Day 17 in Europe (Madrid)

Panic stations! Having originally thought that there wasn't much to do in Madrid I've somehow left two art museums and a rather large park to visit today.

The Centro Arte Reina Sofia may focus on contemporary art, but its collection is certainly no pushover. Took me a good three hours to cover a couple of floors. The keystone piece is probably Picasso's Guernica, one of his most famous. But beyond that there was a lot of depth and range in 20th century art, more than I had thought was possible in one museum.

Had to drag myself away from the Reina Sofia without fully exploring all the pieces due to the fact that I really wanted to visit the Prado as well. So with lunch and a single tinto in my stomach I headed onwards to the last of the three great museums.

I probably didn't enjoy the Prado as much as I could've. One thing I've learned about my taste in art is that moving back in time is hard.

Anyway by the afternoon I was all museum'd out and it was time for me to step into the searing heat of the Madrid summer. I explored the huge block of green on my map called the Parque del Retiro, and it didn't disappoint IRL. Beautiful long paths through what is essentially a forest led to intersections with pretty fountains. An awesome way to spend an afternoon really.

I did run into a bunch of shirtless guys working out and chatting. I think it may have been a cruising spot but I didn't stay long enough to find out!

The night was rather sad as I had to pack, but luckily I found a Spanish boy from Mallorca to cheer me up!