Firstly, a visit to the Museo Nacional Centra de Arte Reina Sofia - the Reina Sofia National Museum Centre of Arts, or the Reina Sofia (Queen Sofia) for short; this museum is the national modern art gallery. Like all modern art galleries, there was the good, the bad, and (in my mind at least) the downright ugly - but then isn't that the idea with art: that it polarises?
There are some famous and fabulous pieces by the likes of Dali and Picasso, but unfortunately while this gallery does allow photography (as long as you don't use a flash) the best of Dali and Picasso are in a photography-free area - I guess that they want to keep the best to themselves and the museum shop. However, it was a pleasure to stand and observe them, to understand them a bit better, some of their history, and what drove the pieces. And for what it's worth, both Dali and Picasso really could paint very well.
Once again, the gallery was difficult to navigate, even with a floor-plan in-hand; but I managed to get around and see everything. What was really nice about the gallery was the number of school-groups (mostly primary school) going through the galleries, and watching (without understanding a word) the animated discussions between the children and their teachers and guides.
I don't claim to understand all of the works, but below is a selection of some that I enjoyed on my way around the galleries. All-in-all, the Reina Sofia is a good way to spend a few hours in Madrid.
Take this piece for example - if this is art, then a lot of what I and my colleagues put onto whiteboards and butcher's paper is art!
I can't remember who did this, but I do remember that he died young and somewhat twisted.
At 1.4 km2 (350 acres) park at the edge of the city centre, this magnificent park is filled with beautiful sculptures and monuments, galleries, a peaceful lake, the Crystal Palace, and hosts a variety of events. Clearly popular with locals, exercising, relaxing or waling, the park is entirely surrounded by the present-day city.
On the walk, I learnt some interesting facts - like at 700m altitude, Madrid is one of Europe's highest capital cities.
I couldn't help but buy a few pieces - olives stuffed with anchovies, sardines, and jamon (ham): not all at the same time - that would be just wrong.
And finally a quick Metro ride back to Lavapies and the apartment to get ready to head off early in the morning - next stop: Granada.