Spain- Marvelous Madrid

Having just read that there were union strikes on Saturday and Sunday, I was concerned about arriving in Madrid Monday night but, much to my delight, I found a vibrant, exciting and strike free city. The wide boulevards, lovely architecture of 17th and 18th century palaces and other structures as well
as contemporary architecture makes for a beautiful skyline.

The Royal Palace has over 2000 rooms, of which 20 are now open to the public. Kings sure know how to build to excess! The palace is decorated in grand style. It was rebuilt by the Bourbons in the 18th century. The last king to live in it was in 1931.The present king lives elsewhere and uses it for state and personal functions.

The streets are filled with people- tourists as well as citizens, enjoying sunny winter days with weather in the high 40's.

Pictured are the Monument to Cristopher Columbus, a street scene and the Royal Palace.