Madrid Architecture

Almost time to say good-bye to Madrid. The last few evenings here the weather has been perfect for our evening walk.

Rehearsal Rooms

David gave us a tour of his work building. He is a professional singer in the National Choir of Spain.

National choir and orchestra of Spain

Unfortunately tonights performance was sold out, but we were able to attend the rehearsal performance. Tough to make him out in this photo, but our friend David is part of the choir.

Gran Via

The apartment we rented for our week in Madrid is just one block off this main thoroughfare, called Grand Via - and a five minute walk to the bustling square of Puerta del Sol.

Dining alfresco

Out for a walk to find dinner on a very pleasant night, as this morning's rain decreased the temperature a bit. Today is the first day we have worn long pants.

Churros Con Chocolate

We couldn't come to Madrid without stopping at the best and one of the oldest Chocolaterias in Spain.

Browsing

Browsing the open air market at Mercado San Miguel for some very fresh appetizers!

Mercado de San Miguel

Tonight our friend David took us the open air market where there was a myriad of delicious tapas y bebidas (appetizers and drinks).

Parking in Madrid

This photo isn't about the car, but the spaces between the cars. Madrileños are champion parallel parkers. It may take a couple of bumps, but this white car will manage to squeeze out.

Puerta del Sol

A very familiar and favorite place in Madrid. Last time we were here, it was very crowded with Holiday shoppers (Dec 2008).

Dinner with Friends

David and Juan had us over to their home and cooked us some traditional Spanish food for our last night in Madrid. --K&R

Man's Best Friend

David and his dog Turi (short for Turandot)... Now, David sings for a living with the National Choir of Spain, so I'm sure you'll figure out where the dog's name comes from... --Kirt

Duet

Evening with Friends

After Juan made us amazing food, we shared photos and events from our lives over the last 22 years! Pictured: David, Juan, Roger, Kirt

High Speed Train from Madrid to Malaga

Today we travelled at a top speed of 185 miles per hour on the two and a half hour journey from Madrid to Malaga. --K&R

Lots of Meat to Choose From

As our last entry today, we share a Spanish Restaurant where you can choose from many different ways of preparing your meat. And in fact the legs are all hanging in the restaurant for your choosing pleasure! --K&R

Madrid - Festival (Puerta del Sol)

Festival in the Streets

Could hardly belive the amount of people on the streets of central Madrid for the local festival! Our hotel is very close to all of this. Tonight will be crazy! --K&R

Bus Tour of Madrid

Bus tour of the best of Madrid. --K&R

Cathedral in Madrid

A Catholic Cathedral near our hotel. --K&R