Our weekend in pictures...

This is our first weekend in Madrid, and it is the only one that isn't already pre-planned. We had to make sure that we took advantage of the time we had as our classes start Monday. We will be in class from 9-1 (then break for siesta) and then they pick up again from 3-7pm. So here is a quick series of pics that will sum up our weekend...

With the help of an honorary travel agent (my mom) we figured out the how, the when, and the where.

I love this picture as it really shows how traditional and modern sit side by side in Madrid.

We loved this building!

Entering Gran Villa which reminds us of Broadway in New York City.

The "chacho's" walking down the street. "Pictures 1 euro each!"

We can't remember what this building is used for, but we loved it.

This is the outside of the Reina Sofia museum which holds an impressive collection of Picasso's work including Guernica. We were unable to see the Dali exhibit, but we may have time to go back. The glass structure along the side are the elevators. 

The highlight of our Sunday was partaking in a Madrileno tradition of consuming churros con chocolate. This 100 year old tradition did not disappoint. We think the churros con chocolate is to Madrid what the benet is to New Orleans.

Yummy goodness!

Everywhere you turn in Madrid, if you are not seeing the Spanish national colors of yellow and red, or the colorful dresses of flamenco dancers, then you're looking at the traditional garb and pageantry of Los Matadores. We learned that on Sunday nights you could catch a bullfight at La Plaza del Toros. There were many moments of nail biting and gawking, but that was just listening and watching the locals yell at each other. The bullfight produced quite a few moments of excitement, suspense, and dread. Ultimately you knew how it was going to end for the bull, but the process kept you on the edge of your seat. 

Bull: 1 ; Matador (under the bull): 0

Ending the weekend with such a cultural tradition as the bullfight really made us appreciate the opportunity we have here in Madrid.