Madrid has its fair share of (“M” is for) MONUMENTS. You can’t but be impressed by the spectacle and display of these. The bus tour today took us past so many.

This photo of Mick was taken in front of the Puerto del Sol. This square marks the epicentre of the city and it is from here that all distances in Spain are measured. The statue in the middle is of King Carlos III (“M” is for MONARCHS). I wanted this photo to show the famous sign of Tio Pepe sherry in the back for Mick’s mum Kath, who had told us about it before we left. This sign has the same importance as the Coca Cola one in Kings Cross.

The next MONUMENT we spotted was the Puerto de Alcalá, built by none other than Carlos III, after he had the original one pulled down.

It stands in the Plaza de la Independencia.

“M” is for MAJESTIC and for MYTHICAL.

Two in one in this shot (but you may need your magnifying glass) – with the Cibeles (Ceres) Fountain, depicting the roman goddess of nature in a chariot being pulled by two lions. This fountain was built in 1777 and is famous for being the meeting place of fans of the (soccer) team Madrid Real if they win a cup.

Behind is the city hall (Palacio de Comunicaciones), this magestic building was originally built on 1909.

Another MYTHICAL example …..

Fuente de Neptuno – depicts the sea-god in a conch-shell chariot pulled by sea horses and surrounded by dolphins.

More MAGESTIC

The Catedral de la Almudeno where the the current King of Spain was married in 2004 when he was a prince.

And …

Our tour today highlighted how new parts of Madrid were, especially when we compared it to the places we have just spent the past four weeks. So, “M” is for MODERN.

I snapped two examples of some typical locals, so “M” is for MADRILEÑOS.

These workers were enjoying a beer on their morning tea break about 10.30am. And why not? While this old man was sitting in the shade enjoying a smoke while reading a book. I’d love Mick to draw this fellow.

Last one.. “M” is for MORNING TEA.

Unsure what that little thing was, but I had to try one. It tasted like waffle on the outside but was filled with a very sweet egg-coloured custard – I think.

Madrid is proving to be a very beautiful city.