Madrid is on Holiday

Spain traditionally closes down for the month of August. This makes a lot of sense because it's too bloody hot to do anything like work. I had forgotten today was the start of August, so I was a bit surprised to see a different watchman sitting in the box (the regular one now being on holiday), and even more surprised to see the biggest bar on the square closed. Walking around the barrio, it seems about half the bars and shops are closed.

I would not wish to be trying to drive out of any major Spanish city today.

Oh, and tomorrow is the first anniversary of our arrival in Madrid. A cake might be in order.