Madrid - Day Two : Toledo El Greco

This relatively newly remodeled museum in Toledo is well worth a visit. While it is unlikely that Greco actually lived here - this home reflects the style and age of home during the period. The inferior is surprisingly larger than expected.








El Greco's style and brush work is really amazing. The apostles are some of his most famous works and are displayed here. He made Toledo his home and is still its most famous resident artist.

Location:Toledo, Spain

Madrid - Day Two : Toledo

Monastery at San Juan de los Reyes was the planned burial ground for royalty before Spain regained Granada on the southern coast.





Oh - the local nuns make the best cookies on the planet! Seriously.

Location:Toledo, Spain

Madrid - Day Two : Toledo continued

Located in the bow of the Tagus River - the city of Toledo was well protected from its many enemies.


The main city gate Cristo de la Luz and Mosque.

Location:Toledo, Spain

Madrid - Day Two: Journey to Toledo

This is a terrific painting of the city we found at Santa Cruz museum in Toledo. The town served as the Capitol of Spain for hundreds of years. It is a remarkable place and well worth a day trip.

Location:Toledo, Spain

Madrid - Day One

I love olives and here in Madrid - I am in heaven. The natives take olives seriously - as they should.

Location:Madrid, Spain

Madrid - Day One

Toledo served as the Capitol of Spain for many years. Faced with an ill bride - the King move to the higher plains of Madrid to improve his wife's health. The Bear - seven stair visible in the clear skies from this location became the standard for the homeland. The original wall is mostly gone except for a small portion unearthed near the Palace. The larger walled city wall is visible in other locations. Unlike other parts of Spain - the Romans never lived here so the archeology is moorish or Spanish.

Location:Madrid, Spain

Madrid - Day One

Our first afternoon was filled with a walking tour of the City center by our friends at Context Travel and docent Almudena (Named after the Holy Mother Mary in Madrid). We share our group walk of the city with another couple from the USA. I always enjoy a scheduled orientation to fight off jet-lag after the long flight from Texas. Luckily the hot weather has cooled just in time for our visit. Our tour starts outside the Palacio Real around Plaza Mayor and then Plaza Puerta Del Sol - the heart of old Madrid.



Plaza de Oriente near the Palacio Real


Street view near Royal Major


Royal Major

Location:Madrid, Spain

Madrid - Day One

We arrived safely in Madrid. After a long flight from the USA and slight delay in our departure - we are on the ground at the airport in late morning on Friday. We decided to take the local metro to downtown for 2€. With two easy train changes our metro stop was a 5 minute walk to the ME Reina Hotel on Plaza Santa Ana. The hotel dominates the pedestrian friendly plaza. Our room is on the 5th floor and spacious enough for us.

Location:Madrid, Spain

Arrivals area at Madrid airport

Madrid Bound

Planning for the next adventure is underway as we focus on a trip to Madrid, Spain. We enjoyed our trip to Barcelona in February 2011 and this will be our first trip to the capital of Spain.

Location:Madrid, Spain

Paris 2012 - Friday Goodbye Louvre

One last walk through the Louvre to visit a few of our favorite objects and a quick peek into Napoleon's apartments before packing our suitcases for home.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Friday Musee Nissim de Camando

The mansion was built in 1911 by Comte Moise de Camondo, a banker, to house his collection of 18th Century French furniture and art object. It is a fantastic look into the rich and famous in Paris. Equipped with elevator, full kitchen and two baths - not to mention all of the master pieces.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Friday Parc Monceau

We stumbled upon Parc Monceau during our walk to a nearby museum. On a beautiful day (like today) it is a nice place to take photos, watch people and enjoy nature. The Metro stops right outside one of the entrances.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Friday Cluny

This medieval museum is such a good one. We learned earlier this trip - that the Cluny mansion was actually moved during Haussmann's work to rebuild Paris. I need to do some additional research on that story. Cluny also occupies some of the old Roman baths located in this area and the heads of statues from Notre Dame.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Thursday Pizza

We could not resist the temptation to have pizza tonight. Not near as good as in Naples, Italy. Oh well - lesson learned!

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Art of Strolling

Strolling the streets of Paris is a favorite pastime of everyone who lives here and visits. Ask - and everyone will offer advice and their opinions. One of my favorites near our hotel in the Latin Quarter is Rue St. Andre des Artes. This pathway takes your from the Latin Quarter to Saint Germain. The streets are filled with people, eateries, and shops.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Bistro

Nothing can make for a better experience in Paris than stowing away from the storms in a nice neighborhood bistro on a rainy day. My advice - wander the streets until you find one brimming over with local patrons and squeeze your way into a tiny table. These places serve up the equivalent of 'comfort food' to chase the chill from outside. Le Saint-Gervais, 96 rue Vieille du Temple (near Musee Picasso in the Marais)


Marrow, Pot Roast, Carrots, Leeks, and Potatoes

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Rainy Day

It has been unusually warm in Paris this year with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A European storm-front moved into the City of Lights both bringing down the temperatures and increasing the rainfall. It didn't make for the best day for exploring and shopping along Paris' streets. Oh well - despite the wind, rain and bursts of cold air, we enjoyed looking at some good art and fun clothing in the shop windows.


Place de Commerce

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Les Bontanistes

Well - we thought we were having dinner at White Gorilla from our old list of restaurants. To our surprise (after wandering the street for a bit and fearful we were lost) we discovered the restaurant has changed and is now Les Bontanistes at 11 bis rue Chemel. It stands in the shadow of Bon Marche a nice shopping department store. Service was attentive and the chalkboard menu offered several specialities - making the experience well worth the frustration early on with not knowing the name change.


Les Bontanistes 01.45.49.04.54


Pea soup


Salmon


Sea Brim


Flank Steak


Raspberries


Macaron


Sorbet

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Centre Pompidou

In the heart of the Marais stands one the finest museums in Paris - the Centre Pompidou. It is home to modern art in Paris and on a warm day the huge outdoor courtyard is filled with entertainers. I love this spot.




Centre Pompidou


Rooftop at Restaurant George in the Pompidou Museum

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Grizzli

We love this small restaurant in the Marais district just north of Rue de Rivoli. The menu change a lot since our last visit with some of our favorite salads and hamburger with foie gras sadly removed. The quality and quantity continues to make this a fine choice - especially for lunch.




Grizzli Restaurant, rue St. Martin



Penne Pasta with Ham


Sea Bass

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Saint Gervias

In the shadows of Hotel de Ville (that is City Hall to us), stands Saint Gervias. It is a likable Cathedral with both modern and ancient stain glass windows to enjoy.

Location:Paris, France