Postcard from Madrid.

Got back from Madrid yesterday morning and was too tired to do anything besides check email and finish my book....

Today, I've uploaded all my pictures and have made a little postcard-like image in memory of Madrid.  

What I will remember most is:

1. The unbelievable weather. 60s-70s during the day. Mornings and early evenings were pretty mild too. And gorgeous skies throughout the day. Folks, if you need to get away from the winter blues (like I did) and don't want to go to the beach, Madrid is a wonderful option. 
   
2. The incredible art museums and the art. Madrid has three world class museums all in the city center, all clustered together. We only had 3 days but we managed to go to the Prado and the Thyssen Bornemisza. (Unfortunately, no Reina Sofia to see the Guernica). The Museo del Prado, of course, houses the best of Goya and Velazquez as well as many other of the old masters - Reubens, Boticelli etc.   Modern art is housed in the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen Bornemisza.  Luckily for us, they were having a special exhibit at the Thyssen of "Modigliani and his times", which was one of the most amazing art exhibits that I have seen in recent years. Kinda made up for the disappointment of not being able to make it to the Reina Sofia. 
   
3. Food. All the jamon, queso, chorizo, pulpos (octopus), tostas de gambas.... And all the beer, vino tinto and cava to wash it all down. We came back with our pants unbuckled....

I think overall, I might prefer Barcelona for the sights and architecture (and maybe food), but Madrid is perfect for the art lover.