I am posting a few more pictures from Extremadura, and wanted to mention a few things I'd forgotten to include on previous posts. For one thing -- the town near where we were staying -- Trujillo -- had a huge bull-fighting ring. The tradition is alive and well here in Spain. The town also had a "hyper-mercado" or supermarket. I kind of like the word. Another thing -- no one here seems to doubt global warming. This has been a very warm winter, and some garden flowers never stopped blooming. On our drive, our local guide Fernando remarked on the already blooming almond trees that were on the roadsides -- "very strange, not normal."
Madrid was really hopping yesterday evening -- a Saturday. We went out for tapas and to see the city -- so many people were out enjoying the evening, even if it was a bit chilly. This is a pretty special place. We really loved the fresh green olives, good wines, and "small plates" style of eating. We loved seeing families out enjoying the evening.
Today was Sunday, and we started the day with an amazing breakfast at our hotel -- fresh fruits, local cheeses, ham, baked items, "tortas", etc. Plus fantastic coffee, as is the norm everywhere. We got a reasonably early start to the day, heading off to the Reina Sofia museum first, which is where one can see wonderful paintings by Spanish artists, including Picasso's Guernica. After this wondeful museum we needed a cafe break before we were ready to head to the Thyssen-Bornemisza, which (among other things) had some great impressionist paintings.
While out and about walking, we noticed a few things...at least one vegan restaurant. One of the museums has a big banner "refugees welcome." There are a few homeless on the streets here - one had a sign saying in Spanish "I am family-less." Another had three sweet dogs, all with sweaters and their own dog beds.
We went to the 300 year old Bothin restaurant this evening, regarded as the world's oldest restaurant. It is also known for its roast suckling pig.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
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