I decided to visit the Parque del Buen Retiro a large green space in the heart of Madrid. But of course along the way there were random points of interest to see. Like arches, intricate tops of buildings and fountains.
Even storefronts caught the eye.
These doll-like figures, all painted differently but from the same mold, dot the city.
As I entered the park I stopped to chat with the men manning this booth. Their combined English was better than my Spanish. Basically I thought that after Franco Spain had become a democracy but that is not exactly true. Spain since 1978 has had a constitutional monarchy which on paper could be similar to the UK. The first big difference is the prime minister is appointed by the king and approved by the legislative branch. The Spanish government is decentralized, with 17 autonomous regions and two autonomous cities, which have significant control over their own jurisdictions, making the central Spanish government relatively weak. Each one has its own legislature and an executive branch. Apparently there are 2 major parties and one seems to always win as they have the most money. This is a very rough understanding and Catalonia is one of the most powerful regions in the country and is pushing for it’s own independence.
Parque del Buen Retiro was refreshing. With the boating basin and cool shade from the trees.
From here I headed to the Navel Museum. Considering Spain’s long navel history I was sure it would be interesting and I was not disappointed. Signage was mostly in Spanish. And oddly enough very little about the greatest sea battle Spain was ever in! Probably because Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, whilst losing his own life in the battle, was able, by very novel maneuvering, to wipe the navy out during the Napoleonic War.
Boarding & close combat weapons
North American, Caribbean Indians paying homage to Columbus
Modern day drone
Did I mention how handsome Charles /Carlos III was?
This might be Trafalgar
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