Italica and Madrid

Today we drove to a small town outside of Seville, called Italica, to explore some ancient, Roman ruins. We were really impressed. We were able to see some tile mosaics that once lined the floors of public baths. Some were barely missing any tiles. Another highlight was the large amphitheater that stood next to a small lake. It was well-preserved, and we were able to enter the bottom level.

After several hours of Luke driving, Greg navigating, and me sleeping, we arrived in Madrid. Our hotel was located near the El Retiro park. We walked through the park and went out to explore the city.

After some wine, we walked by many of the city's famous plazas: Mayor, Sol, Espana, Oriente, and Cibeles. We hoped to get the classic photos at kilometer zero and at the bear and strawberry statue in Sol, but hundreds of protesters got in the way. Apparently, jobless Spaniards throughout the country had been walking to the capital for the past month to come together and protest their dissatisfaction with their government at the very same time as our visit. No worries. Just hippies.

Outside the Palacio Real, we stopped for a while to hear a harpist play.  He looked like a hardcore rocker, but impressed the crowd with the soothing melodies he played.  After some jamon (ham) and various cheeses, we headed back for the night.

Today we walked to the Prado, the most famous museum in Madrid. It was free and the line was ridiculously long.  We decided to head to another great museum nearby, called the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.  It had some art for everyone: Picasso, Dahli, VanGoh, Monet, Renoir, and Caravaggio.  I really liked two paintings of cats, one called "The Lucky Thief," as well as a Renoir painting titled, "Wheat Field."

After the museum, we headed into El Retiro park. We took a relaxing stroll to the Crystal Palace, which looks like a mix between a glass house and a greenhouse.  With the fountain and pond in front, it was quite pretty.  While we ate some Magnum ice-cream from the nearby stand, we saw to min pins, one red and one black and tan, walk by. They were the orneriest dogs in the park. We then walked across the way to the Palacios de Vasquez and saw a free art exhibit.

Today we woke up, got some espresso and some sweets, then headed for the Palacio Real AKA the Royal Palace.  While the castle paled in comparison to Versailles, this palace had an armory that couldn't be beat: swords, shields, maces, guns, cannons, crossbows, and lances. Best of all was the armor that was displayed on mannequins and life-sized model horses. Top each horse and rider off with a lance, and it really did seem like it could charge into battle. Also a highlight was the armor for a dog and armor for children.