Madrid and Alcalá for a weekend ;)

29 November-2 December 2007

So, I finally left myself a weekend to explore Madrid. Sadly, up to this point, my only time in Madrid has been the beginning of the program and going to the airport.

Thursday night I went to a poetry/music event in Alcalá called "Ambigu". There were performances in both English and Spanish, my favorite being my professor Ernesto reading some of his poetry (published and written in Spanish).

Friday I headed into Madrid in the morning and began by going to the Prado museum. I got there 30 minutes after it opened which allowed me to get inside with hardly any wait at all (good thing too because when I came out there was a huge line!). My favorite pieces I saw were: Las Meninas by Velázquez, The 3rd of May 1808 by Goya, The Family of Carlos IV by Velázquez, and La Maja Desnuda right next to La Maja Vestida by Goya.

After the Prado I went to explore Retiro park. It is beautiful and massive! This park alone made me love Madrid so much more. The first time I experienced Madrid I was really overwhelmed by how urban and "big city" it was, and I didn't really like it. But this Park made me see the beauty in Madrid, it was a place of serenity and peace...I could have spent days in there.

Next I headed to check out the Royal Palace. I intended to go inside and take a tour, but I am bit museumed-out at this point, and don't care to pay too many more entrance fees anymore...so I decided that I was content just to see the outside and did some more aimless wandering around Madrid instead.

At 3:30 I went to an apartment owned by a couple that is part of this church called "Oasis" in Madrid. I have been part of a Bible study here that meets in Alcalá that is connected to this church. Anyway, this couple leads a ministry that gives sandwiches/sack lunches to homeless in their neighborhood each Friday. It is a really cool ministry because they don't just go and give food and walk away, but they try to meet the same people each week and talk with them, establish relationships with them, and make them feel loved. It was a very cool experience to be able to help out for a week. It makes one be very thankful for what one has, and it made me personally think more about helping homeless and not just looking away or walking by without buying them at least a hot meal. I pray God continues to bless this ministry and the dedication they have to helping homeless.

On Saturday I went in later in the afternoon to Madrid to check out the Reina Sofia museum. I think i prefer this one to the Prado only because it is a bit smaller and it had more artists I was familiar with. My favorite pieces I saw were: Guernica by Picasso (along with a series of photos which showed the progression/various steps of the creation of this massive work), other various works by Picasso, works by Miró, various works by Dalí, and a photo exhibit of images of the Civil War in Spain.

After the museum I went to the Oasis church service that meets in the St. Louis University Campus in Madrid. The service was really wonderful, the first of advent. I really like how the service was set up. The congregation sits at cafe-sized chairs and tables for the service. It made me realize how much my soul misses church and how much i need to be more involved with a church at home (and hopefully when I am abroad in the future). I would recommend this church to anyone passing through Madrid or who will be spending a longer time here: www.oasismadrid.org. I got a ride home from a wonderful Irish couple that are part of my Bible Study, which was so nice (and so much faster than public transportation!) We drove by the Christmas lights that are displayed in Madrid at the moment...I am getting really excited for Christmas time!

Sunday I came in and went to the Rastro flea market which happens every Sunday. It was very crowded and HUGE! I definitely didn't see it all, but it was fun to buy a few Christmas gifts and be part of the chaos.

HIGHLIGHT OF MADRID: Walking through serene Retiro park and being part of the Oasis sandwich route/service.

Thursday:
1. "Ambigu" in Alcalá


-My Professor, Ernesto, reading some of his poetry at Ambigu


Friday:
2. Path leading to the Prado

3. The Facade of the Prado

4. Retiro Park




-Anchor in Retiro Park(for dad...GO NAVY!!!)


5. The Royal Palace

6. Evidence of the love of Jamón (Ham) in Madrid:



7. Roasted corn, chestnuts, and SWEET POTATO (for you mama:)

8. Evidence of Christmas coming soon!




Saturday:
9.Reina Sofia Museum

Sunday:
10. Rastro Flea Market