Time Out in Madrid

If you are planning a trip to Madrid, Spain and do not have Retiro Park on your agenda you will be missing out on a natural haven. As one of Madrid's most popular parks, this attraction offers a relaxing refuge from the fast-paced city life. During a visit, you'll want to take a stroll down the winding tree-lined paths, view the monuments rich with Spanish history and rent a rowboat on picturesque Lake Retiro.

The park, once used as a private park for the royal family of century's past, is open to the general public and serves as a rest-haven for visitors and locals alike.

The entrance to the park is almost as grand as the park itself. Upon entering, we passed through towering, double, wrought iron gates which lead to a lovely crossed path of topiary, full, lush, green trees and colorful flowers. As we walked down the path, we saw Palacio Real (The Royal Palace) in the distance and were treated to the delightful songs of the many species of birds that make the park their home.

To truly appreciate the serene, relaxed setting, we took the time to admire the numerous fountains scattered throughout the park. One of my favorites was a towering, all white fountain lined with cherubs holding a single closed rosebud that trickled lightly and slowly with streaming water. Another fountain had a more modern appeal but was equally as beautiful. It was made of stone and was in the shape of a tree that flowed with force into a light green pool of water that surrounded it. Authentic trees of many species encircled the fountain and reflected in the water providing me with a magnificent background to photo my handsome fiancée.

In the heart of it all, lies perhaps the most impressive feature in the entire park, Lake Retiro. Visitors can admire the massive, half-moon shaped monument of King Alfonso XII that serves as a grand backdrop to the lake. Passer-bys may also want to relax on the descending staircase that leads to the lake or catch up on the history of King Alfonso XII which is revealed in Spanish on the monument. Romantics may desire to venture out on to the lake with their sweetheart. For a nominal fee, my fiancée and I rented an old-fashioned, wooden rowboat, complete with creaking oars.

For one hour, we tested our coordination, chuckled at the other boaters rowing in circles and admired the ducks and geese passing by. It was on that charming lake that my fiancée, gave me a delicate black and gold box ornamented with birds and flowers that held the most stunning, sparkling diamond engagement ring. He asked me to marry him and I said yes without a second thought.

Our trip to the park would not have been complete without a visit to one of the many open-air cafes surrounding Lake Retiro. Offering light fare including ice cream, pizza and numerous non-alcoholic beverages, we sat and pondered, people watched, admired the view and enjoyed a double chocolate fudge ice cream cone.

During the early evenings and weekends, the park comes alive with entertainment. Jugglers, painters, fortune-tellers and street musicians gather to perform for park dwellers. Although the entertainers appreciate a tip for their efforts, it is well worth it. The enthusiastic drum beats and melodic sounds emerging from the flutist made me feel like dancing.

Retiro Park was a refreshing, relaxing break from the fast paced city streets and offered the perfect opportunity for my fiancée and I to take a time out, escape from schedules and to spend quality time together