A Picture of Madrid

These are just SOME of my photos from my time in Madrid thus far. It's gorgeous here, a little chiller than expected, but nothing this Minnesotan born girl can't handle. The pictures starting at the top are as follows:

A couple of what are called "señoras" here. Señoras are typically women anywhere from 60+ years old, some are widowed, others divorced, but generally they're all adorable. Señoras are who host us foreigners in their houses to keep them company, which not only helps them from being lonely, but us students to practice our Spanish, so it's definitely a win-win situation.

Mercado de San Miguel is the second picture from the top. This market is home to some really cool things. They have fresh milk (this is a rarity and only for true cravings...like a couple days ago), pastries, a fish and meat market, a giant cheese booth and a variety of little counters to order tapas or drinks from. It kind of resembles a super fancy/modern version of a farmer's market.

Next is the Plaza Mayor. It used the be the major meeting place back in the "old days." Now it is home to lots of tourists, giant easter celebrations and some enthusiastic street performers. All of the windows that are seen in this picture are apartments, and the only way to live in one is to be grandfathered into one. Each apartment has about 8 bedrooms, and since it is considered a historic landmark, and since all of the residents' families have lived there for centuries, they pay a set fee of only 70€ a month (wouldn't that be nice!)

Below the Plaza Mayor is the Cathedral. This is the Cathedral across from the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). It was built for only the court to attend, but due to a lack of funding the public's taxes were raised, and it was opened to the public later on since the public itself had helped pay for a large amount of it.

The last picture is of the Palacio Real itself. The current monarchy does not live here as it is historic, however the grandfather of the current king did indeed live here. It is filled with lavish rooms filled with all sorts of gaudy furniture and decorations, don't get me wrong, it would be awesome to live there, but it is crazy what the palace is decorated in. The palace is also home to the largest collection of Stradivarius instruments in the world. As a former Violinist these instruments truly are the most gorgeous of them all. (sidenote, in order to keep them from rotting or depreciating, someone has the job of playing them for an hour everyday...what a sweet job!)