Moved to a new hotel this morning called Petit Palace Santa Barbara. Very high tech and modern. Even closer to where Evie lives, about two blocks away. When things aren’t right it’s good to move! Evie planned a fabulous day! The Museo del Prado was our first stop. WOW!! What an art museum! Masterpieces by Goya, Velazquez and Van Der Weyden to name only a few. El Greco’s “The Adoration of the Shepherds” was one of our favorites. Took the photos before I realized you weren’t allowed to take photographs. Lunch at Cirulo de Bellas Artes decorated with elegant chandeliers and statues. Afterwards we strolled through Puerta del Sol, which was alive with people. A mariachi band serenaded the crowd. Then we walked through a restaurant/bar called Museo del Jamon that had huge slabs of ham hanging in it. Very appetizing – NOT! Plaza Mayor was our next stop. The buildings are very grand, but the energy of the square is what really makes it come alive with its outdoor tables and students strewn across the cobblestones. Next we went to Mercado de San Miguel, one of Madrid’s oldest and most beautiful markets, which has undergone major renovation. We ordered some wine and olives and napped a table. Evie chatted with some locals in Spanish. I am so impressed how well she communicates in Spanish. Two friends, Fiona and Lauren, joined us for dinner at Bazaar Restaurant in Chueca. Delicious! Beforehand we had cava and Spanish cheese in the courtyard of the hotel. When they clink glasses here they say "Arriba, abajo, al centro y, al dentro," which means "Up, down, in the center & inside." To cap off the evening we went back to Evie’s family’s apartment where the little sister, Elsa, was having a sleepover party to celebrate her 14th b-day. We arrived about 11:30 pm and the girls we in the kitchen making stir-fry for dinner. About midnight Evie, Fiona and Lauren started painting the girls nails, curling their hair and doing their make-up. That was my cue to say goodnight. What a fabulous day!
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