Last Gasp....Madrid

We were collected on time by our Grand taxi (not so grand, old Mercedes) driver in Asilah and delivered to the Tangier airport in plenty of time for the flight back to Madrid. We found our new home in the Lattino district of Madrid, very well let dated, squeaky clean and tiny! 

A short walk took us right into Plaza Mayor, and there was no doubting that we were back in Spain. 

Sucking pig anyone?

Chocolateria San Gines is located just off the plaza and is open 24 hours a day. Churros con chocolate, mmmm.

Mike selecting his cut at Museo del Jamon.

Madrid was jumping on Saturday night. Lots of dressed up characters in the plazas to pose for photos with.

A bit busier than usual perhaps with this demonstration in a Plaza del Sol.

The oldest restaurant in the world, also situated just off the Plaza Mayor.

We had wondered why there was so much rubbish on the streets near our house when we arrived yesterday.

Well, we are staying right in the middle of the El Rastro flea market that is at its busiest every Sunday, but also on other days. It was packed! Spot Helen in the crowd.

This photo is taken from our front door, the queue is for the bar over the road, El Capricho, which all the locals said served the best seafood tapas. 

Plaza Mayor on Monday morning. Yep, we still have had beautiful weather, though it is a bit cooler in the evenings.

Lining up for the 'free' entry to the Museo Prado on Sunday evening. This queue went right around the building, but we did get in and had time to see most of the masterpieces.

Walking home.

Via another Museo Jamon where the beer is cheap.

Mondnay morning coffee stop at the La Torre del Plaza Mayor. 

Lining up,for the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, for another freebie session. We had plenty of time to check out the musical clock over the road.

But the queue moved quickly once doors opened at midday. Some of the masterpieces: 

Degas

 Van Gogh (my favourite)

Lichtensein 

Parque de el Retiro in the afternoon.

Madrid RENFE railway station.

Last bit of culture, Museo Reina Sofia, in the evening for yet another 'freebie'. Picasso's Guernica is the big draw card, but also lots of other well known masterpieces.

Toulouse La Trek

Dali.

More Picasso

Mike, Helen and Marg do Spain! Olé!

Mercado San Miguel, tapas were on the menu.

Catedral de la Almudena

Palacio Real.

Even the swans in Madris have that flamenco feeling.

Plaza Espana.

Plaza del Sol.

It's All Saints Day today, Tuesday, so a bit of an extra long weekend. Many locals celebrated Halloween throughout the weekend. 

Farewell Espana.