I had to book a flight from Frankfurt to Rio to meet up with my parents (will tell that travel adventure on another post). Lucked out on the option to spend about a couple of hours in Spain on a layover, needless to say I jumped at the chance because there’s nothing like two countries for the price of one. I landed in Madrid early morning and was excited to explore the city even though it was a limited amount of time. 
It was my first time in Spain, figured it was about time I put my broken Spanish to use. Jumping from one terminal to another to store my luggage for the day, then hoping on the metro right from terminal 4 was a breeze. I arrived at Puerta del Sol a big square with shopping areas surrounding it. The Sun welcomed me, it was one crowded and sweltering hot day. I walked around playing tourist, stopped for lunch at the first recognizable place which happened to be a Friday’s restaurant. Don’t judge me, I was hungry and it offered wifi and air conditioning.
After my meal, I started to look for something to do since I had a lot more time left before I had to be back at the airport. Since it was Spain after all, figured it was a good idea to see a bull fight. The tickets for the day were booked online but I took the train to plaza de Toros anyway just to see the building. Once I got close enough I had people coming up to me asking if I wanted a ticket. 10 euros later I was inside and being ushered to my seat. In hindsight I guess I did not really know what I was in for really.
I walked in to the open air stadium with the sun blazing hot. People started to walk in and we waited for the parade of matadors and horses and bulls. It started with the bull charging and the matador’s graceful moves one part escaping, one part enraging the bull. The crowd’s roar, the “oles” and the bull’s huffs and puffs made it a sight to see. Later on it started to get real, I did not know it was a match to the death. People got excited each time the matador pierced the bull with a sword. I could not stomach the whole thing, I had to leave. It was my first bull fight, I can say I did it, but I seriously doubt there’ll be a next time. I took the train back to the airport and was one time for my flight.
My first experience in Spain was one that left me wanting to see more of the country. I always lean toward the long layovers when the price is right. A chance to get out and find an adventure between your planned adventure.