The Cowling Way: 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.