9/23/15: Guernica

Slept in - so had a late start.  Needed the sleep.  We are adjusting better than expected. We started the day with the mile long walk to Museo Reina Sofia.  The walk is great.  We see so much along the  way.
The art museum is a beautiful old classical building.  It has a traditional courtyard in the middle surrounded by the building.  The museum is organized in floors based on th Spanish Revolutinary War.  There is a floor on pre and during the war art. Other floors deal with post war and beyond.  For us, the  most meaningful was the pre and during war exhibits. An amazing collection of Miro, Dali, Juan Gris, Julio Gonzalez and Picasso is displayed.  From an art standpoint, you see the development of the artists in an incredible progression. And then the war. The paintings are then focused on the human tragedy.  Of course, the highlight was Picasso's Gurnica. I knew it was a large painting. But it was so large it took the size of an entire very large wall.  It was imposing.   The size and incredible content were very moving.  There were many people in the room.  There  was no noise. Many of his post Guernica pieces were also displayed. They were as poignant, if you can imagine.

At 3:00 we werein search of almuerzo.  We are getting on Spanish time.  Found a great little hole in the wall that served us a wonderful paella. We shared. They don't feel the need to overserve serve you here.

Found the Ramirez Guitar Shop on a non-description alley on our way back. This shop has been here for three or more generations. Closed for siesta at 5:00 pm. Will go back later.  Took some pictures.  My brother Cary will be salivating profusely at the sight of the shop sign.  Don't worry Cary, we will go back.

Back to the apartment to rest up for a Madrid night of tapas and whatever.

For the photos: First two are a plant sculpture on a wall (no idea of the significance),  Next seven are the Museo Reina Sofia Courtyard grounds ( with Becky studying snd
making her happy face), statue outside the Museo (symbol of Spain's struggle and rise to freedom after the civil war), Plaza, Museo elevator, side street, Museo door, Hotel Mediodia ( I only include this because of the name - Hotel Noon or Hotel Mid- Day - a lot of rooms for mid-day...makes you wonder...),  Madrid Train Station (we will leave for Córdoba from here), Dept. of Justice, Ramirez guitar, last three.