A lot has changed since our last trip to Spain 27 years ago, but a lot has also stayed the same. Madrid is a much more modern city, with a much improved transportation system and the price of food and accommodations is more in line with the rest of Europe and N. America. However, the old traditions remain. The tapas bars are packed with locals and tourists, enjoying the wine, beer and friendship, and in the evening the squares are filled with grandparents, parents and children all dressed nicely, and enjoying the coolness of evening. One doesn't think about going to bed early, because at 9pm the city comes alive and sleeping is difficult because of the noise in the streets. The monuments and buildings are amazing, and to think all were built with low tech methods and a lot of hard work. With many cathedrals taking centuries to complete.
Enough of the niceties..it was frig'n hot when we arrived, 37C at 2pm and 36C by 7pm. Those monuments and buildings are made of stone, and stone is a great material for storing energy, hence by midnight the the temperature dropped to 25C. It's no wonder an afternoon nap is essential to survive the heat. We drank a lot of water, beer and wine to keep hydrated and happy. Also, this country has not imposed a smoking ban. People smoke everywhere – bars, restaurants, hotels, buildings, etc. The only place to be free of smoke is a church. Therefore, there are not many in church. See pictures>>
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