19–20 September 2019 – Madrid: Rooftops and Reflections

We arrived in Madrid from Seville, checked into Aloft Madrid Gran Via, and were immediately greeted by friendly staff, a comfortable room, and the promise of a rooftop pool waiting upstairs. But after a long day of travel, only one thing was going to happen first: siesta time.

Later that evening, we made our way up to the WXYZ rooftop bar. With a sweeping view of Madrid's skyline and a glowing sunset as our backdrop, we settled in with frozen rosé cocktails and tapas, watching the city light up below. It was one of those golden-hour moments that feels like a little reward for the road behind you.

But amidst the views and the drinks, our hearts were back home. The next day, we watched the livestream of Uncle Doug’s funeral. It was hard not being there with family, but even from across the world, we paused, remembered, and said our goodbyes. Doug’s music, spirit, and humour have left a lasting note in all our lives—and the song will always play on in our memories.

We ended the day the same way we began it—grateful. For the journey, the family we miss, and the ones we carry with us wherever we go.