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!Madrid!
Pictures, etc.
...from Madrid.
Madrid, at the center of the country, both geographically and politically, is a sprawling, busy city
loaded with fountains, statues, cathedrals, modern office buildings, and, of course, a palace.
We stayed at the Crowne Plaza, which happens to be in a building called Edificio de Espana, but
is nicknamed "El Giraffo" due to its orange and beige color and long "neck". Driving in the city
is a challenge, especially at the large "plazas" which are really just giant roundabouts with no
lanes and an "each-man-for-himself" attitude.
El Escorial, a museum near Madrid which, unfortunately was CLOSED on Mondays.
Another look at El Escorial.
This is the summer palace at Aranjuez, just north of Madrid.
Casa del Labrador - another little royal "shack" in Aranjuez. We got a private tour - in Spanish!
Puerta Acala - one of the many monuments found at the center of the various plazas.
Here is a view of Edificio Espana with the statue of Miguel Cervantes in front.
You also see (in black, at the base) a statue of Don Quixote (more about him later in Consuerga)
Here is a statue to Neptuno, god of the sea.
The statue and fountains (fuentes) at Plaza Cibeles. Believe it or not, that's the POST OFFICE in the background!
The Royal Palace (Palacio Real).
Inside the Palacio Real.
The Museo del Prado, a world-class museum featuring Goya and El Greco.
Fountains, exquisitely lit up at night.
The statue to Cristobal Colon (Christopher Columbus).
This is the building housing the Department of Agriculture.
A bull crashes through the wall at Hard Rock Cafe. Customers seem to remain calm.
The Metro stop at Plaza de Espana (our stop. The Metro was clean and efficient.
View from our hotel over the rooftops of Madrid.
The flamenco performers we saw in Madrid.
More flamenco.
Still more flamenco.
Even more flamenco.
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