We have been on the move with little time to sit and write. Even now we haven’t had dinner and it is after 8:30 pm. Can’t really complain by local standards dining starts at about 9 PM.  

Madrid actually included Toledo. The short story in Toledo was a visit to a Mikveh found under the basement of a house during renovations. The Santa Maria La Blanca  synagogue (hows that for a name?) that became a church and is now a museum. Then the El Transito Synagogue – so named for the death of Mary after it became a church before becoming a museum.  There are no Jews in Toledo now. It was Friday so back to Madrid for Kabbalat Shabbat service with a small Reform synagogue there followed by a lovely Shabbat dinner. Rabbi Stein spoke and it was good to hear another take on a piece of Noah. 

The next day we had Torah study lead by Rabbi Stein and Kayla Ship and in the afternoon we walked to the Prado Museum through the Writers District. Our guide in the Prado was wonderful and he helped us focus on several major pieces by Velasquez, Rubens, El Greco and Titian. I could rant on about the collection but it would not add to the knowledge or understanding of those who have been, and the only way I know is to have the experience oneself. We took our time wandering back to the hotel where we cleaned up and rested a bit before heading out to find dinner, a bit early by Spanish standards, we were seated by 8 PM.

BREAK!

Several days have passed since since Madrid. We traveled by high speed train to Barcelona and entered another world. Much as we added Tibet to our country list we will be discussing adding Catalonia to our country list. The leaders of the Catalonian government are being help in Spanish prisons without charges since they declared independence following  a vote  to do so. There are many flags flying though out the region demanding freedom for their government and independence. 

After settling in to The Catalonia Hotel in Placa Espana we determined it was the least of the four hotels we have stayed in, both for its accommodations and its location. We adapt. Others are spending energy complaining, which accomplishes little but seems to make them happier.

This is too long, I will resume in another post shortly.