Madrid

Thursday evening/night

Already got some chores done.

Used local train system to get from the national system to the hostel.

Went to subway station at Puerta del Sol to figure out how to navigate the system to the airport on Saturday.

Walked around Madrid Central, just enjoying the liveliness and ambiance. Got dinner at 11 p.m. like a Spaniard. Fried green peppers and calamari and churros con chocolate.

Friday

Another check of my understanding of the subway system. Have line numbers and stations figured out. Practiced purchasing my fare. System is automated.

Walked around Madrid. Took a free walking tour with Madride Travel. I did it also in 2016. It's always an interesting tour, especially when I have some prior experience. I took the Spanish tour just to practice one more time.

Went again to see Picasso's Guernica. and once again I'm simply amazed at the absolute simplicity of the painting and at the same time the absolute complexity of the painting, all wrapped up into one horrible depiction of war.

Perhaps because this is my second time to see the actual painting, and not just a representation, I was able to focus on details that I did not notice before. For example it seems to me there are two horses in the painting yet they share the same head. This time I also noticed door frames and everyday artifacts that are very deeply set into the painting with colors that almost match the background but are not exactly the same.

I read in the analysis that says the bull represents Fascism and that the horse represents the people of the town. I don't know enough about art to be a serious critic, but it seems to me that the ugly and gruesome way that the people of the town are drawn is enough to represent the people of Guernica.

On leaving the museum, rather than retrace my steps, I found a street thru a very quiet Madrid neighborhood. It made me remember and realize that the people of Madrid have their own personal lives, just like the people of Rochester. My perceptions of Madrid and their perceptions of Madrid, I'm sure are very different. One more thing to make me realize how close to an end this trip is and how close to a new beginning I am back home.

The coffee shop and bakery that I'm in is so quiet and peaceful because it's a neighborhood place.

Saturday

All checked in at the airport, having a Cafe Con Leche and tostada in the terminal and just waiting to board the plane. It's finally over. So many great memories, so many great experiences, such a great adventure.

I regret not being able to continue on this wonderful journey, but also at some point everyone must return home. It's that time to return home.

What is most amazing to me is all the wonderful people I met and all the great conversations I've had with folks from all over Europe.

The Camino provides.

JFK

Because of the pre-clearance in Dublin Airport, I disembarked in the JFK domestic terminal and have plenty of time to make arrangements for an earlier flight to Rochester. so instead of sleeping in the terminal tonight, I'll be in my own bed by 1 AM.