MADRID FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I recently spent 5 days in Madrid.   I was there for Thanksgiving, but the Christmas decorations had just gone up around the city.   This majestic capital is impressive on any day - but with the holiday spirit - it really sparkles.   The decorations were strung by the mile!  Block after block - as far as the eye could see.   Madrid really knows how to spread some holiday cheer!

 

BLACK FRIDAY IN MADRID

I'm in Madrid for a long holiday weekend.   I spent "Black Friday" in the Prado Museum.   There is a Rembrandt exhibit on now and it is incredible to see all of these pieces in one show.   The museum has a permanent collection that is worth bragging about.   The amount of Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, Rubens, etc. is staggering!  It is a definite must see on your trip list.   More on Madrid to come later.   The news channels are full of accounts of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.  At this time - the siege continues and the death toll climbs.   It seems surreal to watch the networks  split their coverage between these hideous attacks and retail shopping in the United States!  It is before noon in the U.S. and already some shoppers have been at it for hours!   Early reports say more cash is being spent than in recent years - this could be a good sign that people are not running up their cards for holiday shopping.   Lets wait and see just what the results are this year!