Second Day in Madrid

Today is already Monday.  We are on our way from Cordoba to Malaga then to Marbella for our three days at cooking school, two days of cooking actually but three nights there.

Saturday in Madrid was a warmer day.  We were both still very tired and were  a bit testy with each other.  We did get to do a couple of things that Barbara really wanted to do:  See Picassa's "La Guernica" and attend the Zarzuela performane of "El Gato Montez"

Museo Reina Sofía

The "Reina Sofia" museum was only a short walk from our hotel.  When we got there, there was no wait whatsoever and we went right it.  It was relatively inexpensive, also.  If you have nev­­er seen the painting, it depicts Picaso's view of the horror of war in black, white, and greys, particularly the bombing of the town in northern Span.  You can find a history and more information about the painting at numerous sites on the internet .  It is an extremely powerful painting and large size adds to the  emotional impact of the experience.

On the plaza in front of the museum were numerous restaurants.  While we were there a very accomplished street band played music ranging from Brazilian to American blues.  They were quite entertaining.  After an outdoor lunch of a sandwich and (of course) a beer, we returned to the hotel for a well earned siesta. 

Zarzuela is a Spanish form of opera.  It is more focused on Spanish stories and themes and the style includes dancing which is stylistically similar to flamenco (at least in this performance).
  
Before the performance, we stopped at a nearby taberna and had coffee to keep us awake and welcomed with another ham tapa.  The ham here is much different than we are accustomed to.  It is salt cured, very mellow and rich flavored.  I understand it is one thing most people would like to take home from Spain.  Unfortunately, unpackaged meat products need special licenses to import. 

Teatro de la Zarzuela

The performance itself very well done for an extremely enthusiastic audience.  Although we had "cheap seats" with relatively restricted leg room, we had a good view of the stage and the  music and voices were rich and moving. 




Sunday morning we took the train to Cordoba.  I happened on to a bargain rate for an excellent hotel. More on that later.

Unfortunately, when we got there and esconced comfortably in our room, I checked my email and found the sad news of my Unccle Elwin's passing.  He was 91 and just plain wore out.  I was fortunate enough to spend a couple weeks with him in the past year.  I will miss him.

More later.
Wendell & Barbara