Central Spain

I pass by here every time I go into Algete to go to the shops or to catch a bus into Madrid. A typically hot and dry day. I think the heat comes across here - Certainly over 40ºC that day. (And even the mad dogs weren't out!!) A fair representation of many of Madrid's outer suburbs. Better on full screen. And some happy music! www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvcUb2at7os

Typical older architectural style here in the centre of the old town. Sight and sound; I just thought Spanish music appropriate! www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DksHrTaslM

In the distance can be seen the Four Towers at the northern edge of Madrid (please feel free to open the note!) And another flawless blue sky (and a rare wisp of cloud!) The map says 'Asia Doner Kebab'. When I previously lived in Algete for a year (2010/11) there was a kebab shop here but it closed even as I was living here then. So Google maps aren't always completely up to date! Sight and Sound; I used to like this band then forgot all about them.Something sparked me into listening again and yes, I like their funky style! www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJomeuoDFlI

Algete Street scene no. 5. Parish church

This street is just below ours. It has a good view to the Guadarrama Mountains. Again a +40ºC day and it certainly felt it as I took my daily constitutional! The two green bins are a necessary evil and are a statement to our times so I think they have their place here! I have to say the light these past two weeks here has been pristine! No editing of shots at all necessary or desirable! Please on full screen and feel free to close in even further!

These streets really do give me good exercise for improving my stamina prior to my eventual walks back in the mountains! Another view right in the heart of the old town. Crikey! And another pure blue sky! We are blessed or what! Actually this is my personal favourite from my streets of Algete series. Sight and sound. Well I sometimes get a trifle homesick! Always loved this even though it has nothing whatsoever to do with the photo! www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUgoBb8m1eE

A bit of a cheat perhaps but included in this series because this lane was once the main thoroughfare between Algete and its neighbour Fuente El Saz de Jarama, The traffic these days goes by a less direct route behind that hill. I'm delighted with this because I live on top of that hill (see note) and a main road here would have spoilt our terrific view! This scene could be late summer in very many places across Europe! I pushed myself with a walk to Fuente el Saz this afternoon, in the heat, a three hour trip there and back, but I found it easier than I expected!

Today the mountains CAN be seen! Compare this with the previous upload! A shot taken in a subdued evening light. Perhaps better enlarged.

Not in the 'Streets of Algete' sequence because it's just over the parish boundary in Fuente el Saz de Jarama. Another from my walk a couple of days ago. Our house can still be seen on the top of that hill.

Another trumpet vine shot but I don't think one can have too many trumpet vine shots! (Seems to work on full screen too)

Dried late summer vegetation at the edge of grain fields. I can see where I live from here.

Always difficult to video or photo as they are so quick! They do a great service by keeping the mosquito population down. They are normally seen just as the sun sets. Best on full screen and further enlargement to view the bat!

Monastery with superb granite backdrop. Sierra de La Cabrera, Madrid province. One from the past. Not sure if it was posted previously on Ipernity; definitely was on Panoramio in 2011.

Where our plastic bottle tops go. I thought the heart-shaped container was a nice touch by the council! And I thought the many tops were pretty colourful! Algete street scene no. 11. Best on large.

Steps by the side of the house. Shadow fence.

H. A. N. W. E. everyone! The target of my recent walk across the fields - At my pace this is two hours away. Next time I'll get there in 1:5 hours! Iglesia de San Pedro Mártir. Fuente el Saz de Jarama.

As there are steps on both sides of the house, I benefit greatly from the exercise this affords. Steps are one of the most useful physiotherapeutic tools known to man! The newly built barbecue with its cute little chimney, is plainly visible.

Our weather today - wave after wave of storms. We certainly need the rain! Sight and sound; no real relevance here, I just like Tim Buckley! www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMTEtDBHGY4