Madrid Day 2

Last night did the Reina Sophia as planned and of course the highlight was Picasso's Guernica, no pictures as not allowed! Another highlight is the building itself. Rather than doing very costly renovations I.E. Adding elevators into an old structure they went with innovative add-ons which are very interesting. See photos below.

The glass elevators on the old building. These were Sharon's favourite (not!)

This is the atrium that tied the old with the new.

The exterior of the new building.

 

After the gallery went to another recommended restaurant, this time classical Spanish style. Momma cooking in the back, choice of beverage, appy, main and dessert for a set price, for example Sharon's was 11 euros which included a 1/3 bottle of white wine,gazpacho, chicken breast villapondo, and profiteroles for dessert. Great service and of course bread, lots of bread here. Walked off dinner,another beautiful evening.

That's the moon up by the statue.

 

This morning ended up spending most of the morning in,talking to our hostess, Paola. She has good command of English and is well versed in politics and schooling here, as her son is only 5 and in his third year of school, not preschool or kindergarten. He already reads quite well, school day is shortened from 8-4 to 8-2 in Sept and June for the heat. Long days for little guys. He did love the book we brought him of BC. Some very astute comments for a 5 year old.

The "Caixia" is an art gallery that is on the way to the Atocha train station that has a garden growing on it!

Another view. The Gallery was once an old power station.

After our discussion we headed over to Atocha Train Station to book our seats for Pamplona on Sunday. Then to Starbucks for coffee (it seams like there are no coffee shops here in Madrid. People start drinking wine and beer well before lunch!) before heading to the Museo del Prado to check out the 70 galleries! No surprise lots of El Greco, Goyas and Velasquez' but also Carravagio, Reubens, Bosch, et al. Very little modern painting, seeing that tomorrow at the Thiessen Gallery. I bet you didn't realize this trip was an art marathon as well :)

In front of the Prado Museum.

Behind the Prado Museum.

A Cathedral near to the Prado. One of many, many, we expect to see on this trip!

So back at our room napping off the museum feet before heading out to dinner...

 

 

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