Greetings from Spain!

The last two nights have been spent in Madrid.  Metropolitan Madrid has a population of over 6 million, the third largest in Europe after London and Paris.  The first historical record of Madrid dates from the Moorish era in the late 9th century.

Madrid is a lovely, modern city.  The siesta is still part of the culture.  Many shops/stores open at 10 a.m., close for lunch from 2-4 and close at 9 p.m.   However, the large department stores in metropolitan areas have the more traditional hours Americans are use to.

The sole was excelled