I’m here! Madrid has been a whirlwind so far. My flights were good, pretty comfortable and flying through New York is always my favorite since the trip gets cut most closely in half. Courtney and Kirstin were waiting for me at the airport when I arrived at 1030am on Saturday.
We dropped my bags off at the hotel and started touring around right away. I was so worried that I would be too tired and worthless on my first day (as has been the case on every single other trip to Europe) but through some miraculous blessings and answered prayers, I have hardly felt any jetlag so far.
Saturday we went first to the Palacio Real de Madrid, the third-greatest palace in Europe according to Rick Steves. We were delayed slightly by a sudden downpour of rain, perching under trees for cover with everyone else. The palace actually reminded me a lot of Versaille since the Spanish King who built it was actually French. Outside we saw some wild Peacocks in full bloom! I’ve seen many wild peacocks in La Canada but never with their feathers fully displayed!
Lunch was Paella in the Plaza Mayor. My first time trying it (except for on the plane over to Madrid but I don't think that counts..) We got some ice cream and posed in front of this statue which is actually the symbol of Madrid. It’s a bear eating from a strawberry tree. I’m not exactly sure what it means since 1-there aren’t any bears in the city and 2-strawberries don’t grow on trees but whatever!
Next we looked through the Reina Sofina museum which houses many of Picasso’s great works, those which aren’t in Paris or Barcelona. By this time I was getting pretty tired so after browsing through the Picasso wings I waited/napped? on a bench for Court and Kirst to finish.
On Sunday morning we headed to church in the Madrid 6th ward, which meets at the temple. We had to run from the metro station to ditch a metro-creeper who had followed us through the stations since we got on the train – sick. The temple site is huge and beautiful and it’s always fun to see temples in distant lands. After church we walked around and found a café for lunch where I finally tried Tapas! It can basically be described as a potato quiche as was very tasty.
Next we walked to the Museo del Prado, describe by Rick Steve’s as Europe’s top collection of paintings (um Louvre?). They were having a big Goya exhibit, collecting his paintings from around the world for the most complete Goya exhibition ever. I convinced C&K that audio-guides are the best way to enjoy a museum so I got a thorough understanding of Fancisco de Goya’s life. His most famous works Second and Third of May 1808, were on display there again after a couple years of cleaning. I still remember Professor Gough’s lectures where he talked about all these paintings so it was very cool to see them in person.
The museum also houses Diego Velazquez’s Las Meninas painting “considered by many to be the world’s finest painting, period.” And several Rubens (which can’t compete with the entire floor of Rubens in the Louvre…).
To wrap up the day we strolled through Retiro park and stopped for dessert at a patisserie near the metro. It was another full day but, miraculously, I didn’t hit the jet-lagged wall at 5pm like I normally do!! Can’t believe it.
3 comments:
Wow what an adventure! And very impressive documentation. How great to do it along the way so you don't have so much to catch up on when you get back. Hey - how long will you be in San Sebastian? Scott has a very good friend who lives there. Super nice guy - Mikel who plays keyboards with Matt Harding.
It looks amazing! So glad you're having a nice time.
totally cool that you got to spend so much time wandering through the museums! you'll be glad you took good notes in your blog...
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