The first time we came to Madrid, Rick went to Reina Sofia alone. I hung out with the Moms in Plaza Mayor, enjoying sangria and snacks. I do not regret that decision. Our Moms have been wonderful travelling companions over the years. We have had many adventures and many laughs together. On this trip they would have been 90 and 84 respectively.

The second time I came to Madrid, two years later, I was travelling by myself for work. I arrived on a Saturday with the specific goal of getting to Reina Sofia with the sole intention of seeing Picasso’s Guernica. I set out alone, on a very wet and chilly day, undeterred by the torrential rain. I was able to see it though the large press of the crowd, though I had to wait patiently to make it close enough to the front to see it fully. No pictures were permitted.

This time, we were at the museum early, before the large crowds. And even though it was still very crowded, photos were permitted. Hooray!

I do appreciate that cubism is not everyone’s favourite. When we went to the Picasso Gallery in Barcelona, neither of our mothers were very impressed with the art style, though they both appreciated his earlier, more realistic works.

As I wandered through the gallery and viewed other works by Picasso, I did have moments thinking that perhaps a child could do this. Or me. With a crayon. But there is something more to his work than the primitive shapes that makes this work so beautiful.

Guernica is one of Picasso’s best-known works. It is a massive piece, 11′ 5″ x 25′ 6″, in grey, black and white. The painting depicts the bombing of Guernica, in northern Spain. It was done by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, at the request of Spanish Nationalists.  

Guernica is regarded by many as the most moving and powerful anti-war painting in history. It clearly shows the suffering that comes with war. Although I appreciate that not all of you would view it with the same eye, it is impossible to stand in front of it and not experience some deep well of emotion; sorrow, despair, terror.

Most of the works in the museum would be considered modern – the Spanish equivalent of The MOMA in NYC. Rick and I both love this one by Dali. It lacks the images of spindly legged creatures, clocks and feet that frequent Dali’s works. It is simple and peaceful. She is gazing out at the water in a similar fashion to how we watch the waves in Ucluelet.

We spent 3 hours or so in galleries filled with the interesting, the bizarre, the inspiring and the tragic. I am sharing a few more images here. I hope you will enjoy them as much as we did. You might even recognize a few of them :0)

I am a bit behind. Work has kept me very busy the last few days. My time with Marisa has been productive and enjoyable. I will have one last Madrid update for you all tomorrow… or maybe the next day. I think I deserve a rest.