Madrid, one of the great capitals of Europe, sits near the very geographic center of the Iberian peninsula; a fact which helped it grow into a political hub despite lacking a major river or coastline. Originally a muslim fortress town called Mayrit founded in the 9th century by the muslim Umayyads, Madrid wasn't always Spain's capital. In fact, it only became the capital in 1561 when Philip II moved his royal court here from nearby Toledo. As a citizen of a country which was a former colony of Spain, it was my pleasure and honor to explore a city which had such a direct influence in our own history and culture. The Gran Via is Madrid's most famous shopping and entertainment street; often called the "Spanish Broadway" due to its theaters and musicals. A note from the writer: this is a pre-pandemic tale.