Day 42 : Last Day, Madrid

I left it all on the field today, folks. Last day in Madrid, and had to make a game effort to experience the city as best I could.

Walked down the Calle Atocha to the Sofia Reina Museum. Closed on Tuesdays. Oops. I will have to come back for Guernica. Pivoted and walked up to the Thyssen instead, and am so glad I did. While I didn't wait around four hours til the next timed entry to see the well-reviewed Picasso and Chanel exhibit, the permanent and long-term collections were fantastic. Huge range from Old Masters to Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Cubists, Abstract Expressionists and more. Some stunning pieces. All from the second-largest private art collection in the world's after King Charles'. (When will I get accustomed to that idea, I wonder?)

Walked up the Calle del Prado towards the Plaza Major to do some gift shopping according to Henrietta's suggestions. Stopped at a fantastic, dusty liquor store, Licores Cabello, to pick up some bourbon. I want to make Henrietta the original Old Fashioned Cocktail tonight. They had two bourbons, Maker's Mark, and ... Blanton's! For €115, for you collectors.

Stopped for a virtuous salad lunch in the Plaza San Sebastián.

Meandered towards the Cathedral de la Almudena and the 18th Century Palacio Real. Grand buildings, but they felt pretty sterile after the older, scenically-eroded churches and walls along the Camino, Burgos in particular.

Blurry left edge indicates difficulty in focusing. Too big!

Final pass of the day was up the Calle Santiago, to find the starting point of the Camino from Madrid.

Modest church (closed) modest single marker.

And finally, frozen peas for my trusty ankle and leg, which have carried me further than they wanted to, but got me where I needed to be. I'm grateful to them, too.

Resting up before a 9:15 dinner reservation close by, and packing up for a late morning flight tomorrow.

More reflections to come, on time, pilgrims, and whatever topics that this physical and spiritual journey continues to reveal over time.