The happy double decker buses that carry holiday folk around the city only seat people on the top cost only one euro and the ride lasts almost an hour. We girls spontaneously braved the line and had ourselves a fabulous time. Branches whipped us, the city flew by with a gorgeous display of light and cheer. I felt like belting out Christmas carols and took as many pictures as my chilly fingers could bear.
Madrid spends quite a bit of money on Christmas lights each year. The lights turn on at 18h and are shut off promptly at 22h. However, La Crisis has had its effect: some neighborhoods are unadorned this year.
Puerta de Alcala, just outside of Parque del Buen Retiro.
Glorieta de Cibeles, where Real Madrid celebrates significant victories. Notice the crazy Christmas hats. These are super popular in Madrid and I love them. Someone said that they're a reaction to the Franco years (the years of no fun). It's hard to imagine Spain without all the over-zealous fiestas.
Swinging onto Gran Via, past the Metropolis building.
Brave guy taking pictures on Gran Via. I was not that brave.
My favorite lights in the entire city. The eyes blink and wink all the way up Calle Hortaleza.
Gran Via
Plaza Santa Domingo, where Melissa, Joey, and Jayden used to live.
Plaza de Callao, home of the ice rink, Christmas tree, and Papa Noel.
Even without Christmas lights, Madrid is spectacular at night.
I am dying to visit this museum, the current exhibit is Mexican art from the 1950s.
One of my favorite motifs, but I forget which street.
Calle Jose Ortega y Gasset?
Que bonito!
Taking pictures on a moving bus in low light with a slow lens was a challenge. Haha, I realized when I woke up this morning that I could have adjusted the ISO and saved myself some trouble. I'm out of practice!
I wasn't paying attention to what street we were on at this point. Somewhere up by Colon.
I love the Corte Ingles lights. (I'll visit Cortylandia soon and post pictures of that as well.)Some of them look like snow falling. Unfortunately, the lights that move are so much more difficult to photograph.
Calle de Goya.
Calle de Goya.
The Girls at Colon. Full of Christmas spirit!
Looking toward Sol and the tree.
The fancy hotel in Plaza Santa Ana.
Above the Christmas market in Plaza Jacinto Benevente.
Calle Atocha?
Calle Arenal.
Calle Arenal with the Opera house in the background. Yay for a day spent with my ASM friends! With my new schedule, I rarely see many of my dear friends. It was lucky that I finally had a day off when they had a Puente. Thank goodness for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception!
