Corners and Critters in Spain

Curt, Cindy and Rich walking the wall in Ávila

Si, I am still here in Madrid at least for a rato (short time in espanol). In truth, our days here have been full of movement and language and living. Consider this posting as a "yes, we're still loving Madrid and Spain and thinking of you" postcard. Since March, we've enjoyed visits from my sister Cindy and her friend Curt; from long-time friends Ron and Kim from Salt Lake City and Trout Canyon; and from my sister Terri. 

I have been immersed, head down, in Spanish classes, 4 hours a day/five days a week. I now have many, many verb conjugations floating about in my head, totally muddled. The difficult feat is to have them flow from muddy mind to smooth oral discourse unimpeded by my constant need to edit. Having finally decided my mind is on shutdown for any new information, I've left the daily classes, but Rich and I now attend a private class for an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, just to practice talking. For Rich, those of you who also love him, know he willingly practices talking given any lull. 

Now for the postcard, photos from our travels with Curt and Cindy and alone over the last couple of months. Cindy emails photos with quips highlighting her travels every week and always includes wildlife from hikers to snakes. This posting is dedicated to her, and my condolences to all who aren't on her list. Watch for more soon.

Enlarge any photos with a single or double click in the center.

Cindy and Rich wander
through Madrid.

Museo Sorolla in Madrid was home to Joaquin Sorolla, Spain's 
finest impressionist (1863-1923). It's my absolute favorite 
of the small museums. Much of his art features his wife and
 three children, and the garden is a lovely haven in the city.

Cindy in Retiro Parque

Curt and Cindy see Palacio Real (or vice versa)

El Templo de Debod in Madrid, an ancient temple
given by Egypt to Spain in 1968 in gratitude for
help in rescuing monuments threatened by an
overflowing Nile; a romantic vantage point at
sunset although Cindy, Curt, Rich and I watched
only the dwindling.

Templo de Debod in the dwindling

Train station in Cercedilla, a small 
town north of Madrid in the Sierra
Guadarrama and one of three trips
outside Madrid with Cindy and Curt.

Roman bridge (maybe)
in Cercedilla

Cercedilla lizard

Segovia stork for all the bird people