Madrid Pictures

OK, you've waited long enough. Here's a bunch of pictures of Madrid. The bear and the strawberry tree (El Oso y El Madroño) are the symbol of Madrid. I don't know why - I haven't seen any live bears or strawberry trees kicking around. I'm not even sure that strawberries grow on trees. Whatever, it's a nice statue on the edge of Puerta del Sol.

This is Plaza Mayor, a grand arcaded square. The geezer on the horse in the middle is King Felipe III - the statue was made in 1616.

El Catedral de Almudena: building began in 1883 and finished in 1993! You can see the northern mountains in the background on the left.

As in any old city, it's always worth looking up at the tops of buildings: this is where the architects have their fun when the client isn't looking.

This is part of the view from our terrace. The building with the green roof is Torrés Colón, designed by Antonio Lamela Martinez - I don't know what he was on when he did this, but it was the 70s. The things in the sky? Spanish aerobatic team. They're always whizzing about.

Another bloke on a horse. This statue is in Puerta del Sol and represents King Carlos III

Our apartment faces due east, so we always get to see the sunrise. And we also get to see the sunset as it casts a glorious golden glow over the city.