Plaza De Espana and Temple de Debod

 It's my last full day in Madrid.  I had read that Plaza de Espana was very photogenic and the Temple de Debod was nearby.  I urged RM to be sure to have a book and/or a crossword puzzle on her phone as I wanted to spend the day taking photos.  After our taxi dropped us off at the plaza, RM found a comfy spot on a wooden bench and I walked around the large plaza taking photos.

There were a lot of interesting buildings facing the plaza - and a lot of traffic in the streets between.

In the center of the plaza is this monument dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes.  He is considered one of the greatest writers from Spain.

Proof that Madrid does not get as cold as Albuquerque!  It can feel very cold and wet here, but some roses were in bloom.

On the other side of the monument is this statue of Don Quixote - It makes sense - as Miguel de Cervantes was the author of this story.

On the other side of the plaza is more walking areas with more beautiful buildings.

Off to the side of the building above is another large open area for walking.  Placed strategically on one side was this very yellow transformer like object.  I sat on a bench a distance away and watched as curious people tried to figure out what it was.

It never moved - but seemed like it should have been controlled by someone remotely.  There is even a pail to collect donations in front.  Maybe the owner was off to lunch!

Further on was this building in a park-like setting.

After I had my fill of buildings, monuments and reflections, RM and I walked on to see the Temple Debod.

This is an Egyptian temple dating from the 2nd century BC.  In 1960, UNESCO put out a call for help when it and many other ancient temples were in danger of flooding when the Aswan Dam was constructed.  Several countries who funded and helped with their removal were rewarded with one of the temples that they could erect in their own countries.  Spain was one of those countries.  Before 2018 there was water in the fountain build all around the middle section.  Spain has not repaired the fountain and has agreed to cover the temple to protect it from the elements.  So far that has not happened.

A view through the two gates leading up to the temple.

Behind the temple is a viewing area over looking the city.  As you can see it was very hazy.

On one side was this view showing the back of the palace and cathedral that I visited earlier.

A closeup of the Cathedral.

                                                 

After all the walking, we took a taxi about ten minutes away to taste a treat I have been wanting to try the whole time.  There are a lot of these shops/restaurants scattered around Madrid.  A lot of times they are very small popup type locations.  RM opted to take me to one of many Cafe Chocolateria Valors.

They serve many chocolate sweets, but the most popular is hot chocolate and churros.  The drink is so thick that you literally eat it with a spoon.  It is not too sweet and goes very well with the doughnut like churros.  And, yes, we ate all of the churros.  I didn't have dinner that night.

I read some reviews of these cafe's.  Several comments mentioned how good the food was - but perhaps the servers could smile a little more!  I have enjoyed many a chocolate bar made by valor.  They can be found in any grocery store in Spain and are delicious!