Early Signs of Spring

In bloom in Boston's Public Garden


In bloom in Madrid's Retiro

When I was in Madrid during the first week of March, spring had already descended upon Retiro. Flowers were in bloom, temperatures reached 60, and people were spending their free waking hours outside. Nearly a month and a half later, spring has finally decided to embrace Boston. This past Friday, which is when I took the photo from the Public Gardens, temperatures peaked at 70 degrees and Bostonians everywhere remembered what sunshine feels like. So while Madrilenos were wandering the paths of Retiro in shorts and t-shirts, Bostonians were shoveling out their cars and cursing Ol' Man Winter. But hey, that's what they signed on for when deciding to call Boston home.

Weeping Willows

A weeping willow tree in Boston's Public Gardens


A weeping willow tree in Madrid's Retiro Park

The weeping willow has always been one of my favorite trees. For some reason, it reminds me of a grandfather, shrewd, cultivated, and welcoming. Shrewd and cultivated because it surpasses many other trees in size and beauty, which gives it a deserved sense of superiority. Its potential size is especially remarkable. According to Arborday.org, it can grow to be 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide. The willow is welcoming because its gracefully elongated branches provide a refuge for pedestrians looking to escape from the sun on a warm spring or summer day. The tree, understanding the needs of its pedestrians, generally blooms in April or May, just as the days start warming up.

As my photos show, the weeping willow resides in Spain's Retiro Park and Boston's Public Gardens. In both places, the tree is found at water's edge. This is because the willow, although capable of growing anywhere, thrives in moist soil. In my opinion, the willow looks best next to water because it produces a unique reflection.

Although I have only seen willows in North America and Europe, they actually originated in China. So it seems that like the moon, which I discussed in my first post, the weeping willow is powerful enough to eclipse cultural borders. As a result, Spaniards and Bostonians are both able to enjoy the seemingly paternal willow while strolling through their respective public parks.

Takin' Care of Business

(Above: Boston's Business District)


(Above: Madrid's Business District from Afar)


(Above: Outside of Madrid's Business District)

Madrid's business district is known as "Cuatro Torres Business Area (CTBA)." Interestingly enough, the business area is not located in the heart of Madrid. Unlike Boston, where the financial district lies amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, Madrid's up-and-coming financial district is located about twenty minutes north of the city along Paseo de la Castellana. Its distinct separation from the city results in a clearly defined business area, with four skyscrapers dominating the skyline as they tower over all other surrounding buildings. In contrast, Boston's financial district, which is located near Government Center and runs along State Street and Atlantic Ave, more smoothly blends into the city's landscape. Compared with Madrid's CTBA, Beantown's business district is more crowded, as a host of buildings compete for sidewalk space. Since the CTBA is located outside of the city, it can afford to spread out more. Both districts boast modern architecture, although Madrid's buildings are more futuristic looking, probably because its four primary office buildings were completed only a short year ago.

The CTBA is comprised of four main buildings (hence the 'cuatro' in its title), three of which are visible in the second photo I have posted. These buildings are: Torre Caja Madrid, Torre de Cristal, Torre Espacio, and Torre Sacyr Vallehermoso, the tallest being Torre Caja Madrid (by only 89cm!). The third photo shows Puerta de Europa (Gateway to Europe), which lies at the northern end of the main business district and greets business men and women on their daily commutes to work. The two buildings, which became the world's first leaning high-rise buildings upon their completion in 1996, have an inclination of 15 degrees according to Emporis.com.

It is also important to mention the AZCA business area, (Alta Zona de la Castellana). AZCA also lies north of the city along Paseo de la Castellana and is Madrid's other, older commercial hub. Its main attraction is the Torre Picasso, which was the tallest building in Madrid before the CTBA's four skyscrapers were constructed.

Personally, I prefer Boston's Business District to Madrid's. The Financial District in Boston gives off a clean, professional vibe and because it overlooks the Boston Harbor, its skyline is more aesthetically pleasing. Anyone agree?