Blown away by Madrid

I have to say that despite some initial scepticism, I am very impressed with Madrid.
An absolute MUST-SEE is the 'Yglesia de S. Francisco el Grande'. This is gloriously beautiful inside, perfectly symmetrical, and bursting with light, colour, powerful sculptures and art by the likes of Goya. It is much more beautiful than Madrid Cathedral.
Just walking around the main streets is quite awesome: there are huge old buildings everywhere. It is very busy with locals and tourists, but there is a big and prominent police presence too.
The other good place to go on a hot afternoon is the 'Parque del Retiro', where the attached photo is taken. There are lots of big trees to provide shade, a lake to row on, ice-cream to buy, and best of all there are enough people around for it to feel safe.
Someone just tried to sell me some rosemary for luck! That will make my husband,laugh - we have a garden full of it! And I have got many more seeds from plants and trees I have passed, to bring home and,try to grow in sunny, sandy Wiltshire!