To illustrate this point, consider that Microsoft, started in 1975, reached a peak equity market valuation of over $500 billion in 2000, yet is currently worth just over $200 billion (September 2010).
Madrid is a remarkable capital city with numerous interesting attractions that reveal an important history. The must sees of the city include Old Madrid, the Museo del Prado, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), its gardens, Retiro Park, and the city's many fine and famous plazas.
In recent years, Madrid has also become the European hub for sports as the city played host to the 2010 Champions League final in the Real Madrid Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Madrid is located in the center of Continental Spain and therefore makes an excellent base to travel to various corners of Spain.