We have some early morning free time to do last minute wandering and visit or revisit places of interest. Joaquin, then takes us on a visit of Retiro Park & Triangle of Art. The visit to the Retiro Park we get to compare to Montjuic and Gaudi Parks in Barcelona. The park is 450 acres of landscaped gardens, sculptures, monuments and a lake. After, we had more free time to visit other museums or attractions in the area - for example, the nearby Botanical Gardens. This afternoon, we have a chance to visit Madrid's "Triangle of Art." The must-see museums of El Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen-Bornemisza. At the El Prado museum, get to see works by Velazquez, Goya, and Picasso's "Guernica."
My Observations
Today is basically our last day as a “group.” As this day went on, we met later to have a departure toast. Some were leaving tomorrow, very early morning. In noticed that rather than being a group of strangers, some in the the group were almost cheek to cheek at times. Talking. Laughing. Just like a group of “friends.” So as you read this, maybe first click on the “old friends” song link.
This morning, another pounding of pavement in Madrid. We spend time seeing more “points of interest” as shown in the daily schedule. First a walk to see a very large park - Retiro Park. Then to the to see great works of art. We are left on our own to visit what art we might be interested in? Maybe all of it? No way. Too big a place. We look at the brochure covering the various galleries and settle on looking at a few. Too few for the time available. Guess that is why we try to add days to our tours. This time though, not possible. We added the 5 days at the beginning of the Spain trip. Tomorrow, we leave for another Road Scholar tour to Portugal No break in between. We did schedule 5 extra days at the end in Porto. Still knowing. Not enough time.
On the walk back to the hotel note a police car on the side of the road. The two policemen are talking to each other, so things look “normal.” A few feet away, a plain-clothes policewoman, with a badge hanging from her neck is doing a body search of a young woman. The cause unknown. A few minutes later, while we are walking slowly. A group of 4 or so young people go to pass us. Carol feels someone “bump” her backpack. Carol quickly turns around they smile and keep walking. Was this a possible pickpocket approach? Don’t know, but always need to be alert.
As I mentioned above, we have an end of day, departure drink hosted by Joaquin. On the TV is the Futbol (soccer Clasico). A game between the home Madrid team and Barcelona. Final score; Madrid 3, Barcelona 1. Tomorrow when taking our last walk in the area, notices some empty beer and liquor containers, but no property damage. How nice (-:
As you see in the album photos – old friends bidding their good byes.
We finish the evening with a great dinner in the area we normally have breakfast in the hotel The location didn’t matter. It was the company of new friends that was the focus (-:
Here are internet links for highlights:
Old Friends - Simon and Garfunkel https://www.youtube.com/watch?friends
Retiro Park http://www.madridtourist.info/buen_retiro_park.html
El Prado https://www.museodelprado.es/en/
Reina Sofia http://www.museoreinasofia.es/en
Thyssen-Bornemisza http://www.museothyssen.org/en/thyssen/home
Museo Arqueologico Nacional http://www.man.es/man/en/home
Photo 1. Joaquin getting us ready to visit the Prado Museum.
Photo 2. I was a “bad boy.” Took a photo – didn’t see the sign on the front door of the museum.
Photo 3. Having to “work” for your beer? A beer powered vehicle. Who would have thought...
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day13Of2725Oct14SaturdayMadrid
