Madrid and London
Apr 14th, 2014, 05:20 PM
#41
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I agree that planning is part of a trip, and I often find planning threads far more helpful than a trip report -- which is why I don't often read trip reports! 
Your call, of course; I just think its unfortunate that you aren't benefitting from many of Fodor's expert posters on Madrid and London -- perhaps like me, they don't realize that this is a planning thread. In any event....
FWIW, here are my notes on museums in Madrid. I was there in 2004, so my information could well be out-of-date.
I spent a full day in the Prado -- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- with a break or two at its coffee shop. I used the audio guide, which I thought very useful. It is, of course, impossible to see El Prado in one day, but I was satisfied with my experience. (Of course, I would love to return and see more.) I had done some research ahead of time so that I could focus my energies and then adjusted my plan once there based on what I was seeing and experiencing.
I spent about 3 hours in the Reina Sofia. I thought the audio guide very rich -- as in, too much so! I listened to a number of segments from start to finish, and found them very informative, but too many works were covered in too much detail. I switched to being MUCH more selective about which segments I played. I could easily have used more time here, even though the art generally appealed to me less than the art of El Prado or the Thyssen (just my personal preference). The collection is, IMO, outstanding, so even though I am not as fond of the artists featured here, I felt privileged to see so many extraordinary pieces. I left when I did because the museum was closing.
I spent 5 or 6 hours in the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Wonderful collection. My recollection is that I thought the audio guide worthwhile. I had not expected to be wow-ed by the Thyssen, but I was. I'm not going to select a favorite museum; I'm just very glad I got to see it!
I believe one can visit the Monasterios de las Descalzas Reales only by joining a tour, which takes about 1 hour (as I recall). Too, my recollection is that the tour was in Spanish only. IMO, no matter! The trick is getting in -- I believe my wait was several hours long and made frustrating by any number of people who broke in line. Growl. In the end, traveling solo proved a special bonus here, as I was able to fill the "last" position in a group, even though there were a few couples ahead of me in line. Well worth every frustrating moment!
I spent 3 or 4 hours at the Museo Arqueológico Nacional and found it an excellent archeological museum with some very impressive works of art. It's been closed for quite some time, so I'll be interested to hear what you think of it now that it has been renovated.
Hope that helps!
Your call, of course; I just think its unfortunate that you aren't benefitting from many of Fodor's expert posters on Madrid and London -- perhaps like me, they don't realize that this is a planning thread. In any event....FWIW, here are my notes on museums in Madrid. I was there in 2004, so my information could well be out-of-date.
I spent a full day in the Prado -- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- with a break or two at its coffee shop. I used the audio guide, which I thought very useful. It is, of course, impossible to see El Prado in one day, but I was satisfied with my experience. (Of course, I would love to return and see more.) I had done some research ahead of time so that I could focus my energies and then adjusted my plan once there based on what I was seeing and experiencing.
I spent about 3 hours in the Reina Sofia. I thought the audio guide very rich -- as in, too much so! I listened to a number of segments from start to finish, and found them very informative, but too many works were covered in too much detail. I switched to being MUCH more selective about which segments I played. I could easily have used more time here, even though the art generally appealed to me less than the art of El Prado or the Thyssen (just my personal preference). The collection is, IMO, outstanding, so even though I am not as fond of the artists featured here, I felt privileged to see so many extraordinary pieces. I left when I did because the museum was closing.
I spent 5 or 6 hours in the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Wonderful collection.
My recollection is that I thought the audio guide worthwhile. I had not expected to be wow-ed by the Thyssen, but I was. I'm not going to select a favorite museum; I'm just very glad I got to see it!I believe one can visit the Monasterios de las Descalzas Reales only by joining a tour, which takes about 1 hour (as I recall). Too, my recollection is that the tour was in Spanish only. IMO, no matter! The trick is getting in -- I believe my wait was several hours long and made frustrating by any number of people who broke in line. Growl. In the end, traveling solo proved a special bonus here, as I was able to fill the "last" position in a group, even though there were a few couples ahead of me in line. Well worth every frustrating moment!
I spent 3 or 4 hours at the Museo Arqueológico Nacional and found it an excellent archeological museum with some very impressive works of art. It's been closed for quite some time, so I'll be interested to hear what you think of it now that it has been renovated.
Hope that helps!
Apr 14th, 2014, 11:41 PM
#42
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what happens with three line at descalzas is that people get there REALLY early and save space for their small group while they are off taking turns having breakfast. then suddenly the group all reunites and it is infuriating to those of us who were in line not realizing we would not get in since now there were so many people ahead of us. Sometimes if you speak the same language the people standing TELL you there are four people in the cafeteria or bathroom. so you know.
