May 2003. Here are a few selected shots of my first visit to Madrid. Or for that matter, Spain. Loved the architecture, food and the nightlife.

 

Delicious Spanish ham
Pata Negra ham – the best in the world!

 

 

Las Ventas bullfight stadium

 

 

Plaza de la Independencia

 

 

Bullfighting
First (and last) time to a bullfight!

 

 

Unusual row of flats with curved windows

 

 

Modern flats with balconies

 

 

Churros and chocolate

 

 

At the churreria

 

 

Lavapiés

 

 

Corner of red-brick building

 

 

Sun-baked building in the square

 

 

Bar in Lavapiés

 

 

The Rastro flea market

 

 

Another typical bar

 

 

At the Rastro flea market

 

 

Tiled-building close-up

 

 

Café at Plaza Mayor

 

 

Elaborate curved window design

 

 

Renovated Old Madrid

 

 

Drink and eat at the ham museum

 

 

At the Museum of Ham

 

 

Sausages and more sausages

 

 

Calamari and green olives

 

 

The Metro

 

 

Torres Puerta Europa
Designed by John Burgee, these buildings are 115m high and are leaning with a 15-degree tilt.

 

 

 Modern buildings
Modern architecture on the Paseo de la Castellana.