Arrival in Madrid

Madrid is Spain's capitol and largest city, with a population of over 3 million in the city proper and 6.5 million across the metropolitan area. It seems a good portion of those are always out walking in street as it is a very pedestrian-friendly city, with numerous plazas and pedestrian-only zones. After arriving by train and checking into our hotel we joined the masses for a Sunday stroll admiring the historical architecture and the big city vibe. We also checked out the Rastro, the largest flea market in Europe, which takes place every Sunday and covers many, many blocks. After dark we went walking again and, despite the chilly air, found just as many people out, plus all the Christmas decorations lit up. The Christmas lights were very artfully done and quite creative, not a tacky inflatable Santa in sight.

Nativity scenes must be as popular here as they were in Toledo though. We see booths set up in all the big plazas selling decorations, moss, tiny cottages, and little figurines of bearded men in robes. By the way, our friends Gordon and Antonio in Mexico, as well as Deborah's sister Suzie have informed us that it is tradition that the baby Jesus not be placed in the display until Christmas Day. His fashionably late appearance makes sense, I suppose, since he is not supposed to have been born yet. So call off the search party; I stand corrected.

Madrid's Atocha Train Station has a tropical garden smack dab in the middle of it. How cool is that?


Deborah with her easily identified luggage.




Christmas decorations for sale in the huge Plaza Mayor



The Rastro flea market. Check out the antique cash register.




Unique Christmas tree made of lights on a lattice shell.


Inside the tree.


Cathedral next to the Royal Palace.


Plaza Mayor at night.


Big department store down the street from our hotel.