Madrid, Spain

One reason why i really love this card is the illumination against the bricks of the bridge and the building on the hill...along with the dark blue sky, the combination of colours is just lovely.

Puente de Segovia (or the Bridge of Segovia) is the oldest bridge in Madrid.Its nine ancient arches spread across the Manzanares river in a symbolic act of union of the city's past and present. It was commissioned in 1582 by Felipe II. The king selected the architect Juan of Herrera to complete the task.Made of granite, it's very solid and durable. During the Spanish Civil War it was of crucial importance to the two struggling sides, as it's one of the main entrances to the city. In an attempt to prevent the nationalists from taking over the capital, the republicans blew up a part of it.

this card came along with some others in an envelope, so here is the stamp. Its from a 2008  issue dedicated to the Flora and Fauna, called Dahlia and European Bee-eater.
This is the stamp showing the Dahlia which is considered to be the Mexican national flower. The stamp is self-adhesive.

Madrid, Spain

My first Spanish swap and finally a card from the capital, Madrid.


Puerta del sol....with my poor Spanish this should mean something like 'the door of the sun'??!! or am i just ranting here?? well, i could get some translator online here, but i prefer to figure out things myself :)

Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain, located on the river Manzanares. While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. Its landmarks include the huge Royal Palace of Madrid, The Royal Theatre with its restored 1850 Opera House, he imposing 19th-century National Library Building, and a number of museums.
For a change, ill skip the versions about the origin of the name of Madrid (dont ask why, please :))

Lets turn to the actual postcard instead.

The clock tower at Puerta del Sol is the heart of the city. At the foot of the building lies the "Km 0" sign, the center of the Spanish radial road system. Since 1909, the Spaniards traditionally eat twelve grapes on each New Year's midnight at the strikes of this bell.

(as far as i know, this is done in other Spanish speaking countries as well.....and they make a wish with each grape they eat....and i wonder if those wishes come true actually)