Canaries y Mas Madrid

Finals came and went. Most of my friends quickly headed back to the States, but I elected to remain in Europe for another week or so. During that time, I enjoyed a relaxing couple of days in the Canary Islands and also achieved closure in Madrid.

The Canary Islands--a collection of islands off the West Coast of Africa, but technically still Spain; YAY imperialism!--was an experience. My roommate and I took a 6 am flight and remained in Las Palmas (on the island of Gran Canaria) for a couple days. Basically, we vegged for a few days straight, enjoying all the normal perks of a beach experience.

A few Canary notables:

1) although the landscape and other aspects made one remember their close proximity to Africa, it still felt like Spain. My conclusion: a common language has that effect. I had drawn a similar thought in Pais Vasco, Andalucia, Barcelona, etc. Generally, although they were all very different from Madrid the common language gave a perception of a like identity.
2) I elected to not wear sunscreen. This was a poor choice, and I am still peeling a week later.
3) There were Speedos and topless women/girls galore. This was my first Euro beach experience and I felt a little odd. I just do not think guys and girls should adopt a universal bathing option, that being, both electing to wear only V-shaped bottoms. The male figure does not belong in such gear...its awkward for him and everybody else. I, and more than likely God himself, are judging such a man. Also the mere fact that the topless woman was perfectly comfortable in such an environment made me uncomfortable. I guess this is just a reflection of my upbringing--one of a more Victorian, and too common American ideal that is not as comfortable or accustomed with nakedness.
4) It was a Spanish holiday while we were there. There were people everywhere.

As for Madrid, I had the weekend to say my goodbye to my great host this last four or so months. I literally walked the streets for hours and just absorbed my final few days. Below are some photos of both the Canary Islands and Madrid:

real madrid stadium

approaching

*this is a typical Madrid street
**when walking it is easy to not notice all the trees in the city
***thus one must remember to look around, namely upward, from time to time...
****yes, i am in the street and about to get hit (the price you pay for a good photo)

retiro park [revisited]

depth

gran via

my favorite building in madrid

*i believe it is a government communications building

the palace with the cathedral directly behind

the opera

spring

palace

palace gardens

random

strut your stuff

gracias...

cliffs

da heavens.

man

solidarity

movement

?

*if you look closely at the bottom it reads, "precaucion en el bano." translation: "use caution when swimming." bano usually = bathroom. i found it odd that they use bano to describe the ocean and swimming...