(Trips to Madrid, Spain. The land of Tapas, Jamon de Iberico & Sangria)
Madrid was made capital of Spain in 1561 by King Philip II who was born there - although some historians argue this year. At this time, "Don Quixote" had already become a familiar figure in the world and one year before its first edition was printed on the street of Atocha on the presses of Juan de la Cuesta. El Río Manzanares, Madrid's small river that carries little water, is crossed by a number of historic bridges including el Puente de Toledo, the beautiful baroque style, now-pedestrian bridge that holds the statue of San Isidro, Madrid's patron saint. Spain's major roads originate from and distances measured from the "Kilometer 0" mark of Puerta del Sol, the popular, energetic gathering place and where many local bus lines start and end.