Royal Pain

Went on the double-decker bus to the Palacio Real de Madrid today. Horrible!! The palace is not friendly to gimpy folks. Paid 20 euros to go on a guided tour. We were told to go to the wrong area. After 5 minutes or so, I went to one of the security people to ask where the English tour started from. Across the cobble stone courtyard and had already left. Upon arriving at the designated spot, we were informed that, indeed, the group had already left. The tour was only of the second floor. While there was an elevator up to that level, it was to a restricted area that was WAY far away from the tour area. The handrails do NOT extend the whole way up the stairs. Through another combination of prayer, crawling and hoisting myself up on the shoulders of others, I made it. After rushing to meet the group, I inadvertently joined an even more special private tour group and was promptly asked to leave. Since I was left to my own devices, I switched into full blown mosey mode to see the remaining rooms. I went back down the palace stairs with the combo of fear, anger and humiliation. AMAZINGLY, I found another elevator that would take me to the cafe and gift shop (the almighty dollar speaks again). Met another American with an artificial leg that was gimping his way through the palace as well. His experience was no better than mine. However, he has learned from experience. He chose to only pay the 3.50 admittance fee and go it on his own. Groups leave you behind in some countries and your money is wasted. Lesson learned. I had read bad reviews on Spain and now, I am beginning to understand why. Haven't even begun to talk about attitude problems here. More on that with the Prado art museum post.