Hot Springs, Arkansas - A glimpse of another era

Established in early 1800's and known for 47 hot springs (143 degrees) believed for centuries to possess medicinal properties, this town of 30,000 is a mix of preserved historical buildings and the decay of vacant buildings showing the once popular spa town has past its prime.

In 1851, the city became home to many Major League Baseball spring training camps and was a popular stomping ground for gangsters like Al Capone because of easy access to illegal gambling, speakeasies, healing waters and horse racing.

Bath Houses- Eight very ornate bath houses have been preserved. The Fordyce bathhouse is now maintained by the national park service. Amazing view of a spa experience in the late 1800's. Stained glass sky light made from 8,000 pieces of glass, steam cabinets, mineral bath tubs and massage equipment that looks a little spooky.

The Army-Navy Hospital - Built in 1933 and this place is huge! The Army and Navy General Hospital was also supplied with water from the hot springs in Hot Springs National Park. It was administered by the War Department for the benefit of military members and honorably discharged veterans, who suffered from such diseases believed to be benefited by healing waters.

Public fountains- About five tank filling stations are located in the national park. We saw lines and lines of people filling up containers of the hot springs water. I stopped to talk to one guy and he said the water will help you live to 100. I thought that I should go buy a container or two! We did taste the water and it was really good tasting.

Abandoned buildings - They are everywhere! Some revitalization going on but almost every building along the historic district has a shop on the bottom and vacant floors above.

View from the top - The mountain tower gives you a wonderful view of the Quachita Mountains.

The Arlington Hotel: First built in 1875, then knocked down 20 years later and rebuilt and then destroyed by fire - this is the third construction. Popular resting place during prohibition due to escape tunnels that lead to the hotel from the speakeasies.

Garvan Gardens: The University of Arkansas botanical garden project. Neat area that also houses Anthony Chapel. Made in partnership with Fay Jones, Maurice Jennings of Fayetteville designed this 3.8 million dollar chapel. Really cool. But 3.8 million? I didn't think so! They also had a christmas light show that was very nicely done.

Mark and I came here on our pseudo honeymoon a little over 36 years ago. We really didn't have one and don't recall going to anyplace other than the race track. So it was really fun to actually experience Hot Springs. A little gem in the Natural State.

 

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Adios Espana

Last day in Spain. It has been a wonderful trip. Ready to be back in the good ole U.S. of A. We have much to accomplish in the next four weeks. Shoot two weddings, find a place to live in Fayetteville, locate movers, and close on our house not to mention actually move. Crazy!!!

I think I have figured out the hot chocolate in Spain which is so delicious! We shall see when I try to reproduce back home. The hot chocolate and churros have been a real treat.

Today, we visited the inside of the Royal Palace. Quite spectacular. They only let you take pictures in one area and monitor the camera use closely. The armory area was really interesting and they have a huge collection of body armor for men (that are about the same size as adult women today), horses and even children. The main section of the palace was cool. Let me tell you, I could throw a fabulous party in this dining room.

Then we hit the Madrid flea market. What a huge every Sunday event. If you need or want something you are sure to find it there. Again incredibly crowded.

Mark's parents had recommended that we eat in the documented oldest restaurant in the world. Continuously operating since 1725. Such an interesting place and it did not disappoint. Their speciality is roasted suckling pig. Very good and interesting to see where and how it is roasted. Someone told us this is the original oven.

Then back to the Prado Meausem. Large collection of 1600, 1700 and 1800 works of European artists. What was interesting to learn is that some artists had a protege complete much of the work and they would come in and paint the face or some detail. Once you learn this it is pretty easy to pick out which ones were done completely by the artist and those that were not. I learned that I am not a fan of Goya. And the carvings out of marble and alabaster were very impressive. I gotta give a shout out to Crystal Bridges in Northwest Arkanas. It is the newest American art museum in the US and very impressive. Go visit it! It is much closer than the Prado.

Thanks to all that have followed us through this blog and our Camino adventure. Your comments and encouragement has really been appreciated!!!

On to the next adventure!!!

 

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Madrid - Day 1: Muchas Personas!

I posted on Facebook that is is kind of a culture shock to be in Madrid. Huge amounts of traffic, crowds and crowds of people, rude waiters (they don't work for tips) and pricey food but on the plus side lots of beauty. I like the quiet of rural Spain better and hiking the Camino but glad we didn't miss the sights of Madrid.

This is the Temple De Debod - it is an ancient Egyptian temple dismantled and moved to Madrid. Not sure why it was moved but it is really cool. I think it was going to be under water after the Aswan Dam was constructed but I could have dreamed that.

The Madrid Palace- it doesn't house royalty anymore. Used mostly for ceremonial activities. Our hotel is literally across the street from it.

The Cathedral La Almudenda sits next to the palace.

We roamed around the Botanical Gardens but to be honest the free Reitro park was much better. Large park that every person in Madrid must have decided to visit today because it was such a beautiful day. We decided to have a picnic in the park because it was such a nice day. All the plaza's and parks remind me of New Orleans just full of street performers for adults and children.

Visited plaza mayor. Just a huge gathering place. Saw it before it was packed with people and after for a cold beverage break.

Trevor Huxham had told us to visit city hall and take the elevator to the observation deck. Great tip and all I could say was wow. Madrid is huge.

Siesta time in the rural areas was such an inconvenience because we often had to wait til 5 for a bar or store to open again but today we decided a nap was a fine idea. And it felt so good.

Carolos III was the king of Spain in 1759-1788. He was either well loved or thought highly of himself because just about every plaza, park, round about or arch has him as the statue.

Someone told us to visit the Prado museum when it was free so we arrived to see a line at least a half of a mile long. So we will gladly pay and visit it tomorrow. So on the agenda on our last day in Spain: Prado, have reservations at Botin (the oldest restaurant in the world), tour the palace and visit the Madrid flea market which I hear is an experience.

 

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