9/28/09

Madrid Sept 2009


A wonderful dinner on the back patio under a full moon.  A great way to start my trip.


 3 weeks for Susan with Kyla, Jorge, Isabel and her new sister, Katya(Kah-ti-ah), born July 31.  Kyla is on maternity leave until January.   Katya is named for my sister Kathy.



Raquel, who lived with us 2 years ago in St. Paul while interning  at Adams Spanish Immersion School, came from Barcelona to visit.



   

 Views from their front porch in Tres Olivos about 20 minutes by metro from the center of Madrid.     The back patio/yard to their townhouse and the front entry area are completely enclosed by high walls, which is typical, even for individual homes, although most people in Madrid live in high rises. 

Madrid is gorgeous in the summer - very green.






    

Isabel has started full time school like all Spanish 3 year olds.   She loves school.   In January Kyla will be leaving on the same bus to teach 2nd grade.





   Katya looks just the way I remember her mom as a baby.  So precious!!

1/30/09

More Madrid

Madrid's most outstanding attraction!

Madrid's big snowfall left at least 2 inches!

  

These large billboards are common along the highways.






 El Museo del Prado



St. Paul had it's Charlie Brown characters, Madrid has cows.


In the courtyard of Kyla's apartment



Madrid has lots of concrete but also some beautiful parks.







 Museo Reina Sofia - it has Guernica and lots more of Picasso's art










Exercise in the metro



 This cultural center was once a brick warehouse. The wall garden is spectacular!

Lunch at Jorge's office

1/29/09

Parque Guell


Designed by Gaudi originally as a private park











These columns support this open area with curved tiled seating wrapped around and a great view of Barcelona.





There are also areas for walking.