Learn the history of Madrid and the Royal Palace, culture and people throughout the Ages of Madrid. We had lunch on our own. Afternoon visits to monuments included using our Madrid Tourist Card. Walked through old Madrid of the "Austrias" to the Opera, and Royal Palace. Later, we took our own fast-track entry to the magnificent Royal Palace. The Palace was the official residence of the Spanish Royal family dating from the 18th Century and the Almudena Cathedral - named after the Patron Saint of Madrid. Later, at a local restaurant, Tablao Flamenco Carbonero, a Flamenco Show We join Joaquin at a traditional "tablao" to soak up the sights and sounds of a typical evening of Spanish folklore, music and dance.
Our guide, Joaquin, invited his mother, father and sister to join us. Mom was so very special and made enough flan dessert for all 2 dozen of us to enjoy! (-:
Joaquin also told us about how his abuela, grandmother, would make him tortilla. Not the thin flatbread as in Mexico, but Tortilla Española, with eggs and potato - a Spanish omelet.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_omelette
My Observations
Yep, today to the “BIG guy’s palace.” The royal one. After awhile, it became clear while some folks had "castles,", other lived in PALACES. Yes, it is BIG.
As for the Madrid Tourist Card, found it was a great way to see much of the best in Madrid. Problem was – time to visit, view and learn. Do check out the link below.
When I saw we were going to "Austrias" thought it was Asturias a favorite classical guitar piece also know as Leyenda. Below, you can see two of my favorites playing it on YouTube.
While writing this, am listening to Andres Segovia playing Asturias. Anyway, Austrias is/was the reign of the Austrian Habsburgs and their empire.
My favorite part of the day was visit to Las Carboneros Tablao. Of course, we got to meet one of Joaquin’s many girlfriends. You can see them in the album link.
Before eating or hearing any music, was given a historical description of what flamenco is and the people who are part of the ”presentation.” Our 2 flamenco guides, were not even born in Spain. The dancer was from Australia. The guitarist, from Brazil. When they and the other members were on the small stage, it was like watching – magic. How could she dance with such a long gown and not trip? How can those doing the hand claps at differing intervals, keep track of what to do & when?
I gave up tying to figure it out and just watched and admired. As you can see from the many photos, I kept the “beat” going with my camera shutter button. Do visit the web link to view the video.
Here are internet links for highlights:
Royal Palace http://www.patrimonionacional.es/
Madrid Tourist Card http://www.madridcard.com/en/inicio
Austrias http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Madrid_de_los_Austrias
Asturias – Andres Segovia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9efHwnFAkuA
Asturia – John Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEfFbuT3I6A
Almudena Cathedral http://www.catedraldelaalmudena.es/
Las Carboneros Tablao Flamenco http://en.tablaolascarboneras.com/the-tablao/
Photo 1. Our visit to Tablao Flamenco Carbonero. We first get history lesson before the presentation.
Photo 2. The small stage at times had 4 dancers and 4 musicians all in syncopation.
Photo 3. The floor got properly dusted by this long train from the dress. Al without tripping even once.
Photo 3. The singers had powerful voices of songs of life, love and cultures.
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day12Of2724Oct14FridayMadrid
