Frequently asked. These 2 snaps from the roof – I am trying to decide which I prefer. It is not the content – clearly – but B&W somehow offers more in spite of having no colour. Can’t decide which shots to post.

I had a short walk around the North East (?) side of the centre. I like being away from the tourist heart a bit. Strange, given I am staying slap bang in the centre at Plaza Mayor! Ended up back in centre – I used Cathedral as a marker. There is a small moorish garden next to the Cathedral. It – and the area around it – were the location of the early period in Madrid’s history. The location of the Palacio Real – Catedral and Plaza Mayor were an encampment to help protect against troop movements on Andalusia.

Restaurant Botin – just off the Plaza Mayor – is very old indeed and Goya allegedly worked there as a waiter. It claims to be the oldest surviving restaurant in continuous service. It is easily found by the continuous groups of walking tours outside :-)

I managed the first proper stroll this evening around Madrid. I saw a Sardine in a coffin being paraded through the streets before being interred at a Royal Garden Palace. A touch unusual.

Snaps:

The final image is the old North Station – such a shame to see such a magnificent building in that condition.

They have started celebrating early. Those sardines need buried. Mas tarde…