June 11, 2015 - Madrid, and then back to Barcelona

This morning we were able to sleep in a bit - until 8:30! Then another amazing breakfast at our Madrid hotel, and out again. A torrential rainstorm kept us in the lobby for a little while, then off to the most wonderful Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Susan Yelton, our very savvy traveling companion, has mentioned that the Thyssen is one of her favorites, and we have to agree. Containing one of the world's most distinguished private art collections, the Thyssen is beautifully curated, organized perfectly, and, most important to us, very uncrowded. It was possible to stand before some of the world's masterpieces all alone and just revel in the experience. We spent a solid two hours, visiting first the temporary collection, which was a group of Zurbaran masterworks, then going to selected works in the private collection. The number of treasures amassed by this family is unbelievable. Is it too politically incorrect to say that we enjoyed this smaller museum more than the Prado?

Above - The living wall as it looked on June 9. Below - The same wall as we left Madrid on June 11.)

After a light lunch, we gathered as a group in the lobby of our hotel, then set out to walk the few blocks to the train station. We left promptly at 5:00 p.m. for Barcelona, and had a pleasant, smooth, and very fast ride aboard the bullet train.

In Barcelona, it was raining - seems as though that has been a theme for the past two days. We divided into groups of four and caught taxis back to our hotel. We had a very nice taxi driver who apologized profusely because his English was not so good. Acknowledging that our Spanish/Catalan is far worse than his English, we were charmed. He dropped us right at the door of our hotel, and for 10 Euros per couple, we felt we had the best of the bargain!

So funny that we felt as though we had come home, in a sense. Our rooms were just as we left them (but much tidier), and, after a brief unpacking, we set out for our favorite tapas bar (the Toothpick Place), and enjoyed a light meal, some wine and beer, and stopped in for a quick gelat on the way back to home base.

Now we're back in the room, completely unpacked, showered and ready for bed. Tomorrow we gather at 9:00 a.m. - destination: Gaudi!

And at least as far as I'm concerned, I loved our Madrid experience, but Barcelona is friendlier, has a more exciting vibe, is definitely cleaner - and the food is better. We're glad to be back.