Madness in Madrid

by Amanda Pretti

After leaving the small city of Granada, we drove through countryside filled with olive trees and rugged mountains to arrive in the thriving metropolis of Madrid. We have adjusted nicely to Spain time, which means dinner at 10pm. We woke up bright and early the next day and ate our new favorite meal, churros con chocolate for breakfast (for breakfast!) After our delicious meal, we toured the Palacio Real. It is hard to believe that someone would live in such a spacious, huge, and absolutely stunning place. The gorgeous palace proved to exceed my expectations with the curtains spilling onto the marble floor, the vibrant colors that remain humble, and the chandeliers dangling above it all. When we had our fill of the palace, we went to the ReinaSofia art museum. We saw rooms full of Picassos, including one of his most famous called the Guernica. The masterpiece is 25 by 11 ft. It was about his inner rage during the time of the war when Guernica was bombed. Besides Picassos original style, we saw numerous Salvador Dali paintings as well. After leaving the museum, we saw our first bullfight. Of course, I bet you could have guessed that the boys had endless energy and loved it. As for my mom and I, we could have easily left after the second bull but were forced by the boys love for the entertainment to stay for all six. We are off to yet another city in the morning. We will face the challenge of a six hour drive to Barcelona, or as they pronounce it "Barthelona." Wish us luck!