Arts and Crafts.

Here is a photo of Spanish President Mariano Rajoy.

Here is a photo of someone attempting to strangle a puppet Mariano Rajoy holding scissors that he will use to cut the government budget.

I have no opinion on the sentiment expressed in this photo, but I do think this is a pretty impressive crafts project that someone spent a lot of time on. They've really captured his likeness.

Naturally.

Naturally, all that protesting really works up a thirst.

And, I mean, down the with the capitalist, right-wing, war machine and all that, but you can still enjoy a leisurely lunch with wine and cheese and cured ham. Right?

Another Weekend, Another Protest.

Of course, the Spanish are expert protesters, it seems there is some sort of crowd somewhere every weekend. Every now and then there are arrests or an injury, but for the most part everyone behaves. A bit of very loud whistling.

Some (Communist?) flag waving and chanting. The chants mostly consisted of swearing at the president or simply "Huelga! (Strike!)"

And as you can see, the police weren't particularly concerned either. No helmets or shields. No batons or even intimidating numbers of police. Everyone just sort of does their own thing and then heads home.

Cuts.

Big protests across Madrid this weekend, huge crowds out in the streets upset about cuts to government spending.

Various interest groups protesting budget cuts that affect them. Firefighters from the north marching against budget cuts:

Teachers with giant green pencils protest cuts to public education:

And here are music teachers protesting cuts to music education. This group was marching while playing Darth Vader's theme.

Holy.

So, is that like a mosque or something?

Attack.

I will eat all of the pizza of these Italians!!

Another Tour.

I guess it's been a year already. Once again La Vuelta makes its way into Madrid for the big victory lap. Last year they came into town by way of the grand avenue, Castellana. This year they blurred by us along the Arco de Triunfo near Moncloa.

Bunk.

Just one of a few machine gun nests leftover from the Civil War. This one is in the middle of a large park on the northwest side of the city. No plaque, no explanation of what it is or why it's there.

I'm not even really sure why it wasn't torn down, other than perhaps inertia. Anyway, this one was part of a series that ran along the university campus, the site of many bloody urban battles.

To the Top.

The final leg of a mountain bike race we stumbled on. It was a tough, dusty course and the final loop curved around this old castle.

Stopping for gas at a station just outside of town, we saw one of the racers spraying his bike down with a power washer. I turned away to check the gas tank and when I looked back again, the guy was power washing the dirt off his legs.

Day in Chinchon.

Another gorgeous hilltop pueblo, Chinchon is just outside of Madrid along the edge of the Jarama Valley. Everything about it is so typically Spanish, in the best possible way.

The ring was empty, but we left with our hearts filled with OLE!

Pretty in Pink.

It's like looking in a mirror.

Waiting.

Waiting for Ms. Pretty Ballerina to arrive.

Night Out.

Spain is deep into its second year of "La Crisis," the fallout from the housing collapse in 2010. Official unemployment is at about 25% and unemployment for those under age 35 is about 50%. So naturally, it's time for the annual celebration of consumerism, Vogue Fashion Night Out. The merry-go-round was transformed into a Juicy Couture hair styling tent.

Spreading the word via scooter.

Sidewalk DJ, velvet rope included.

Chariots

While visiting beautiful St. Andrews in Scotland for the weekend, these birds were my audience as I ran along the beach a la Chariots of Fire.

Scottish Disney

This way to the Magic Kingdom.

Royal Guard

Looks like someone is just waiting to sign up.