These battlements stretch all the way round Carcassonne, which we visited a week or so ago. Apparently, the town has only had two hostile attacks, both of which were successfully repulsed in the 15th century. Now, it mostly contains gift shops and bars, cafes and restaurants for tourists. 
Not quite what her parents had in mind for a career, no doubt. This was a scene in Madrid.
This is the Bank of Spain. The barriers in front were in position for the Tour of Spain cycle race that was finishing that day. With buildings like this one, I think Madrid is far superior to London in terms of architecture.
We were in Spain recently to attend a wedding in Madrid. While there we also visited an Aunt in Moraira, near Alicante, and Barcelona. The reunion with the Aunt was the first in 43 years, and was a delight in such a beautiful setting. She has a villa with a swimming pool, and the clear blue sky and 30 degree temperatures enticed us into the water. In Barcelona, where we stayed for a couple of days, we visited the Gaudi marvel - La Sagrada Familia. As can be seen in the attached photo, the design and workmanship is breathtaking. Though started 100 years ago, it is still a work in progress.
