As Rhianwen mentioned in the previous post, recently I took a trip to Madrid, Spain. Some of you might be wondering, "Why, Benner? Why did you go to Spain, particularly without your wife?"
Well nosy people, I was sent to Spain by a newspaper who wanted me to write a travel article on Madrid. And while my trip was paid for, Rhianwen would have had to either pay her way or hide in my suitcase if she wanted to come. She chose to stay home. But I wish she did come, because Madrid is an amazing city. I had always known in my heart of hearts that I would love Spain. I have felt some sort of connection with it since middle school, when my Spanish teacher would talk about growing up in Madrid. The culture, the lifestyle, the wonderful things to see, I've always known I had to go there, which makes it extra cool that God smiled upon me and handed me a free trip there.
Madrid is an experience. The architecture, the museums, the attitudes, everything about it is warm and welcoming. I've always had a soft spot in my stomach for Spanish food, and the seafood paella I had in Madrid was amazing. Bars and restaurants are--get this--well lit and quiet, all the better to focus on your company and food. (American bars and restaurants, please take note.) Everything is old. Everything. It's not like in LA, where something built in the '70's is considered an antique. I ate in a restaurant that has been in continual operation since 1723. 1723. That's crazy.
Maybe the coolest part is the city's attitude towards art. Everyone is a patron, everyone appreciates it. The city government fully supports the arts, not just in some half-hearted patronizing way that most American city's "support" the arts. There are so many works of fine art (Picasso's Guernica, Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delight, Velázquez's Las meninas), it's insane. Just wandering through the various museums, it's shocking to find these great works just hanging up with no fanfare.
There's plenty to say about my trip. But pictures are worth a thousand words. So here's about ten thousand words. Enjoy!
