Madrid part I

Madrid, a beautiful and cold city in the winter. We came during a festival, and so did everyone else in Spain. This is Plaza Mayor. It is here that they have their Christmas market and the tackiest things we have ever seen. Everyone wears horrible wigs, and masks, and goes around blowing on the most annoying toy trumpets. It was fun to see some of the Christmas traditions on this side of the world.



Probably some of the best of the Spanish culture is in the Prado Museum. Full of Velazquez, Goya, and Van Dyck; this museum is wonderful. We were lucky to be in town during a special exposition, "The Fables of Velazquez." Even though it was busy we were able to jump the line because of Eve. The paintings inside were amazing.


The Que. This line-up was enormous, there had to be over 2000 people in the line at any given time, it moved quickly though.


Mark in front of the Velazquez statue. Just outside of the Prado Museum. (This is Mark's favorite painter)


The masks and wigs that people buy and wear. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a horrible mask or a bright green wig. I still don't get the festival they were celebrating.