The Reina Sofia Museum was a cool haven , as was our 2 hour breakfast at a little cafe just beyond Plaza Major. Ruth and I are lucky as we love people watching, cafe sitting and not overdoing things in bloody hot weather. Guernica by Picasso was bigger than I thought, and was suitably drab compared with his contempories’ works.
Dali’s Girl at the Window ( an early work and rather haunting)
The Adorable Joseph de Togores’ Paraja en la playa
Guernica
Tonight we ate seafood paella, croquetas de jamón Serrano and drank beer on the square and watched diners in the next outdoor restaurant get soaked as a wonderful thunderstorm overwhelmed their rickety umbrellas
I’ve had a lovely time so far…I’ve really needed to be away ….ive needed to feel more than a mere student or an old nurse or a 63 year old singleton …travel lightens you, it nurtures you….and tomorrow we go for a mooch around the food market nearby then the highlight lisping choir concert in the evening
How lucky am I ?
Hello John, loved these posts, you sound lighter and more alive
ReplyDeleteLee xxx
You've really captured the essence of what travel can do for the soul. It's so true how it lightens and nurtures you, allowing you to simply be and feel those different facets of yourself. Enjoy your food market mooch and especially that lisping choir concert tomorrow evening! How lucky indeed.
ReplyDeletewww.melodyjacob.com
I am a bit confused... I saw "Guernica" and other wonderful works of art in "The Prado" and yet you refer to Reina Sofia Museum.
ReplyDeleteYou must have seen it over 30 years ago when it was in the Prado. It was moved in the early 1990s.
DeleteTomorrow will be just as wonderful. You are indeed a lucky man. Gigi
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed lucky, knowing how to plan a trip that suits all the things you enjoy and to have along with you just the right travel companion.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the market and the long awaited return to seeing and hearing the lisping choir in person!!
Hugs!
This holiday is a great recharge for you, and you are enjoying everything about it. I'm very happy for you and even a bit envious!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that, after such a rough beginning, you are having such a happy time. And yes, you needed the rewind.
ReplyDeleteYou remind me that I need to get out more often. I LOVE croquetas and the Spanish are masters at making them.
ReplyDeleteVery lucky. I'm glad you're having a good time.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have seen "Guernica" in person -- probably the single most important (and defining) painting of the 20th century. Enjoy the Lisping Choir tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteDaughter travel agent says Always have any ticketing, boarding passes etc printed out, to be sure all goes smoothly. Shit happens !
ReplyDeleteGood you are having an awesome experience 🙂
Missed who your companion was. Glad to hear it was Ruth. Safe travels
ReplyDeleteYou sound wonderfully relaxed and content!
ReplyDeleteJohn, you are very lucky.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds lovely, a holiday makes a world of difference to the mind and body.
Jean.
You're such a good traveler.
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds wonderful. I always think that Spain has a lovely 'smell' about it. As soon as you step off the 'plane it's there.
ReplyDeleteWonderful works of art. Living in Italy I am surrounded by art, but the art in the spanish museums and galleries are uplifting and different. Enjoy this lovely break - you need and deserve it. Hugs Ro (n.w.Italy)
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen well - apartment, the square and best of all a pleasant travel companion. Everything looks so good. I know just what you mean about feeling more than the everyday you while feeding your soul. New memories to treasure.
ReplyDeleteA perfect, self defining holiday. And some beautiful wonderful art. You joy in it all rubs off on the rest of us. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe're lucky you can share your adventures with us.
ReplyDeleteYou are a lucky man indeed, and you've still got King Filipe to come!😉 xx
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky and deserving. I wish that rainstorm had hit down here.
ReplyDeleteI saw Guernica many years ago and also remember being surprised by its size. I love the Plaza Mayor! Glad you're having a good trip. :)
ReplyDeleteA very balancing break for you John, sounds fabulous and also cultural. I love Salvador Dali and have seen many exhibitions of his work (all in the UK), own books about him and appreciate all he did. Jan in CG
ReplyDeleteA good trip indeed!
ReplyDeleteEarly works of many artists are interesting..you wonder how and why they changed sometimes...why they reacted to life as they did...
Dali, Münch, Picasso, Van Gogh, Turner, Emin....
An excellent and well-deserved day. Love the art, and how fabulous to see Guernica. Carole R.
ReplyDeleteTravel does indeed widen the mind, perspective and gives you new goals as well as meeting lots of lovely people. So glad you are chilling and having a good time with your companion Ruth. I think after all your efforts of the last few years and your resultant qualification you deserve to relax and just be in a country you are so passionately in love with and to absorb the energy and light of a beautiful country as well as people watching. You learn so much by people watching. Enjoy the rest of your break. Hugs Pattypanx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds idyllic and very relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI am very envious ....
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky!
ReplyDeleteMan, this ain't luck. You earned it, you deserved it, you planned it, you did it. Now go enjoy it some more!
ReplyDeleteEven luckier for good old ruth! She must travel free or lower cost as your care-giver and aide surely? If not she should do!. J.
ReplyDeleteBest you can do😂?
DeleteVery!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are having a special time
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you are having such a lovely time, you deserve it x
ReplyDeleteWell said, John! Sometimes it does one good to go somewhere else -- and be someone else for a time.
ReplyDeleteYou only packed 2 pairs of trousers and 2 shirts? When you knew how hot it was going to be? Have you not heard of hygiene? Your clothes must be stinking.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you're single.
The apartment has a washing machine , iron and dryer lol
DeleteWhat a nice getaway…happy you are enjoying yourself. Cali
ReplyDeleteI love the first painting by Dali, it reminds me of being young and standing in the window of an apartment in Swanage looking out to sea. "Guernica" although impressive in size is not my cup of tea at all, all a bit gloomy.
ReplyDelete