Last week
Trip Start
Dec 28, 2009
1
5
Trip End
Jan 25, 2010
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Friday, January 22, 2010
So what has this week bought to make this month so great. When I arrive in Seville I thought that after hurting my ankle that I would be just passing the time, but with positive thinking, good strapping and determination I was able to visit some amazing places. Both in Seville and in Madrid. Nothing to outragious occured but I did meet Spiderman in Madrid and I now feel safe knowing that he is around to save the world. Although a little overweight he is the man.
It is a pity I couldnīt spend more time in Seville and Madrid but I got the most of my time. Apart from Monday where I put the old ankle on the couch and caught up with everything internet, including the fantastic summer collingwood is having, I spent Tuesday walking(hobbling) to the grand palace and in a way comparing it to the Palace in Granada. Both built by the Muslims and also taken over by the Catholics and spanish royals in the 14th century. Amazing desgin and creation and the gardens amazing but I think because the palace is situated on mountain looking down on Granada the Alahama is incredible. After spending a couple of hours wondering around I then took myself to the Museum of the Indies which was a wonderful look into the spanishīs point of view into their colonisation of south and central america and one of the reasons I came to spain to find out more about their colonial history. I loved the maps and sketches of the period and the writings of the time. Unfortuneatly it was all in Spainish but I find it easier to read than speak so I go the gist of what was going on. The musuem had some really important documents and after seeing spain(southern) I now know where all the fortune went to and it wasnīt the people (like ususal). I then decided to get more culture into me and decided to get an insight to Spanish or Sevilles (Andalucias) modern anthropology. Although not a huge display fantastic to see images, displays of home life, tools, etc. This really enhanced my knowledge after travelling around country Andalucia. Of course I must also say before I reached this museum I came across the spanish Plaza which is a huge half-circle with buildings continually running
around the edge accessible over a moat by numerous beautiful bridges
. In the centre is a large fountain. By the walls of the Plaza are
many tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain. Just amazing and something I had not thought of. By this time, my foot felt like hot coals. I am sure if I had not hurt my foot I would have taken two days to see all this.
Anyway, the next day I took the superfast train to Madrid. Wow, sort of leaves V/Line for dead, only just, lol. 3 hours later I was checked into my room and of I went bad foot and all checking out Madrid. I must say I hate spending time like this in places you really donīt get any appreciation for the people or the place but considering the situation there was nothing much I could do about it. I walked around the place, passed the royal palace and through a few plazas before I met spiderman, and a few of his friends some you will see when I show the photos (by the way if you are friends with me on facebook I have a few videos and photos uploaded for you to see). I suppose if I wanted to get to know some of the characters in Madrid this was the defining moment.
As I had not really stepped into an art museum on this trip I decided the next two days would be the perfect opportunity considering that some of the best art displays of European art is on display in Madrid. On Thursday I spent 6 hours in the Prado museum and boy so big so amazing. Goya and Flemish painting for me the main attraction. I also spent a good 2 hours in the Navy Museum and this was fantastic. Great maps and originals also. Also an insight into the power of the spanish in the 15th and 16th century plus their wars against the dutch, french and english. today however was one of those ah ha days, when art really has meant not to much to me but I got the gist of the development of it today when I spent a good 8 hours in the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. My god this was amazing I really loved the modern art being a pop culture freak but I also got a really good understanding viewing and using the audio guide to see amazing pieces from early Italian 1100 art to 20th century. Unfortunately I did not get to the reina sofia museum which I am told is incredible but obviously I will have to return.
Anyway, in 12 hours I am flying out of here and back to warmer climates, sad yes, learnt a heap, you bet. I think looking back on the past month has been an incredible journey, not just in miles but in understanding a little more a people and a place I really did not know much about except my knowledge through my travels to central and south america over the years. I also think that speaking in terms of an australian point of view we really donīt think about spain on our travel destinations except for probably Barcelona. I would love to return next time up north but also to visit my dear friend Miriam who I really did not spend nearly enough time with, however I am sure I will catch up with her again some time in the next few years. She is also on an amazing journey herself and it looks like she will be travelling back to central america with her work this year.
Anyhow thats it for now. I need a Sangria. Canīt wait to catch up with everyone, and yes I hope to be able to enjoy the 24 hours I have in Bangkok but I highly doubt it, except maybe the food, shopping and warm weather. But that will be another trip.
Take care
Virginia
