Urban shots

Dusk. Taken from in front of the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. When I took this in 2014, I was teaching both at the Torre Europa (at KPMG) and at Real Madrid, so only a short hop between classes!

I live in the building at the far left of the shot. Near Cuatro Caminos and the confluence of two famous Madrid streets, Calle Santa Engracia and Calle Bravo Murillo

I wanted to emphasise the colour contrasts with the the light and the darkness of the approaching storm!

A typical door in this well-preserved historic town.

Torre Picasso, Madrid in intense light this morning. I had three classes here this morning. My first was at 7:30 am and it was perishing cold (minus something or other) and I was well wrapped up on the way here (on foot, 20 minutes from my flat). By the time I left at about 1:00 it was in the 70s F (about 23ºC). I had to lug my heavy crombie, scarf and gloves all round Madrid in t-shirt weather! One of the hazards of living in Madrid!

sculpture using old sleepers and railway timbers. Principe Pio mainline and metro station, Madrid

Nuevos Ministerios, Azca commercial centre and umbrella pines.

Torre Colón, constructed in 1976, and next to it the smaller building in white and cream, Number 1, Castellana, where I teach once a week (a 1920s ceation, I believe).

Just realised I should saved it for a Friday! Oh well!

It looks like a Scots Pine to me but can someone confirm or refute?

A pretty village (and very touristy) in the Sierra de Bejar (an offshoot of the Sierra de Gredos), Salamanca Province.

A succession of storm clouds swept over Hortaleza (Madrid) that day. Better on full screen.

This walk and cycle way lies above the M40 peripheral motorway. An impressive use of space by the late 70s / early 80s planners I think!

Part of the western facade. Mount Abantos and the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial provide the backdrop below a Mediterranean sky (although nowhere near the Med!).

I confess I know nothing about it. I passed by one day in dull weather and just liked it and took the shot (I have a couple of others). I can't remember even if it is residential or commercial or anything else for that matter. I haven't been back to that part of Madrid (Hortaleza) since.

Colmenar de Oreja, Madrid Province

A tiny but delightful garden, lovingly restored about 20 years ago. For Pam.