Madrid, Spain. May 28, 2016
We are staying at the Wellington Hotel, great location near the Retiro Park and home base for the Matadores.
Martine (Isabelle's sister) and Mamen (the best guide and friend) meet us for a tour of the Retiro Park (Madrid's Central Park/Bois de Boulogne) before dinner at El Landó.
First thing next day: Rushing to the Prado Museum to admire the works of the Spanish School with special focus on Goya (Pierre's favorite painter) as well as Velasquez.
Fascinating to compare the original Las Meninas from Diego Velasquez with Pablo Picasso's interpretation we had seen in Barcelona. Two masters, same scene, few years and a world apart !
Dinner at Teresa and Juan's, Isabelle is enjoying seeing the Diaz family - 40 years later - They haven't changed, always so welcoming and cheerful!
Tour of Madrid next day with Martine and Mamen, starting with the Museum Thyssen-Bornemisza. A great collection of unique works from famous painters such as Degas, Balthus, Braque, Estes, Hopper, Kupka, Lichtenstein, Matisse, Munch, Picasso, Casas I Carbó, Robert Delaunay and Willem van de Velde II (listed in order of presentation).
Tapas for lunch at Los Austrias:
Isabelle, Mamen and Martine.
Touring Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa followed by some Churros at San Ginés Chocolateria.
Keeping the Royal Palace for the end of the afternoon:
The king doesn't live here anymore, pobrecito!
Last evening: Vamos a los toros at Plaza de Toros Monumental:
Bull Fighting is still a strongly anchored tradition in Spain. More than 20,000 people are attending the corrida on a Monday evening. Fatal!
Farewell dinner with Gloria, Fernando, Martine and Mamen at La Máquina Jorge Juan.
Oye! - Muchas Gracias! - Vale-Vale! - Hasta luego amigos! - Viva España!
