The capital city of Spain, Madrid is a vibrant place with the most amazingly creative architecture and culture. We were agog at the size and flamboyance of many of the city buildings.
We have to include a couple of photos from inside the beautiful Cathedral - Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena. It has recently undergone a massive renovation and the artwork is vibrant and really modern, however it has not won a place in the hearts of the Madrileños.
The physical and emotional heart of the city is the Plaza de la Puerta del Sol and the location of kilometre zero from where every distance in Madrid is measured.
The oldest part of the city, Plaza Major with its beautifully frescoed buildings surrounding the square was only a five minute walk from our place. The modern shopping district is to the north on the Grand Via.
Plaza del Sol - with its modern Metro entrance
We felt very safe in this populous city - there seemed to be police stationed on every street corner with others constantly on patrol on their motorcycles. Quite often we saw groups of young black men, their swags, containing 'genuine' copy handbags, slung over their shoulders, racing across the squares with the police in hot pursuit. I think the intention was to move the traders on rather than arresting them.
Policeman on traffic duty - complete with anti-pollution facemask.
Perhaps our favourite experience in Madrid was the myriad of restaurants with their mouthwatering variety of tapas. Mercato San Miguel is a collection of individual tapas and wine bars housed in a covered pavilion. Here, you wander around choosing tapas from whatever takes your fancy, grab a glass of wine, beer or sherry and prop yourself against a bar or table to eat and people watch.
Churros and chocolate - yummo!
For us, it was a bit like " monkey see - monkey do" as we really had no idea what to order. We often pointed and chose whatever our neighbour was eating. Most of the waiters were very friendly and helpful giving us the thumbs up or thumbs down.
David became quite partial to a cafe con leche and a mid-morning snack of a bocadillo - a fresh bread roll with olive oil, crushed tomato and jamon.
At night, the Madrileños took to the streets in their hundreds just strolling and soaking up the atmosphere before having their evening meal sometime around 10:00pm. No wonder they all enjoy their siesta!
They do have a sense of humour as we noticed on some of their restroom doors!
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