Anyway, Madrid is a wonderful city; cosmopolitan in some ways, but also full of history. This third largest city in the European Union was founded in 1562 by Onco Bianar from Tuscany (so it ties in with my Italian roots), and is known by the locals as "La Villa" ( the village). We've a lot here to visit; La Puerta del Sol and La Plaza Mayor (the two largest squares in Madrid); the Royal Palace and the Cathedral; the Prado and the Botin ( the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records). The food is delicious, especially the Churros (a fried dough pastry which is dipped in melted chocolate). Mmmmmm! For the past four days, Madrid has been celebrating the Festival of San Isidro, patron saint of the city.Huge music stages have been set up all over the city with performances running day and night. And often, whole families are dressed in traditional costumes that commemorate San Isidro. We are having a blast!
We're beginning to feel that Spanish is in our blood: first Cuba, now Madrid, and soon Barcelona. I was thinking of changing my name to "Antonio Banderas", but someone may already be using it. Anyway, Madrid is a wonderful city; cosmopolitan in some ways, but also full of history. This third largest city in the European Union was founded in 1562 by Onco Bianar from Tuscany (so it ties in with my Italian roots), and is known by the locals as "La Villa" ( the village). We've a lot here to visit; La Puerta del Sol and La Plaza Mayor (the two largest squares in Madrid); the Royal Palace and the Cathedral; the Prado and the Botin ( the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records). The food is delicious, especially the Churros (a fried dough pastry which is dipped in melted chocolate). Mmmmmm! For the past four days, Madrid has been celebrating the Festival of San Isidro, patron saint of the city.Huge music stages have been set up all over the city with performances running day and night. And often, whole families are dressed in traditional costumes that commemorate San Isidro. We are having a blast! The bear and the strawberry tree are the symbols of Madrid. This elegant building, just a couple of blocks from our apartment, houses the Society General of Authors and Editors. With space-limited apartments, sometimes this is the only way to store your bicycle. Romanesgue influences can be found throughout the city. Named after a city gate that, at one time, was a main entrance into the walled city, La Puerta del Sol plaza is one of the main squares in the center of the city. At the edge of Puerta del Sol is "Kilometer Zero" from which all distances in Spain, and during the time of the Spanish Empire, all distances to the known world, are measured. The other major square is Plaza Mayor. Royal festivals and bull fights were once held here. Beautiful architecture abounds throughout the city. While food is plentiful and delicious.... ...some are quite different... ...while others are quite familiar. But, there are always Churros! Over the years, Madrid has expanded greatly. This was taken from the Coppola at the top of the Cathedral. The children get dressed in traditional outfits for the Festival of San Isidro... ...as do some whole families... ...and even extended families and friends.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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