Spain's Capital - Madrid

Madrid's Emblem: El oso y el madroño

Madrid is the capital of Spain, with a population of about 3 - 5 million people. It has been the home of the Spanish court for about 500 years, causing the capital to move from Seville in the 16th Century. Above is the emblem of Madrid and in the background the clock tower where at the foot is kilometre 0 (the place from whence all road distances in Spain are measured). This area is known as Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun).

Cathedral of Madrid "Santa María la Real de la Almudena"

The Cathedral of Madrid was completed in 1993 and was used for the wedding of Felipe, Prince of Asturias in 2004. It is opposite Palacio Real, the home of the King of Spain (although only used for ceremonial functions now).

Palacio Real

The Gardens of Palacio Real, in the centre of Madrid

Plaza de España, Monument to Cervantes

Plaza de España is a large square located in central Madrid at the western end of the Gran Via. It features a monument to Miquel de Cervantes Saavedra and is bordered by two of Madrid's most prominent skyscrapers; also the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is a short walk south from the plaza. Cervantes wrote Don Quixote - and for some reason is celebrated everywhere in Spain - including on some of the coins.

One of the main roads that leads to Plaza Mayor, Calle Mayor.

Plaza Mayor, Madrid

The Plaza Mayor is rectangular in shape, measuring 129 by 94 meters, and is surrounded by three-story residential buildings having 237 balconies facing the Plaza. It has a total of nine entranceways. The square has been used for bull fights, soccer games and even during the Spanish Inquisition to condemn heretics (but then again, no-one expects the Spanish Inquisition!). It is a magnificent town square many centuries old.

I stayed in a hotel near Grand Via, the main street running through Madrid. It was an interesting experience to say the least. One night I woke to someone in the adjoining room banging on the wall very loudly and yelling at me in Spanish. All I could yell back at them was "I don't speak Spanish" and "I don't understand" (both in Spanish). It was a little scarey. After a while I went to reception and spoke to the person on night duty (who also didn't speak English). I managed to explain to him to come upstairs and listen - of course, by the time he got upstairs the crazy man had stopped. So I went to bed listening to every creak and groan next door wondering if I was to be murdered in my sleep!!

36 hours later I was returning from my lunch to see two paramedics outside snapping on rubber gloves and heading upstairs. I went up to my room to meet two policemen. The four of them then opened the door of the crazy man's room and took in a gurney. Apparently he had died!!! Needless to say I checked out of that hotel quick smart!

Soon after I left Madrid and ended the Europe part of my trip. Off to Tokyo for a few days before heading home.