Hello Madrid

The location of our hostel in Madrid was very central and we actually walked everywhere.

Beautiful flower kiosks pop up along the street.

Diehard soccer fans or Spanish solidarity?  Flags.

Guess who followed me from Cadiz?

Heading up this amazing street to Plaza Mayor.

In english it means 'Main Square.'

A great archway....there are 9 entrances into Plaza Mayor.

Another Christmas Market.  Yippppeeee.

The Plaza Mayor was constructed in the 16th century.

It was the site of the infamous Spanish Inquisition where people charged with heresy were either killed (burned), whipped, or tortured.  Or had to 'serve an act of penance' if they were charged with a lesser crime.

The statue below is in the very centre of the Plaza Mayor.

It is Felipe III from 1616.  He was the King of Spain from 1598-1621.

This Christmas Market has many costume type gifts to purchase such as fun hats, glasses, boas, joke gifts etc.  Equally there are a number of booths that are selling items for nativity scenes.

Quite elaborate, pieces to add to Nativity Scenes....so amazing.

A butcher.

A piggy on a spit.

The Wisemen.

A sheep shearer.

....and of course the main part of the scene, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

After the market, it was suggested we try out this restaurant for excellent burgers.

Funny thing...it is a totally vegan establishment.

Viva Burger.

We loved the burger and fries and tofu 'mayo.'  So good.

Deb and I also shared a thai dinner with a very delicious......

.....yummy dessert.

A quiet square adjacent to the restaurant.

We walked back through Plaza Mayor to see the Christmas lights at night.

Puerta del Sol is another spot we hung out at waiting for the lights to come on.

Here is the Christmas Tree before dark....

...and spectacular when the lights come on.

Puerta del Sol is the symbolic  'heart of Spain.'  There is a plaque here on the ground that marks 'kilometer 0' and all roads begin from here.

'El Oso y El Madrono' in english 'The Bear and the Strawberry Tree.'

It is the official symbol of the city of Madrid since the 13th century.

It represents the coat of arms.

So many people out and about it is unbelievable.

We enjoyed the colours and the vibe of this great square.

....and our visit isn't done yet....

But for tonight...we are pooped.

Tomorrow the Cathedral and the Palace.