Duane Pandorf Photography

Its been a wonderful couple days here in Madrid.  Yes, the weather is warm, but the humidity is low and it makes for great evening walks.  And if there were a place for romantic evening walks or just a place to hang out with friends this is the place.  After only a couple days here, its very apparent that the Spanish in Madrid really appreciate their free time.  A time to relax, a time to forget for a moment the past, a time to just enjoy the moment.  A moment to enjoy your family, your friends and in a place where one can put aside what you want to forget.

I hope today’s photo reflect in that mood I felt throughout the afternoon and into the evening.  My legs and feet would like a chance to relax too.  But its been well worth the effort to see as much as I had though I’ve concentrated my efforts in and around Old Madrid.

Today I began my adventure a little different.  I don’t live near any major photography stores and when Alberto from Barcelona on the Ricoh Forum saw that I was in Madrid suggested I stop by Fotocasion to check out their photo gear.  So I left the hotel via a short walk again to the bus station, two metro lines and then I exited the Green Line at Puerta De Toledo.  Then just another short walk to the store.

While at Fotocasion I had the chance to handle a couple Leica M Mount lenses I’d like to add to my kit which include the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f2.8 ASPH and the Leica Summicron 50mm f2.0.  How I was able to leave with my wallet intack took untold stamina and fortitude!!!

From the store we headed back towards the central part of Old Madrid to enjoy the sites again.   All of these were taken in this area.

One of the places I didn’t want to miss tonight was…..a Chocolate Cafe.  Well we found Chocolatería San Ginés on Pasadizo de San Ginés.  It was a great break, the waiters were enjoying themselves and plenty of conversation was going on.