Today we started with the Metro system to get us to the Atocha stop. We got there with a little help but no major mess ups! We went to the Reina Sofia Museum, know for its collection Picasso and Salvador Dali. OK, maybe I'm not a big fan of Surrealism and Cubism - I don't get them! The one piece this museum is know for is Picasso's Guernica (1937), it captures the horror of modern war in a modern style. I did find a lovely spot to sit and rest while the group toured the important second floor.
We hadn't eaten for a couple of hours and I think most of the group was just looking for something to drink and light bite to eat. We found a nice place and each just had a bowl of soup. Four of us selected the Gazpacho soup and two the cream of asparagus soup, everyone was happy with their selection. It was served with lots of fresh crusty bread.
After our light lunch, we crossed the street to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. There were a few summer flowers left but the day was so pretty we just enjoy walking and talking. I was amazed at the size of the gardens and it seemed that Sheila Klein knew almost all the plants and flowers, she really into gardening and it showed by her love of the flowers and plants.
Theresa and I needed a rest, so I suggested that we two catch a cab and head back to the hotel. It turned out that everyone joined us and we caught two cabs in front the the Gardens. It was fun to view the city at street level because we had taken the Metro around town and you don't see much but where you come out and tour. Jim and Ed headed over to the large shopping building just a 5 minute walk from our hotel, they were given a mission. They needed to buy some snacks for our rooms, bottled water and sodas. Ed had the task of finding a cell store and putting in a new SIM card in our phones so we could use them here. He left the phones in our hotel room but he did go in a store and ask some questions. He was told we had to buy new phones here and go on a Spanish plan for 30 days. I see lots of $$$$ involved in that plan but we will need something when we rent the two vans and start driving around the country.
I still didn't up to going out with the group for dinner so I cooled it in the room. It gave me some quiet time to rest and see if the swelling in my left ankle would go down. I believe I twisted it in the Madrid airport while going up and down flights of stairs lugging my carry-on bags.
Tony still has not received his suitcase and Delta does believe he will ever see it again. He will have to do a little shopping to get him through the trip.
Stayed tuned for more of our adventures in Spain…..tomorrow we are doing a day trip to El Escorial an hour outside of Madrid.
Peggy
No comments:
Post a Comment