On Explore

Kids' playgrounds are open now but I saw no one at all, neither child nor adult in this square. Very strange. Did they know something I didn't, I wonder?

Plaza Mayor (town square), Guadarrama, under the ancient and venerable, giant elm tree.

From the coastpath at Newdown's Head, Cornwall

'Why so, Andy?' 'Well, my friends, it is here I first met my girlfriend. Let me explain ...' This is Banco Santander's Madrid base for official functions, banquets, award ceremonies and so on. Their actual head office is some way out of Madrid and covers rather more ground than this palacete (or 'little palace') on the Paseo de la Castellana, but they needed somewhere prestigious and central for functions. Training is also held here so I found myself teaching Business English here in 2012. Half way through the term, a sensational - looking lady burst into my class (all 6 foot 3 of her, legs up to her armpits, flaming shock of red curly hair and a genuine kaftan! I hadn't seen one since the 70s!) Anyway, she said in very cut-glass tones (Spanish cut-glass obviously); "Good afternoon! Sorry to jump straight in like this. You don't know me and I'm not on your student list. But I've just got head office to agree I can join your class. OK?" ... as she proceeded to plonk herself down on the only available seat. Her cheek was in the fact that she never worked for Banco Santander but for the Fundación Santander, a totaly different body and not one that should have enjoyed the same staff perks; but as their own were inferior, she decided to get round the system. She is good at getting what she thinks is her due! She was never added to my list of 'official' students and so to this day I think she pulled a fast one, but bully for her!!! The rest is history!

I can't resist showing this favourite rock of mine from time to time!

From the public gardens of the Canal de Isabel II (a waterworks company) across Calle Santa Engracia (my street) and to 'Fire Station Number I, Madrid', the oldest fire station (1892). The light was very bright that day and the pollution non-existant (still far fewer cars on the roads and far fewer planes above - in fact last week I heard a noise and thought; 'what on Earth is that?' ... Of course it was the near-forgotten sound of an aircraft!!)

The park is full of the usual idiots - youngsters in the main- crawling all over each other, sharing food, and drinks from the same bottles, Of course, not a mask to be seen and in groups of what seem like 100s. Why don't the authorities put a firm stop to it? Many will be asymptomatic and contagious. The 2nd wave is already here. They will spread it quickly and put at risk all the self-sacrifice that has gone on before and is still continuing among the more cautious and sensible of the population.

Godrevy Lighthouse and Island from Godrevy Point, Cornwall.

It doesn't seem to be a Covid thing. On some Sundays sections of this north-south main Madrid axis are closed. I presume for demonstrations or just for the public to enjoy on foot, on bikes, on scooters, roller skates, etc. But honestly I don't know why! However,today it was blocked off along very long sections and there was absolutely no-one around. It's like seeing Oxford Street or the Champs Elysées on a Sunday afternoon without a soul. Unthinkable! And I'm still puzzled! If Prez T was paying a visit to Madrid I could understand it; no crowds would show so no security would be required!

And yet it's not as modern as it looks, being constructed in 1975 by architects José Antonio Corrales Gutiérrez and Ramón Vásquez Molezún. Built with pink granite from local quarries, bronze-coloured glass and red coloured anodised aluminium, it currently houses the offices of the European Parliament in Madrid and the Irish Embassy.

The ubiquitous oleander. Well, my park has finally re-opened but there is only one thing one can do and that is enter and leave by one entrance only (five gates are closed. Bad luck if you live on the far side of the park, such as I!). You can walk round the outer edge of the park on the running track but running and jogging are banned. Lesser paths among the rose beds and so on are blocked, all seats are out of bounds as are all the children's play areas and the many cafes and bars. Masks are obligatory as is 2 metres distancing but these last two rules are ignored by many which makes me seethe like little else!

An iconic stadium and home of Real Madrid. I thought I had better take a last photo before it is turned into a giant aluminium George Foreman grilling machine. (Thanks to Keith Burton for that analogy! Better than the 'Cornish pasty' I compared it to at first!). I saw the plans a few years ago - I taught English there - so I know of what I speak ...and was horrified! OK, here it is www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pPohc_3dRA I sincerely believe the current building should be preserved as a cultural and architectural icon. But I am too late as the building work has begun and Real Madrid are playing their revived season's fan-less home match programme at their training complex at Valdebebas to the north-east of Madrid and I presume they will play there until 2023.

Cancho Gordo, Sierra de La Cabrera on a foggy day (foggy for the plains and valleys of most of Spain that day that is!) This has to go down as the most enjoyable day I spent in these mountains and there have been many! I started out in thick fog, not knowing if I would clear it!

It's in the 'new' town of Zarzalejo Estación, about a mile and a half from the ancient village of Zarzalejo up the road. Behind is the hill of La Machota Chica, a great pile of granite boulders. All very near the great palace of EL Escorial which I always include in the same walk (not least beacause it is the nearest bus station from Madrid). 5 minutes earlier, the congregation, followed by the priest who locked up after all had left, filed out at the end of Sunday's midday mass.

Generally a pleasant day but for half an hour a snow storm rolled in sharply and I saw it coming and prayed it would be over quickly (I was in t-shirt gear). Thankfully it was short-lived, but a warning to the likes of me that you must always be prepared in the mountains! Even for a snow storm in May!

A very sunny day and the colour of the sea was magical! More like Greece than Cornwall! Samphire and Asparagus Islands seen here. Strictly speaking the near island (Samphire) hasn't been an island since a serious cliff fall - about 40 years ago - blocked the channel even at the highest of tides.

My local park is still closed. I'm sure it's because of the much-used running track seen here. It would have been crammed full of joggers, mostly without masks, so the authorities had no choice I suppose.

Jardín Enrique Herreros. One of the few parks open in Madrid (and it's tiny!) I certainly didn't spot the bee until long after uploading!