Thursday, May 28, 2015

Our last day in Madrid and our return to Phoenix

Monday was a low key day.  After breakfast at the hotel cafe, we headed out to the Royal Botanical Garden.  I walked some, then sat while Patty explored other parts.  We followed this pattern for about three hours.  I would walk slowly for 20 - 30 minutes, then sit while Patty continued to explore.  Then we would walk together some more, and I would sit again.


At one point, we came across a crew that was working on removing a portion of a tree.  We were reminded of Jon.  This man was tied into the tree and the pieces he was cutting off were also tied in and lowered to the ground rather than dropping and potentially damaging other plants in the garden.




We then went to lunch at the Vertical Cafe, and after lunch went to the Caixa Forum museum.  They have a vertical garden that grows on an exterior wall - but they are removing it and repairing the wall and garden.


The museum is part of the non-profit arm of a foundation supported by banks.  They have rotating exhibits, and this time I was particularly struck by the exhibit "What would you take?"  This was a collection of photos and interviews from refugees who fled violence in places like Syria and Burundi.  It was very moving.  There were also other exhibits, including one about how the ancient Egyptians integrated animals into their worship.

Then it was back to the hotel to repack, have a light dinner and prepare for the 22 hour journey on Tuesday.

All went as scheduled on Tuesday.  We got to use the Sala Cibeles Club after check in, security, and immigration - a very nice place to stay with free drinks, food and wifi.  The flights were fine, with both getting in early.  The only issue was that it was a very long day, more than Patty wants to endure.  And now it is time to contemplate our trip and think about the next adventure.

No comments:

Post a Comment