A day in Madrid represented a return to a 1st world country, and as such, it was nice to stay in a nice hotel and enjoy all of the normal creature comforts like Melbourne.
Given we have both been in Madrid previously, and to the world famous Prado museum, we decided instead to head to Madrid’s 2nd World class museum, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. It’s fair to say that Cinthia and I were blown away by how good this museum was; every bit as good as the Prado, with probably ¼ of the tourists. Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, all the big guys’ colourful compositions made an appearance. It was well set out on a room by room basis (always important in a museum).
Spain and Madrid represent a country and city that Cinthia and I would potentially one day agree to live in, however that is unlikely anytime soon given the economic doldrums the country finds itself in. It is a weekday, and not uncommon to see a raft of post-adolescent youth that should be in their first or second jobs instead trodding the streets, or lining up to purchase their weekly groceries during the middle of the day. Many wear a downcast look, the look that seems to giveaway the fact that they too are reliant on government handouts as they can’t find work. Nearly 50% of 18-25 year olds are unemployed, which is sad in any country, however demoralizing to proud people like the Spaniards.
Madrid represented another city with a great Metro, and post my return I have my work cut out in order to whip Melbourne’s rail system into shape. It transports Cinthia and I conveniently to the city and back.
Whilst a last night on the town drinking Sangria and eating tapas would have been appealing, the need to pack and get organized for our departure to Brazil was the priority and hence it was Adios to Madrid city for us.
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