Thank you for taking us along with you on what sounds to have been a lovely getaway. Your passion for the art pieces is palpable in your words. Reading your descriptions makes me want to visit a museum. Perhaps I’ll finally get myself to Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardener museum. It is, after all, only a short drive from me. And who couldn’t use more art in their day … or their heart? 💜
Thank you for your lovely comment, Jamie. You are always so very kind. I don’t go to galleries nearly enough and when I do I always think I should go more. Go to that Boston one! I’m sure you won’t regret it. Xx
What a lovely thing to say, Cheryl. I’m really touched. And thank you to your country for standing up to the bullying (and now bombing) baby. Goodness only knows what will happen now, but at least your country is run by a grown up.
I visited Madrid for the first time a year or so ago and, like you, was smitten by the Thyssen gallery, which was the one I knew nothing about in advance. But what a beautiful space and stunning collection. That was my favourite.
And, like you, I was also struck by Madrid's history and the reminders of Spain being a dictatorship not so very long ago. Sobering.
I have been twice to Madrid. Unfortunately my memory is a bit shaky on them both. The 1st with my mum in the 90s and the second with my best friend in 07. We did the Prado and a few great eating places. One was a tiny cod tapas place near the Santa Ana square. It was very busy with dozens of Clientele spilling out onto the street. We had the churros and chocolate a couple of times which were lovely. My favourite capitals are Istanbul for the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and the Grand bazaar obviously. We went to a fish restaurant recommended by Rick Stein. My other favourite is Vienna, lots of museums, The Leopold, the Belvedere with Klimts the Kiss, Schoenbrunn palace. We bagged €4 tickets for the opera. Ate Weiner Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Strudel. They play the Marriage of Figaro in the toilets in one of the underground stations and it’s lavishly decorated in the 18c style.
Oh and I live in Edinburgh which speaks for itself !
I was trying to remember the name of the sweet things served with chocolate, so thank you for reminding me! Yes, I love Istanbul, though I went there when I was 23 and it will (obviously) have changed a lot. I'd love to go back. I took my mother to Vienna for a long weekend (a travel piece for the Independent) and loved it. We also went to the opera, though I think we probably paid a bit more than 4 euros! Again, I'd love to go back. And yes, you're quite right about Edinburgh. My grandmother lived there for some years. I remember walking up and down the Royal Mile when I was about fourteen, on one of my first trips away without my parents, and feeling like a queen!
I went to Istanbul a few weeks after the bombing. There was a meeting of world leaders at next hotel. Swat teams and helicopters everywhere. I never felt so safe
It's maybe too incredible to believe, yet honestly no exaggeration to say: Guernica's impact on me has persisted well over four decades. I viewed it at MoMA, early1981, just before it went to Spain. I remember the sheer scale alone being numbing, maybe this was in his thinking. Glad you had a fabulous break, Christina. x John
(p.s. Stumped up my subs, started in on 'The Leopard' last evening ;)
Thank you for taking us along with you on what sounds to have been a lovely getaway. Your passion for the art pieces is palpable in your words. Reading your descriptions makes me want to visit a museum. Perhaps I’ll finally get myself to Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardener museum. It is, after all, only a short drive from me. And who couldn’t use more art in their day … or their heart? 💜
Thank you for your lovely comment, Jamie. You are always so very kind. I don’t go to galleries nearly enough and when I do I always think I should go more. Go to that Boston one! I’m sure you won’t regret it. Xx
*Immediately searches for flights to Madrid*
And I am glad to see you a woman who enjoys all the snacks.
Thank you so much. And yes, I definitely enjoy *all* the snacks. A few less might be a good idea!
Not my cup of tea but good to see you embracing the Arts scene over there & enjoying a well deserved break from the horrors elsewhere.
Definitely like the hat!
Thank you!
I love your love of life, and buoyant exuberance Christina, it's irreplaceable.
Cheers, from Canada...the 51st State that can't pay it's US military bill from the guy next door.
What a lovely thing to say, Cheryl. I’m really touched. And thank you to your country for standing up to the bullying (and now bombing) baby. Goodness only knows what will happen now, but at least your country is run by a grown up.
Go again for the Sorolla museum. It too will bring you joy.
I will! It was closed for renovation, alas, but next time!
I visited Madrid for the first time a year or so ago and, like you, was smitten by the Thyssen gallery, which was the one I knew nothing about in advance. But what a beautiful space and stunning collection. That was my favourite.
And, like you, I was also struck by Madrid's history and the reminders of Spain being a dictatorship not so very long ago. Sobering.
The Thyssen is magnificent, isn't it? Interesting that you were struck by the history, too. As you say, it's very sobering indeed.
Love this piece (as usual) and your shirt dress. Where is it from?
Thank you! It’s Nobody’s Child.
I have been twice to Madrid. Unfortunately my memory is a bit shaky on them both. The 1st with my mum in the 90s and the second with my best friend in 07. We did the Prado and a few great eating places. One was a tiny cod tapas place near the Santa Ana square. It was very busy with dozens of Clientele spilling out onto the street. We had the churros and chocolate a couple of times which were lovely. My favourite capitals are Istanbul for the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and the Grand bazaar obviously. We went to a fish restaurant recommended by Rick Stein. My other favourite is Vienna, lots of museums, The Leopold, the Belvedere with Klimts the Kiss, Schoenbrunn palace. We bagged €4 tickets for the opera. Ate Weiner Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Strudel. They play the Marriage of Figaro in the toilets in one of the underground stations and it’s lavishly decorated in the 18c style.
Oh and I live in Edinburgh which speaks for itself !
I was trying to remember the name of the sweet things served with chocolate, so thank you for reminding me! Yes, I love Istanbul, though I went there when I was 23 and it will (obviously) have changed a lot. I'd love to go back. I took my mother to Vienna for a long weekend (a travel piece for the Independent) and loved it. We also went to the opera, though I think we probably paid a bit more than 4 euros! Again, I'd love to go back. And yes, you're quite right about Edinburgh. My grandmother lived there for some years. I remember walking up and down the Royal Mile when I was about fourteen, on one of my first trips away without my parents, and feeling like a queen!
I went to Istanbul a few weeks after the bombing. There was a meeting of world leaders at next hotel. Swat teams and helicopters everywhere. I never felt so safe
I wonder what it would feel like now!
Heavenly Madrid! Did you also visit the Thyssen museum, which has some magnificent 20th c paintings, and Sorolla? Glad you had a good time at last.
Thank you! I loved the Thyssen (mentioned towards the end of this too-long piece). The Sorolla was closed for renovation, alas.
It's maybe too incredible to believe, yet honestly no exaggeration to say: Guernica's impact on me has persisted well over four decades. I viewed it at MoMA, early1981, just before it went to Spain. I remember the sheer scale alone being numbing, maybe this was in his thinking. Glad you had a fabulous break, Christina. x John
(p.s. Stumped up my subs, started in on 'The Leopard' last evening ;)