As the 4th largest city in Europe, Madrid seems to be a place for nightlife, business, and tourism. Most people don’t have dinner before 10 PM and therefore it is not uncommon for bars and clubs to stay open until at least 4 AM… Of course, in observance with the local tradition, a daily ‘siesta’ for 3 hours in the afternoon is necessary with this kind of lifestyle. When exploring the city center on Gran Via there are several Spanish versions of Broadway classics such as Los Productores and Mamma Mia as well as new release films at La Palacia de la Musica such as Los Infiltrados. One also doesn’t have to venture far before confronting one of the many roundabouts that circle beautiful monuments and plazas like the Puerta de Alcala (pictured). The ancient Spanish architecture is everywhere and it makes me wonder what it would be like to be back in a new ‘modern’ city in N. America again… But then again, where could I have tapas and hear the best flamenco music in the world if I wasn’t here?