As 8:15 p.m. approached, we prepared to say our goodbyes before boarding the bus to head south to Madrid. 8:15 came and went with no bus. As did 8:45, 9:15 and even 9:45 p.m. Finally our bus, driven by Paco Pepe, pulled into Gare Routiere at 10:00 p.m. Some sort of time mix up with the company he would later say.

Believe me when I say Paco Pepe's lack of punctuality was the least of our concerns. While we waited for the bus to arrive, a family with three young children approached. And then another couple with two more kids. And then three more young children. All full of energy and snacks and Pepsi. But all the running around they did in the parking lot did nothing to quell their disdain for a boring bus ride.

But as with any uncomfortable situation, our bus ride finally came to an end at 9:30 a.m. in Madrid, Spain.

The weather is cool, the streets are bustling and the hotel is awesome. The rooms at Hotel De Las Letras are very modern and colorful. We have a great view down the Gran Vía, a wide avenue of shops, bars and other hotels.