Train Trip to Madrid

Laurie Says: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEORGE!!! 62 years old and counting!

We are beginning our birthday celebration today by watching the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain on television and also celebrating the fact that George is NOT running with them!

Oviedo Train Station

On Sunday our time in Asturias was over, so it was time to board the Renfe train in Oviedo for the 4 hour and 30 minute tranquil ride over the Cantabrian Mountains into the plain that leads you into Madrid. The only hitch was the brat who contols her parents and who eventually threw up in the aisle, just past our seats, fortunately for us, on her way to the rest room.

We got into our Hotel Reyes Catolicos in the late afternoon and then headed out to see the Prado Museum which is free on Sundays and would still be open for two hours by the time we got there via the Metro.

Madrid's Main Post Office

Once again, Camarillo's Post Office is shown lagging way behind its European cousins. Something must be done to remedy this deplorable situation.

The Prado Museum

Over 3,000 canvases are on display here, including many of the masterpieces dicussed in Janson's "History of Art" college textbook. Is there really any other art text book?

The emphasis here is on the Spanish art world naturally with Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez and El Greco (I know he was Greek by birth but all of his major work's were created in Spain).

Other great artists displayed in The Prado included Rubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Fra Angelico, Raphael and Titian.

No pictures allowed and since for nearly 40 years this country was controlled by Generalissimo Francisco Franco who came to power during the Spanish Civil War with the aid of both Hitler and Mussolini, I decided it would be wiser not to tempt the fates.

Love Couple on a Sunday Paseo

This fall's Rio Mesa Game Day Coaches Gear

Inspired by Kaká and Ronaldo's introductions and announcements of their jersey numbers in front of two separate crowds of 80,000 fans in the Real Madrid stadium, we intoduced our new threads in Madrid as well this past Sunday!

The Symbol of the city of Madrid

A bear pawing at the berries in a madroño tree.

Dinner at La Taurina Cervecceria

just off of the Puerta del Sol

There is a definite bullfighting theme in La Taurina!

Chorizos a la sidra was the call and they were GOOD!

A long day ended with a

Magic Hour Photo Fest

Back to the hotel at about 10:00 p.m. to get our batteries recharged for a busy Monday.