3rd Sept. Last day in Madrid for me.

Previous visits to Madrid had not allowed enough time for art galleries so I was determined to squeeze them in this time. Madrid is a city of arts and galleries and really you need a much longer time than I have to really make the most if it.

I was up early and Peter and I headed for the Prado. Wonderful and overwhelming at the same time. We did a self guided tour ( meaning we walked back and forth missing and then finding, our special paintings!). It was a sensory explosion. We decided we had seen a lot of medieval religious art over the month so we only gave that area a cursory look. Still one painting from that era has stuck with me. It seemed so fresh and modern but was from the 12th C. Lots to see but after 2.30 hrs we were done. There is only so much you can absorb. Peter and I headed off to revive with fresh air and ice creams.

We needed to meet up with Karen and Andy at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Gallery. I had been here before but as they were only just starting their visit, ( they had been waylayed by a couple they met at a cafe) Peter and I went in for another art bath. This is a more modern collection with impressionists and Renoir and Jackson Pollock to name a few. It was also interesting and inspiring for me. About 1.30 hrs later I was starving and needed a break.

We were all hungry now and brain dead! I wanted to wash some clothes I needed for the return trip so I was eager to get back to the apartment. We only have one set of keys so keeping tabs on each other was needed. Andy wasn’t hungry but we found an Indian restaurant close by and had a massive lunch. I should have shared the plate because I had indigestion all afternoon.

Although I was ready for a nap we decided to play our last game of cards. I have become pretty competent over the last few weeks and gone from a regular loser to a frequent winner. By 7pm the washing was done and out drying( thank you Madrid for turning on a nice 27 C finish), we headed off to the Reina Sofia Muséum to see Picasso’s Guernica. That was my final wish and then a snack and bed!

Trying to find the exit was a bit of a challenge. We can find our way across Spain but not out of the Gallery! Flashes of my experience in Kyoto station came to me. Once again we headed back to our apartment but we were looking for an ATM so I could withdraw some money to pay my share of the car. It seemed like I would be thwarted as there were none to be found and when we did, it was out of order. A bit like this trip. Haha!

Of course there turned out to be more than one and all was sorted. Close to home stopped for a light dinner and drink to mark the end of the trip. It was light and tasty but with tiredness plus indigestion from lunch, by the time I got to the top of the stairs at the flat I was desperate and hurrying Andy to get the three locks(!) open because I was about to vomit. I felt ghastly and was scared it might go on and on. I vomited on my hair too( damn long hair) so I needed a bath and hair wash.

I ventured upstairs to our public bath but found there was a modesty screen provided at least. Standing up was out of the question so it was a sit down shower in the bath. I don’t think Peter will cope!

I went to bed with queasy stomach but slept and was fine in the morning. What a relief. Called the Uber and I was off for my marathon journey home. Farewell Madrid , I hope to return.