It seems like we first arrived in England just yesterday, but here we are at our last European stop. After a long lunch in Zaragoza we pulled into Madrid around dinnertime. Following a good night's sleep, we woke up the next morning to falling snow! Although a bit chilly out, the snow made for a beautiful setting around town. For our first day of exploring we took a high-speed train to the nearby former Spanish capital of Toledo. Always playing a vital role in Spain's history, today the entire city has been declared a national monument. While we had no white stuff during our visit to Toledo, the flurries continued back in Madrid. We later learned that the 3 inches of accumulation in the city center was the most since 2001. The highways were a mess and the international airport was closed, but downtown the locals were having a ball.We started day two at Spain's Royal Palace, the largest of its kind in Western Europe with over 2,800 rooms. The kids' first question was how many of those 2,800 rooms we had to walk through. Luckily for them only a few dozen of the most spectacular are open to the public. Afterwards we tasted some local specialties, meandered through the markets, and explored the Prado (one of the world's top art stops) and Renia Sofia (home to Picasso's Guernica) museums. Unfortunately the Christmas lights were already done for the year, but there were still plenty of great sights. Full of huge parks, numerous public squares and elegant palaces, Madrid has a lot to offer.
For our last night in Europe we decided to have a quiet family dinner at the neighborhood tapas bar. As we sat and reminisced about all we had seen and done, a table of older ladies nearby started chatting with us in Spanish. As we exchanged pleasantries and tried to understand each other, they were busy making paper animals out of napkins for the kids. Madrid was a fitting end to all the beautiful places and interesting people we have met on this extraordinary journey.
Zaragoza Cathedral
Zaragoza is home to the popular Spanish painter, Francisco Goya.
An early morning snow outside the train station.
Toledo is well-known for its sword-makers. At this shop the local craftsman walked us through each step of the process.
Another one of Spain's great artists is Diego Velazquez, whose snow-covered statue sits in front of the Prado.
Ella's always up for a stop at the local bakery! (I don't mind either.)
Isn't this sweet? This gentleman was playing in the subway while his wife held the sheet music for him.
Plaza Mayor.
Here are two of Madrid's fine street artists. You have to love a plump Spider-Man...
...or a lady decorated as a fruit stand.
Bears, who once roamed the royal hunting grounds just outside the city, are one of the symbols of Madrid.
The Royal Palace.
One of the main entries inside the palace.
Many years ago when a king got dressed it was a sort of public affair. In this, the royal dressing room, numerous friends and employees would assemble as the king pulled on his leotards and adjusted his wig.
I just thought this was an interesting building, covered with several shades of green vegetation.
One of Madrid's main squares is Puerto del Sol. Marked with "kilometer zero", it is the official center of Spain.
The Three Stooges.
These "Bull" billboards appear all over in rural Spain.
Zaragoza is home to the popular Spanish painter, Francisco Goya.
An early morning snow outside the train station.
Toledo is well-known for its sword-makers. At this shop the local craftsman walked us through each step of the process.
Another one of Spain's great artists is Diego Velazquez, whose snow-covered statue sits in front of the Prado.
Ella's always up for a stop at the local bakery! (I don't mind either.)
Isn't this sweet? This gentleman was playing in the subway while his wife held the sheet music for him.
Plaza Mayor.
Here are two of Madrid's fine street artists. You have to love a plump Spider-Man...
...or a lady decorated as a fruit stand.
Bears, who once roamed the royal hunting grounds just outside the city, are one of the symbols of Madrid.
The Royal Palace.
One of the main entries inside the palace. 
Many years ago when a king got dressed it was a sort of public affair. In this, the royal dressing room, numerous friends and employees would assemble as the king pulled on his leotards and adjusted his wig. 
I just thought this was an interesting building, covered with several shades of green vegetation.
One of Madrid's main squares is Puerto del Sol. Marked with "kilometer zero", it is the official center of Spain.
The Three Stooges.
These "Bull" billboards appear all over in rural Spain.
