Madrid

Well once again it is time to say good-bye to Spain. I always start and end my Spanish trips in Madrid. In many ways Madrid feels like home and I tend to visit the same wonderful places here in the capital city. This time was no exception, however I also wanted to explore some parts I don't usually visit. Here are three "Good-bye Spain" pictures.

The Almundena Cathedral in front of the Royal Palace Madrid

BMW Headquarters in Madrid

Plaza de Castilla

Near Madrid - Manzanares y El Escorial

While in Madrid, we spent some time with various friends. One afternoon, a friend of the family and her husband took us to the Escorial and Manzanares (to the right). I've been to the Escorial a couple times, but it was nice to be there with some locals. I absolutely love the library there. Unfortunately, they won’t let you take pictures anymore. I’m adding one I took a couple years ago so that you can have an idea of how beautiful the library really is.

After the visit to the Escorial we went to Manzanares. The Castle was closed, but still very impressive from the outside. We went to a café and enjoyed various kinds of ham and pork and then headed back to Madrid. We ate at El Buey near el Buen Retiro and really enjoyed it. They bring you an extremely hot plate and you cooked your own meat on the plate. Yummy!

Manzanares Castle

El Escorial

Library in El Escorial (taken by me in 2007)

Madrid

Madrid was the first city I ever visited in Spain (or Europe for that matter). I have visited here many many many times since that first visit. It is nice to come back to Madrid where things are familiar and where I know a few people. I always stay at the same place and it feels nice to have the same people welcome you back to Spain and get you settled into your room.

The first place I ever visited in Madrid was the Royal Palace. I still remember that morning well with it bright morning light, fresh clean feeling and wonders of a new place. On this trip to Spain, I'll be traveling with my parents. This is their first trip to Spain and I hope that they enjoy Spain as much as I do. The first place I took them after checking in the hotel was the Royal Palace. The first few pictures are of the Palace and of the Almudena Cathedral (right).

Royal Palace in Madrid

Plaza de las armas - Royal Palace

Almudena Cathedral - Madrid

One of my favorite book shops in Madrid
I've spent a lot of time and money here :)

San Jeronimo near El Prado

Parque del Buen Retiro
We went for a night even stroll here before having dinner at El Buey with friends from Madrid

Iglesia de San Manuel y San Benito - Madrid

Madrid

Well all things must come to an end. It has been a great summer in Spain. It is such a charming place. I'm saying good-bye to Spain with these choice pictures of Madrid. I hope you enjoy... If you do please let me know.

Temple of Debod, Madrid

Plaza Mayor, Madrid

Royal Palace, Madrid

Madrid

Madrid always feels a little like home to me. It was the first place I visited in Europe and I have a pretty good feel for the city and yet there is always something more to discover and enjoy. When I stay in Madrid I stay in the area near the Opera and the Royal Palace. It is a great location and seriously minutes away from everything. The pictures in this entry are from some of my favorite places in Madrid and a few new places that I found while hunting for pictures. The picture to the right is the Metropolis Building. Like many other buildings in Madrid, it is beautifully lighted at night. The next 5 pictures were taken the same night. The last two day-time pictures are taken near the place I stay in Madrid.

Banco Espanol de Credito, Madrid

Near my favorite restaurant, La Finca de Susana

Plaza Mayor

Lights in Madrid

Post Office, Madrid

Plaza de Espana

La Opera, Madrid

Zamora and more Madrid

Zamora – After saying good-bye to Oviedo, I headed south to the city of Zamora which is in Castilla-Leon. Zamora turns out to be a very interesting city, full of historical buildings, modern areas and friendly people. It has retained much of its small town feel. From the pleasant pedestrian center to the castle and churches Zamora is a pleasant, if hot, place to spend a few days. One of the afternoons while I was here I went with some Spanish friends to a country house with a swimming pool. It was a nice way to cool off during the afternoon. Once things cooled off I was excited to explore more of the city and get some night shots of the city. The first two pictures are at the base of the old fortified part of the city. The next three pictures are taken by the river. The last and first (to the right) pictures are of a church I found interesting. Overall Zamora is a pleasant place and very friendly.

Zamora has both natural and man made fortifications to help keep it safe...

...more natural and man made fortifications

View from the old stone bridge looking back towards Zamora

This is the old stone bridge in Zamora

The milling houses on the river. Remember the terrifying experience the Don Quixote and Sancho Panza had one night next to the mills on the river?

I think it is interesting how the butresses on this church span the street and go into the walls of the houses on the other side.

***

I'm back in Madrid. I really enjoy being here. I feel like I'm at home when I'm in Madrid. The people at my hostel are great people and always have a minute to talk about this that and the other. Here are three pictures I took tonight. They range from the royal place to in and around Puerta del Sol.

The Royal Palace at night

Between Puerta del Sol and Gran Via

Just south of Puerta del Sol