I know not a perfect system.Glad you got in.
I know not a perfect system.Glad you got in.
Apr 15th, 2014, 12:51 PM
#45
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Apr 15th, 2014, 03:56 PM
#48
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@ lincasanova -- that would explain it! I kept thinking that I would most assuredly make the next group -- only to have the masses arrive. As I recall, I waited in line all morning and then through the long siesta and, as I mentioned, only got into the next group because I was solo. I'm glad I got in, too -- definitely worth the wait IMO!
Apr 16th, 2014, 06:08 AM
#49
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Hi flygirl, thanks for the suggestions--except for the choc churros all were on the list--now they are also!
I'm excited about the Cezanne show, latedaytraveler, thanks for the heads up. I went ahead and got that Arte Pass for the big three--being Easter weekend, I figured it would be nice to avoid long lines.
annhig, my best art friend agrees with you about Thyssen.
-------------
OK, today's the day. If I have time to write at night (read: stay awake!), I'll add to this in RT. As mentioned up thread, it will be under the name TDuTwo as new Kindle Fire won't let me open TDudette.
I'm excited about the Cezanne show, latedaytraveler, thanks for the heads up. I went ahead and got that Arte Pass for the big three--being Easter weekend, I figured it would be nice to avoid long lines.
annhig, my best art friend agrees with you about Thyssen.
-------------
OK, today's the day. If I have time to write at night (read: stay awake!), I'll add to this in RT. As mentioned up thread, it will be under the name TDuTwo as new Kindle Fire won't let me open TDudette.
Apr 16th, 2014, 06:23 AM
#51
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TDudette, here is the place to go for them:
San Ginés – Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5 (Metro Sol)
http://www.chocolateriasangines.com/...San_Gines.html
San Ginés – Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5 (Metro Sol)
http://www.chocolateriasangines.com/...San_Gines.html
Apr 16th, 2014, 06:47 AM
#54
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I knew about them, from some readings, but found it by accident - I had planned on having the churros wherever I found them and it just worked out that I walked past the shop. I wasn't looking for it when I found it - but had to go in anyway as soon as I did.
I also really liked the Mercado San Miguel which I had heard about but just stumbled across, too. Both are in an area you will end up wandering into most likely. A really good place for some snacks or a glass of wine. It will get crowded in the mid afternoon!
This was only a three night trip - I did some reading, but not a ton, before I left. Mostly a review of a few trip reports, eskcrunchy's foodie report especially.
I also really liked the Mercado San Miguel which I had heard about but just stumbled across, too. Both are in an area you will end up wandering into most likely. A really good place for some snacks or a glass of wine. It will get crowded in the mid afternoon!
This was only a three night trip - I did some reading, but not a ton, before I left. Mostly a review of a few trip reports, eskcrunchy's foodie report especially.
Apr 16th, 2014, 07:00 AM
#55
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Two of the finest flamenco dancers in the world, Olga Pericet and Marco Flores, perform at Corral de la Morería when you are in Madrid this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (also some days next week). Olga Pericet was voted best female dancer 2011 by Spanish critics. http://vimeo.com/30444448
And Marco Flores was voted best male dancer 2009 and received the critics award at the prestigious Jerez festival in 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-FVsvGBsR4
Info and tickets. Reservation is a must.
http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/en/index.html
And Marco Flores was voted best male dancer 2009 and received the critics award at the prestigious Jerez festival in 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-FVsvGBsR4
Info and tickets. Reservation is a must.
http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/en/index.html
Apr 16th, 2014, 07:01 AM
#56
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Read this thread if you have time:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...k-in-spain.cfm
And this one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-malaga.cfm
I always look for eksrunchy's trip reports when I first start any research of a place. She writes so well, and if you follow in her food footsteps you can't go wrong!
LowCountryIslander is also good for food tips.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...k-in-spain.cfm
And this one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-malaga.cfm
I always look for eksrunchy's trip reports when I first start any research of a place. She writes so well, and if you follow in her food footsteps you can't go wrong!
LowCountryIslander is also good for food tips.
Apr 16th, 2014, 10:16 AM
#59
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Regarding chocolate con churros in Madrid, San Ginés is almost as famous and much visited as the Prado. But plenty of other great chocolaterías around: http://www.venere.com/blog/madrid-chocolate-churros/
Apr 17th, 2014, 03:48 AM
#60
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