Madrid - First full day,,

We were up at 3.15 and off to the airport - it was warm even at that time of the morning... left the UK in dazzling sunshine and warmth - and arrived in Madrid in ... RAIN

Today in the wet, we set off for various points..

Men creating scaffolding

The Royal Palace -which was stunningly beautiful - the rooms were amazing.. but apart from the entrance hall. no photography permitted.. I will scan some postcards when I get home...

and for a brief moment.. I saw blue

Then into the cathedral - beautiful..

We had lunch in the Cathedral cafe then set off for a nearby park

En route.. Monk Parakeets - only a record shot but a lifer for me

Walking to the park entrance.. the first bird in a tree was.... a Peacock!!

One of the roads

and whilst in the Cathedral, Pete couldn't resist adopting a Spanish relative of Quacks & Ponders.. so we have an addition... he is still to be named.. :D