| 12:18p |
¡Un sueño de verdad!
Last night, we went to see "Yerma," a flamenco ballet choreographed by Cristina Hoyos. It was a dream come true to see her dance in person. I'd seen her in Carlos Saura's films, like "Carmen," and was impressed with her passion and her talent. The dancers she selected were phenomenal. They made me want to get back into flamenco dancing! The costumes, set and singing were also amazing. I especially loved at the end of the show when the dancers did a a signature dance for their curtain call. You could really detect their personalities. Plus, seeing the Teatro Español was alone worth the price of admission. Definitely the best three euros I've ever spent! We saw the show's final performance. Otherwise, I'd go again.
All in all, it was a great weekend. We went to Segovia on Saturday, and it was a beautiful day. I loved seeing the wildflowers, mainly red poppies, from the bus. The bright red against the green grass (complementary colors!) is spectacular. I also loved NOT having to see billboards trashing the landscape. There is very little visual clutter here. Why can't we do the same in Texas? (I know some states in the U.S. have anti-billboard laws.) We toured several gorgeous churches in Segovia. The first one, Vera Cruz, is outside of the city proper and it has a glorious view of the city's castle, El Alcazar. In the city, we went to the cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain. It's a stunner. Giant arches. Beautiful stained glass windows. Intricate chapels. While we were there, the organist was playing, entertaining those who had been invited to a wedding. On the way out, we saw the bride going in. Her dress was beautiful, and I especially liked her bouqet, which was made of calla lillies.
Then we had lunch, sopa castellano and a mixed salad, at a restaurant named Jose Maria. It was delicious. Afterwards, we went to a bakery and ordered Ponche de Segovia, a layered angel caked soaked in something wonderful with a creme filling.
After Segovia, we took the bus to Pedraza, a walled medieval city. It reminded me of Assisi, Italy, with its cobblestone streets. It's too bad they let cars in. I think they should have the cars park outside the walls, making the city a pedestrian-only zone. The view from the city was goregous. Rolling hills, deep blue sky. Blair said that he could understand why the Spaniards liked Texas and California. The scenery is much the same. One difference: Storks were nesting atop the churches and walls. It was amazing to see them in flight. Reminded me of the whooping cranes on the Texas coast.
Yesterday, Sunday, before the performance, Blair, Aedan and I toured the Botanical Garden, which is next to the Prado. It's nice, but I don't like it as well as San Antonio's BC. We did get to see a photo exhibit while we were there that was very interesting. An American from Des Moines, Iowa, photographed plastic bags and newspapers flying in the breeze. Interesting. Reminded me of the film "American Beauty". The other photographer (I can't remember her nationality, but I believe she's Scandanavian.) takes pictures of people at pivotal moments in their lives. She had a series of photographs of a young man who joined the French Legion. Before and after, so to speak. Haunting. Afterward, we went home for a rest, before hitting the streets again to have some dinner before the flamenco show. We got a "picnic" para llevar from El Museo de Jamon, and then we went for chocolate y churros at Chocoleteria San Gines. Learned something new: churros are thin; porros are thick. Personally, I don't need the fried food. I'll stick with the chocolate, which is very dark and as thick as pudding. Absolutely delicious. Aedan wants to go every day. (This was our second trip in three days.) Can't say that I blame her! Despite all the walking we are doing, I think chocolate every day might be a dangerous thing weight-wise!
Our days are rushing by. Mark passed out an updated calendar today, and we only have two and a half more weeks in Madrid. Arrgh! Some students are trying to figure out ways to live here...or at least extend their visit. I feel the same way! |