Today, the plan was to give Madrid another chance because I had been so down on it the other day. I rode the train from Toledo to Madrid and as soon as I stepped off the train, the feeling of being in the wrong place again hit me. I didn’t even make it out of the train station and I looked for the local train that would run to a place called El Escorial. In my tour book, it was supposed to be a wonderful little day trip from Madrid. I bought myself a ticket (by train) to this little place for a whopping 3.05 euros. I sat next to a couple of retired school teachers from Britten and had a fairly intellectual conversations ranging from the economy to the thoughts behind a graffiti artist. What was very interesting, and perhaps not the least bit of news to you, is that all of the world looks to the United States as to what they will evolve in their own nations, be it where to place a fast food chain to the graffiti that is showing up in other parts of the world (including, as I mentioned, on the bricks of 500 year old buildings). It was these brit‘s opinion that when the United States sneezed, the rest of the world caught a cold. My new friendly chaps felt that once USA recovers economically, they will follow. These beliefs could very well be true to the majority. Maybe I live a very sheltered existence, but I often think that the other countries are who we should be modeling our lives around. Their family values and commitment to peaceful living seems much more suited for what we should be striving for. I feel (and I make this my own opinion) that we are a lazy, selfish country and we don’t know the definition of hard work or sacrifice. We spend our days off vegging out in front of a TV or doing things that serve our own good. We fail to live our lives in service for others. I too fall into this category nor am I immune from how I view us as a whole. Nonetheless, I was very interested in the discussion we had on the train.
(I don’t mean to turn this into a political blog, I just have these festering opinions lately. Probably because I don’t have anyone to tame my wild ideations or someone to put some duct tape over my mouth.)
El Escorial is about 30 miles northwest of Madrid. The Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial was built in the mid-1500’s. It wasn’t a real pretty building and it looked more like a prison than anything else. But it was HUGE! I took the self guided tour because they weren’t offering any English speaking tours today. I wandered through the stark stone walled hallways and read the little description on the wall near the artifact. I must admit, I was bored out of my mind at first. There were shovels and pots and pans and other stuff that really didn’t interest me in the least. At one point, when I was looking at a painting of a woman breast feeding her child, my only thought was “that is a good size”. Then I wandered around and looked in rooms, having these odd thoughts: “That room is spacious.” “ohh, there is a lot of storage space in those built in cabinets.” “I wonder how much these dishes would sell for on eBay.” “If I had to clean this place, I would kill myself.” “I wonder how many warehouses of Ikea merchandise you would need to furnish this place.”
About this time I realize that I am not really a history buff. I mean it’s interesting, but really? Not for me. But then I start getting interested. Because in one room they have these paintings and the description states they are “unattractive people” because of the inbreeding that went on amongst their families. I am looking at them and realize they are down right F-UGLY. Then I wander into a room where the monks supposedly would meet for important discussions and I am trying to imagine what their conversation would be like. Would they be “let’s meet up at half past noon to discuss the rather pressing issues laying before us.” Or would it be more like “ya, see you up there in about ten minutes.” I don’t know when we became less formal, but it’s hard to imagine a time when all the pomp and circumstance was proper.
Anyway, I got in a giddy mood after that exploration and there is NOTHING worse than being in a giddy mood (especially MY giddy mood) when there is no one around to bounce off of. I find this park (gorgeous park) and start taking goofy pictures of myself. I want to joke and kid and be obnoxious, but I can’t. It’s so hard. If I were to do that, people would assume I escaped from the funny farm. Or…Maybe, they would decide to act that way too, since I am an American and as an American, I influence the behaviors of the rest of the world? Well, we shall see if my crazy behavior will catch on.
After this I returned to Madrid as I felt I needed too. I ventured out of the train station and went to the Prado. It would be free to enter at 6 pm…and still having the last name of Starkey, I got that cheapness still in me. So, I wait and enter with the rest of the free-loaders at 6pm. Again, I wish I were into art like I wish I were into history, I am not. However, this place was amazing. It was filled with paintings from all famous painters of the 16th, 17th and 18th century. Most of the paintings were of Jesus’ crucifixion and the last supper. Some were of King Charles and his family. Some depicted the dresses and the parties of those times. There were lots of nudie pictures. I especially liked the paintings by this guy named Ruben. That guy liked the large ladies and he painted them like women look and he didn’t hold back on the cellulite or the rolls. But, all kidding aside, they were beautiful women and they seemed much more realistic to the times.
My day is ending as yours is mid-way through. Tomorrow I go back to Barcelona for the night and then I fly home on Friday, where I will be greeted by my dear friend(s). And, I understand Saturday night I am hosting an end of school sleep over with four 13-year-old boys. Wait until you read the blog on that one!
My favorite picture of the day:
3 responses:
Again...beautiful. Would have been sooo fun to explore! I'm so glad you have opened my eyes to this part of the world. But now it's time for you to come home. We miss you here!
I miss being home too. I am ready. Can't wait to see you! Thanks for all the love you sent my way during this trip!
I am so happy you are coming home, but I will really miss your blog! Its been a nice escape to see all of the gorgeous pictures during my work day!! Have a safe trip home!
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