Plaza Mayor Madrid

Autumn in Madrid and El Gordo

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November 4th 2008
Wandering down Gran Via towards Puerta del Sol I noticed the most extraordinary of sites. Even the icy wind could not prevent hundreds of Madrileños queuing for tickets in one of the richest lotteries in the world. "El gordo" - the fat one. To call it a national obsession would be a pretty accurate statement. Apparently the prize pool is worth more than $1 billion and the jackpot is usually di ... read more

Europe » Spain » District of Madrid » Madrid

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Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in ... ... read more