Short days and cold weather!

I'm back! Happy to have my bed and in a slightly warmer climate! I got to see a lot more of Madrid this time around and found that I actually like it a lot better than I thought. I spent 2 days just walking and walking and walking and found some nice little neighbourhoods that are kind of like El Born or new Raval in Barcelona with nice little shops and trees on the streets. I saw lots of the monuments that I missed last time around and a great exhibit of Architectural Paintings from the Renaissance era. So here are some pictures to help me explain :)

The Christmas lights still hanging in Placa Mayor, although to me they really look like flying saucers! This square is very famous for its near perfect symmetry and dimensions.

Inside the Cathedral

Outside of the Cathedral
A view of the Royal Palace through the trees - it actually looks more beautiful in the distance, up close it just looks a bit plain, but there are nice gardens around it.
Templo de Debod - one of only 3 egyptian temples outside of Egypt that they sent to Madrid during a time when they feared a lot of flooding and the destruction of their monuments. It's tiny but very interesting and really close to Placa Espanya and the parliament buildings. Too bad it was closed and I couldn't go in!
El Escorial - These are the gardens outside the amazing monastery/hospital/museum/chapel which is considered the 8th wonder of the world. The building is phenomenal but it's such a shame that you aren't allowed to take photos inside! I snuck one which you'll see later but here's a link with some more info - so glad we made it here on such a beautiful day! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Escorial
Another shot in the gardens which overlook perfect pastures with fluffly little trees and mountains in the background (small ones).
One of the entrances! The building is MASSIVE and still in use for hospital resesarch and the museum of it's architectural design and construction is really really great as well.
This is it! This is the only indoor picture I got, they have guards EVERYWHERE forbidding you to take photos - although it makes no sense to me why. There are tons of bodies of Spanish royalty lying inside this building and there are empty spaces waiting for more to come, although the Kings room is full.

Okay, see you in 3 weeks! The weather better shape up though or it might just be too difficult for me to get on the plane ;)

<3