Madrid ... cuatro

Fri 21 Apr

Bought our tickets online and skipped the long line at Museo Reina Sofia waiting to see the special Picasso "Guernica" exhibition. It was an explanation of the times and influences that Picasso experienced at the time he was commissioned to paint "Guernica" for an exhibition in Paris. The exhibition included a lot of his work from the time and sketches of plans for the final work. And what a work it is! 3.5 metres x 7.75 metres it is mural sized and dominated the gallery room in the museum. Apart from the size, the content is so evocative and emotive. The exhibition also displayed his later works which were influenced by Guernica - especially the series of weeping women.

Viewing "Guernica" had been one of the main reasons for visiting Madrid and it didn't disappoint. We later walked to the Parque de El Retiro past the church of San Jeronimo (St Jerome), so had a look inside. So much gilt, so much ostentation.

Watched the boaters on the lake in the park again - I'm sure they're training the next Spanish Armada, but need a lot more work.

Jazz band busking to buy a new double bass

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Sat 22 Apr

Time to take the AVE - the Spanish version of the very fast train - from Madrid to Barcelona. The trip took 2 hrs 45 mins with the train reaching a top speed of 298 km/h. We got off at Sants station and made our way to the Metro and Segrada Familia station which is nearest to our Airbnb apartment. Met Lesley outside the station as she is spending 5 days with us before flying back to the UK.

Just some of the foods available at the Boqueria Market

After getting into the apartment we scooted off to the Metro again and down to La Rambla and the Boqueria market. We found salami, cheese, tomato and lettuce for our future lunches, and empanadas and fruit salad for our evening meal. Topped off with some red and white wine, we were very satisfied before retiring for the night.

Mmm, Sangria