When I travel, I always try to bring back something that will remind me of the place I visited. Something a little more meaningful than a key chain but not too excessive (and that will fit in my luggage).
I brought back this mantón bordado (embroidered shawl) from Madrid. They told me it was hand embroidered (although I have some doubts). Nonetheless, the vibrant flowers and flirtatious tassels remind me of Spain.
I also picked up this set of toallas bordadas (embroidered towels) with a crocheted border. I like their simplicity and elegance.
Here are a few other images captured on the streets of Madrid.
This 20 ton bronze statue of a bear under a strawberry tree (el oso y el madroño) is located at the Puerta del Sol. The symbol of the bear (which apparently used to roam in the forests outside the city) and the strawberry tree are emblematic of Madrid.
A shop window with traditional flamenco dresses.
I couldn’t help but snap a photo of this storefront. Why can’t we all just get along?!
Los Petrificados (the petrified ones), one of many street performers in Madrid. At first glance, I thought it was a statue until someone dropped a coin in a box in front of them. The woman’s eyes moved and the man looked up while he poured the water.
I have other pictures to share. Hasta la próxima. (Until next time).
Agujas 
Thank you so much, all of them are so beautiful… fascinated me. Love, nia
I’m glad you liked them.
The embroidery is beautiful!
I love it. The shawl is perfect over a black dress in the evenings.
Wow the petrified people are amazing! Thanks for commenting on my little face buttons on my pincushions. Rosie
I was quite surprised the first time I saw them move. I don’t know how they stand still for so long. And I love the pincushions – cute and useful.
Wonderful photos, thank you for sharing them.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hand embroidered in that a Chinese hand guides the fabric in the embroidery machine in Beijing 😀
Very possible!
Beautiful embroidery!
I really enjoy reading your adventures and your photos are so beautiful. It is a pleasure to follow your post. Love the embroidery. So lovely. Ah the fine pleasures in life!
So glad you liked the pics and I love my shawl. Brings back fun images of Madrid.
Jesus y Buddha. That cracked me up.
I had to snap a photo when I saw it!!
I was on la puerta del sol in Peru, in Cusco this summer. When I was in Peru I got an ornament with a nativity inside a gourd and a blanket. The Jesus y Buddha was pretty funny too… All your souvenirs look muy bonita.
Thanks. I would love to go to Cusco one day. The nativity inside the gourd sounds interesting…
It does sound odd. I’ll post a picture. I did post about that fish bottle too.
The street performers are incredible! They must really suffer for their art, my goodness me. Thanks for sharing! x
They also had an invisible man – someone in a suit with a hat sticking up above their collar.
Beautiful photos, and not the “touristy” ones I’d expect! (And I’m still giggling over Jesus y Buddha!)
The Spanish embroidery makes me homesick and the petrified people are fascinating, in London they have silvered up ‘statues’ but that looks really complex! 🙂
I was definitely caught off guard the first time I saw them move.
oh! my city 🙂
Madrid es un encanto. Deseo volver un día.