I walked through Madrid again… no trains, no subway, just my feet and curiosity.
Puerta de Toledo
Built to honor the return of King Fernando VII after French occupation, it symbolizes:
- Liberation
- Resilience
- Madrid rising after chaos
It felt strong, bold, proud… a reminder that cities, like people, can rebuild. And what more perfect day to visit it than July 4th, Independence Day back home.
Cuesta de la Vega → Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena
I followed a sidewalk by Cuesta de la Vega that led straight to the stunning cathedral. The walk was very steep, and it was about 100 degrees outside. I was out of breath when I finally reached the cathedral, and it was closed for lunch. So I continued to:
Puerta de San Vicente
Originally a medieval entrance to the city, this gate represents:
- Protection
- Honor
- Old Madrid’s boundaries
Standing there… even from across the street, felt like touching a piece of Madrid’s oldest identity.
I continued my walk behind the Palacio Real, through the greenery of Campo del Moro, until eventually reaching the cathedral again. This time, I was able to go inside.
Madrid is big, but walking it makes you feel like you’re part of its history. Being there and experiencing it all was a dream come true.
Toledo: The Hilltop City of Many Worlds
July 6
So I hopped on my first train in Madrid and went to Toledo. It took my breath away… literally (because of the hills) and spiritually (because of everything else).
Perched high above the Tagus River, the city looks like a stone fortress lifted right out of ancient times. From the outside, it gave me City of Troy vibes. Inside, it was its own magical universe.
Toledo is known for La Convivencia… a time when Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived together in harmony. You can still feel this unity in the architecture: mosques, synagogues, and cathedrals all within walking distance.
And speaking of walking… I walked over 8 miles of steep, endless hills. Up, down, up again…. nonstop.
And I was proud. It was one of those days where your body says, “We did that.”
Sushi & Flamenco Night
July 9
Before leaving Madrid, I enjoyed a beautiful evening out with Pilar, sushi followed by an emotional, fiery flamenco performance. It felt like the perfect last taste of Spain’s spirit: expressive, soulful, alive.
Madrid was movement, color, history, and symbolism.
A city walked step by step, door by door.
And every door I encountered reminded me of the parts of myself I had forgotten.
Coming Next in the Series
Part 6 — Madrid: Where Alignment Began to Root
→ The inner chapter of Madrid; where the doors I walked through became metaphors for the doors opening within me.
Journal Prompt for You
Which “door” in your own life are you standing in front of right now, and what is it asking you to step into?
If you’re ready to live more intentionally, explore your inner world, and get into true alignment with what you desire… my Reiki-infused guided journals are here to support your journey.
→ Explore my journals here ✨
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If you missed previous parts of my Europe Travel Series, you can read it here:
Part 1: Iceland: The Beginning of an Adventure →
Part 2: Iceland: The Beginning of Becoming →
Part 3: London: My First True Solo Adventure →
Part 4: London: Where Becoming Met Courage →
