The park was lovely with a large artificial lake and an ornamental structure of the Monument to Alfonso XII. Also there are two extensions of the Reina Sofia, the Palacio de Velázquez and Palacio de Cristal. The Palacio de Cristal was having an installation called "Splendide Hotel" by Dominque Gonzalez-Foerster with rocking chairs and books which was cool. We walked down to the rose gardens and on our way, passed the only statue in the world dedicated to the devil, called the Fallen Lucifer. Here's a photo of us:
At this point, Athena had to leave for her flight. It was fun having company and perhaps we'll get together back in NY with Chris!
I headed to the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia which houses modern art. Today is supposedly International Museum day so admission was free. I went straight to the second floor to see the museum's prized piece, Picasso's Guernica. Truly massive and incredible with the subtle details of the shades of gray. I recalled Ri painting a replica in college for a play, Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile! I couldn't take photos in the Picasso galleries, but here's a photo of Dali's Grand Masturbator (his titles are always so "thought-provoking"):
After tirelessly walking through the second and fourth floors, I made my way into the garden where there was a massive Calder statue and enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine!
After the Reina Sofia, I headed back to my hotel for a siesta. I was not only tired, but I have a bit of a cold. Not sure if it's allergies and walking around the tree-lined streets and plazas, but I have been congested and sneezing lots. Even in threes, which in Spanish deserves a "salud", "dinero", and "amor"!
Around 5 pm, I headed to the Museum Thyssen-Bornemisza, an astounding private collection of modern art. It has everything that I love and studied over the years. For a private collection, I think it's right up there with the Barnes Collection due to its expansive array. There was also a Cezanne exhibit that is closing tomorrow, so the exhibit was packed. Here's a photo collage of a Chagall, Dali, and an example of the many book stalls lining avenues and along the parks.
After completing Madrid's Museum Triangle in two days, I headed north, passing all the book stalls on the avenue and arriving at the famous Gran Café de Gijón. This is an old-school café opened in 1888 where supposedly the famous Spanish literati frequented and had their discussions. As I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, I was pretty hungry especially with all the walking. I ordered a Gazpacho that was light and refreshing and a Spanish omelette that was super satisfying. However, this was supposed to be a snack! I had researched where Anthony Bourdain had frequented and I found myself at Le Cabrera, a gastropub and cocktail bar. Even the water was all fusioned out with mint and lemon. It tasted a little like my toothpaste, but I think my bartenders were impressed I A) Noticed B) Knew how to say mint. I ordered a strawberry passion cocktail and a sea bass tartar with trout eggs and avocado. Here's a photo of my dinner:
My bartenders were great and when I was leaving, they told me the night was young on a Saturday. Although I've gotten used to eating at 9 pm, I could barely keep my eyes open and I planned to see a lot tomorrow before my Madrid card expires.
On my way back to the hotel, I was proud that I figured out I could take the #37 bus. However, we were re-routed. A soccer team had won the cup final and people in red and white jerseys were everywhere along with the police! A kind lady on the bus asked the bus driver when we were going back to the avenue, but it was going to pass my neighborhood, so she advised I should just get off and cut across. I knew exactly where I was, so there were no problems there. I got to witness the excitement firsthand though - singing, honking, and fireworks in the streets! I learned later that Atlético Madrid tied Barcelona to clinch the La Liga title and will play against Real Madrid next Saturday in the Champions League. Not sure what this all meant, so I looked it up! This will be the first time two teams from the same city will face each other for the European football championship! Also, Atlético Madrid hadn't won La Liga in 18 years! I will have to find a place to watch the game - I will be in Sevilla next Saturday. Too bad I won't be in Madrid, as I'm sure the city will go wild if tonight was any indication. A photo of the mayhem and celebration in front of the Palace Hotel:
I safely made it back to my hotel. I wish I could stay out and celebrate, but I can barely keep my eyes open!
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