2 Go Madrid Photos

Here we are back in Spain. We are very excited because we will be spending the next two weeks with the Willis family traveling around Spain and relaxing on the beaches of Costa de Sol. We begin our adventures in the capital city of Madrid.

Rich and his brother, Don and his wife Emily, enjoy what seems to be one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, Madrid's Atocha.

The Plaza Mayor began used to be the center stage for bullfights. It was actually much more than that. The Madrilenos would join in and chase the bulls with sticks. We think that the bull actually may have it better now. That does not say much for the bull. The bulls probably thinks it is all a bunch of bull.

The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is an impressive 2000 room royal palace fit for a king. However, the King of Spain, Juan Carlos, and his wife, Sofia, do not live here. They only use the palace for special occasions.

The armory goes back to the medieval days where knights in shining armor wore these silly outfits which must have been difficult to run in when the going got tough.

Tapas are the main course for many Spaniards. Tapas are little appetizers and sandwiches that are enjoyed standing up in a crowded bar. It is great fun...really it is. If you want to rub elbows with the locals...this is the way to do it. Here, Rich's parents, Tessa and Don, are full after loading up on their first tapas.

We could not let the Willis family come to Madrid without experiencing a bullfight. While Kelly decided to sit this one out, Rich took Don Sr., Don Jr. and Emily to the Plaza de Toros for a different type of bullfight.

This is old school bullfighting: Corrida de Rejones, where the "matador" never leaves the relative comfort of his horse. From that perch, the matador impresses the crowd with his horsemanship and his ability to get him and his horse extremely close to the chasing bull, while at the same time wearing the bull down with the standard array of spears before going in for the kill with his killing sword.

While the horsemanship truly was outstanding (this is a photo of the horse sidestepping around the ring while the bull angrily pursues), we think we prefer the matador to be on foot. In this version, not only do you feel concern for the bull who has no chance, but you are concerned these beautiful horses may be injured, or killed, as well.

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