Halfway thru the semester

It's been awhile since the last post. I'll be brief.
Saturday, March 13- Day Trip with CEA to El Escorial, a cute little town in the mountains where Phillip II built his palace/monastery/crypt for the rulers of Spain. It's the most Castillian of Castillian sites... I loved it. Modest, reverent, and still completely awe-inspiring. The library took my breath away. Overall, maybe the best touristy experience yet. (photo at right- courtyard of San Lorenzo Monastery)

Same day- drove through the Guadarrama mountains to the site of Franco's giant monument to himself, his tomb, confusingly named Valle de los caídos. Completely amazing, even if just for the snowy peaks all around the 505 ft tall stone cross. (photo left)

Sunday, March 14, was the first day of spring weather. My friends and I celebrated the sunshine by spending all afternoon in Retiro Park and walking around the city that evening (photo below).

The next weekend (March 19), hit up the big Impressionist art exhibit currently in Madrid. Made friends with a Spanish lady and her daughter while waiting in line. They let me share their audio guide for the entire tour! Renoir took me to a park on a sunny summer day. Manet brought me to a dark wharf under a sombre full moon. Degas' dancers delighted. Then Monet transported me to the seaside, where I watched a regatta under full sail and could almost feel the wind and smell the salt spray. I left feeling like I'd spent all day outside.

Friday night wasn't nearly as impressive to recount, but nourished my soul just as much :-) Went a friend's house with some other girls, talked about art and life, made dinner (from scratch and without a recipe, mind you!) and watched a good movie. It was nice. Went out with them on Saturday. Spent Sunday in the park with them. Had them over to my apt. on Monday. It was a good weekend.

Spending my spare time this week in preparation for Spring Break. Heading to Rome on March 30! Then to Florence April 1-3, then finishing up Holy Week back in Rome. Should be good. It's just a lot of work to organize a trip completely on my own. Let's just say I'm growing and learning a lot. Anyhow, looking forward to some amazing art. And history. And art history. And some serious Catholic pomp. Bring it on.