I'm becoming acquainted with Spain, and there is a definite learning curve. For example, I decided to order coffee at 10:30 in a local cafe. It was as Dr. Francis predicted ... no lines, just hustle up to the counter and order. The people here claim to speak no English, although they have been patient with my attempts at Spanish. The counterman acted like he had no idea what "coffee" was, so I ordered "cafe solo." It took a very long time, and then he overcharged me. In hindsight, I'm not sure if it was deliberate or accidental, but I gave him 20 euros for a cafe that we later confirmed was 1,30. The counterman gave me change as if the coffee was 11,30, but it was too late to correct the situation by the time I figured it out. A very expensive cup of coffee, but some valuable lessons were learned.
I've been "speaking" Spanish to everyone. It's a bit embarrassing, but I really do want to learn. I asked for information in two churches, ordered our tickets at the Prado, asked about a catalog at the Botanical Gardens, asked for information on a train to Toledo at the train station, and then ordered the tickets. All in Spanish ... present tense verbs. Sigh.
We've explored three churches, visited the Palacio Real, wandered through the Botanical Gardens which had an exhibit on the the botanist Mutis who collected various botanical specimens from the Nuevo Reino de Granada (modern Colombia) in the 18th century; and picked our way through the magnificent Museo del Prado. Happily, the Prado was having an exhibit on pre-Raphaelite painters, and has on permanent display a bunch of Bosch's weird paintings, as well as the grand Spanish Goyas, Montagnas and Grecos.
And the churches! They are very different than those in Cologne, Aachen and Paris. Here is but a taste.
Next to the Palacio Real is the Catedral de la Almudena. It's not that old (built in the 1900s), but it's very beautiful as you can see from the following photos of its exterior and interior.
We bumped accidentally into the fabulous iglesia de San Jose. Not only is it stunning inside, but it was here that Simon Bolivar, liberatador, married Madrelena Maria Teresa Rodrigues de Toro y Alaisa on May 26, 1802. No flash photos were permitted inside this church, so my pictures are a tad bit dark. Click to enlarge if you like ... this house of worship is rich with detail, and is truly one of my favorites so far.
Tomorrow ... my dear father's 75th birthday ... we are taking the 9:20 train to Toledo. Buying the tickets in the Atocha train station was an adventure in itself. We had to take a number, and it took over an hour of waiting to reach our place at the ticket window. I know it will be worth it though ... and it gave me a chance to rest my feet.
2 comments:
Buenas dias, Karen. This is indeed a beautiful church. I especially like the colorful dome. Your adventures today sounded good ... you are definitely making progress with your Spanish. I'm sorry we didn't get to chat today. I've been on the go all day; now I'm weary! By the way, daddy's birthday is Friday, not tomorrow. We're having a family party. I know your daughter & her family are coming and all the Pitpeople, but I haven't heard from your son. You have more adventures on tap for tomorrow. Maybe we can talk sometime during the day. I miss you but I can tell you're having a wonderful time. Love, mom
You know, I enjoyed the cathedrals in Germany and France, but these in Spain just sing to me. I want to run over and hug the building.
Also, your comments work again. Yay!
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