We're taking a break from touring; Ed is taking care of some work while seated in the Executive Lounge.  

A view of the open, modern interior of The Hilton Barajas.

This is another view of the rear of the Monument to Cervantes.  You can see that Plaza de Espana is an area filled with gardens and trees apart from the Monument and its reflecting pond.

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Directly above the statutes of Don Quixoti and Sancho Panza is the sitting statute of Cervantes.  Cervantes' "Don Quixoti" was published in two parts - one in 1605 and one in 1615.  It's truly an amazing literary work!!!

At the base of the Monument to Cervantes, are statutes of Don Quixito and Sancho Panza.

Right in the center of Plaza de Espana is this monument to Miguel de Cervantes.   

One lone deciduous tree (with its leaves turning) among a stand of pine trees.

This is a photograph inside the Parque del Oeste (the "Western Park").  It's a beautiful place to stroll on a lovely day.  The land the park currently occupies was the main landfill for Madrid prior to the 20th century.

This imposing structure is the Arco de la Victoria.  It was constructed in 1956.  It is one of the tallest archways (39 meters or 112 feet tall) in Madrid.  It was built to commemorate the Nationalist victory in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).  Beside it is the Faro de Moncloa observation tower (the silver steel building).

These are the ruins of Castillo del Alameda which is located in the residential area nearest the Hilton Barajas.  It was built between 1431 and 1476.  It wasn't discovered until 1996 when archeological excavations began.  You can view it from the outside but visitors are not permitted inside.