An architectural love affair with Madrid

Ah, what a crazy love affair I've found myself in the midst of.  There's so many things I love about this place, but I'm especially smitten with the age-old architecture in Madrid. Maybe it's because I grew up in the ultimate suburbia, where every new-ish brick house looked strikingly similar to the next. Where there really isn't much diversity or history or little details to gawk over.

But I love wandering these streets.

And I love photographing these buildings.

I love seeking out new routes full of new surprises as I walk to my routine destinations.

I love how the light and time of day can completely change an establishment's exterior.

I love when I remember to look behind me or walk on the other side of the street and I am rewarded with a new perspective.

I love how everyday I have a new favorite building.

I love how most apartment buildings display the year in which they were established and how most of them are more than 100 years old.

I love standing directly under balconies and looking up, as each complex has its own elaborate and colorful tiles decorating the floors.

I love the classy, thoughtful details that make me stop and stare.

I love when the seasons change the trees, which in turn completely changes a facade.

I love when I look up to find the trees perfectly framing the building, ultimately begging for a photograph.

I love the variations in the exteriors and that no matter how different they may be, they are effortlessly and beautifully pieced together.

I love the unexpected and sometimes quirky displays I stumble across.

I love the element of the unknown on the other side of a metro exit.

And I really love how something so mundane can bring me so much joy.

I'm always wandering and looking for something to "gram," so if you want to see more photos like these, join me on Instagram at @theonewithwanderlust!