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Published: December 23rd 2008
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Madrid was definately a lot of fun in that we went to so many amazing museums and got to hang out and enjoy a vacation within this 5 month long vacation. As soon as we arrived (after a 5 hr long bus ride), we went straight to the Museum of Reina Sofia, with paintings by Picasso, Dali and so many other amazing artists. There was also a pretty extreme exhibit by a feminist woman named Nancy Sparrow. Must be honest and say I didn't enjoy her exhibit, but then, it was a representation of the brutality and violence many women have suffered all around the world. I can say that it was very emotional and thought provoking.
After the museum we went to a restaurant for dinner and finally to the hotel to check in and drop off our things. I then explored a little bit with a group of friends and we went on an adventure straight to none other than- EGYPT! Haha, ok not literally, but the Egyptians gave the people of Madrid the Temple of Debod as a gift. It is definately spectacular, especially at night. We also got to hang out with Don Quixote and his pal
Sanchez.
The next day was Halloween. However, rather than celebrating this creepy, ghouly holiday, we went to the Prado Museum! Walking around and seeing paintings by El Greco, Velasquez, Goya, Ruben... - all in ONE place. It was sweet. Had a slight emergency because I forgot my little notebook to write things down, but never fear, I bought a new one 😊 Also had a slight meltdown because the tickets our program provided did NOT include the temporary Rembrandt exhibit! This could not be true! I literally almost cried! We were told that we would have to go outside (in the pouring rain might I add) and wait in line to pay the extra money to go to the exhibit. The problem was, I tried to go once I had finished with the main things I wanted to see. Therefore, there was not enough time to wait in line and still see the exhibit. That park really sucked because I was looking forward to the exhibit. Another time then.
Afer exploring the museum, we all met up and had lunch and then walked through the city (still in the pouring rain) with a guide. This was quite comical because it
was absolutely pouring and our Director decided that we would continue the tour. So although we may have all taken an hour long shower with our clothes on, it was a great tour. We learned a lot about the historia of Madrid and about three hours into the fun tour, we retired to our rooms and tried to dry off a bit 😊 Quite a challenge though as there is but one little furnace in the room. At least we could dry our socks 😊
After a little break, I met up with some friends and we went out to see "Boy in the Striped Pajamas". Crap. Honestly didn't have a clue what it was about beforehand and had a complete and hardcore emotional meltdown. It was well done but just extremely difficult for me. So after that wonderful experience, I went to bed.
The next day we went to the Escorial. Felipe II had it built and it has one of the best preserved library collections in the world of ancient greek, italian, arabic, etc. texts. It is filled with beautiful art and it was a very cool experience to walk through a house where so many important decisions
were made and lives were lived. We then went over to the Valle de los caidos, it is a conmemoration of the Spanish Civil War, constructed by Franco and the actual burial place of Franco. I love the area here because it has the most species of trees and it is just absolutely spectacular. However, its a disgusting representation of Franco and he created a memorial for the republicans, the side that fought against Franco. A very controversial and maddening action.
When we returned to the city, we had free time and some friends and I went to the Thyssen Museum. My favorite part of this museum was a temporary exhibit about the Spanish Civil War. We then explored the city a little more and then prepared to go to Segovia the following morning.
Segovia was really great. We got to tour the Castle that inspired Walt Disney and the castle in Snow White! I think that is freakin sweet. We also went to a restaurant that our guide had recommended before the castle and were very disappointed 😊 I ended up with some weird broth and another friend ended up with a bowl of garbanzo beans and cow tongue...
Ya, that was exciting.
Our last night in Madrid we walked through the Park de Retiro with a palace made of cristal. The park was my favorite part of Madrid. We found a group of people around our age, a bunch of Bohemians just rocking out to their drums. It was really fun to just hang out and dance around.
The next day we made our way to Toledo, which is about an hour away from Madrid. I LOVE Toledo. It is just an amazing town. There is a beautiful Cathedral, two Mosques and a Jewish Temple. Three main religions and the arquitecture of each has influence of all three. I love the history of coexistence here. There is also a smaller church that hosts the painting by El Greco, el Entierro de Conde de Orgaz (one of my favorite paintings actually). It was one of my favorite churches because it just felt so welcoming.
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