Real Jardin Botanico
The next day I awoke early and had breakfast in the hotel café. Now fortified, I was ready to embark on my last full day in Spain. I kept my heart-sick sadness at bay as I skipped through what were now familiar cobblestone streets, back to Plaza del Sol where the Metro station was. I quickly figured out which train I needed, bought my ticket, hopped on the train (look at me, I'm and "old pro" at this now), and headed in the direction of Real Jardin Botanico (the Royal Botanical Garden).
I spent a few glorious hours in the lovely botanical gardens, before the heat drove me to find some respite in La Plaza de Juan Goytisolo. In this plaza is el Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía which houses a world class European art collection. The featured artist happened to be Salvador Dali. ¡Perfecto!
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
After lingering in the museum for a while, I went back outside to the plaza and was drawn to an artist who had his beautiful hand-made jewelry on display before him. I began chatting with Gustavo - the artist - who quickly unfolded a piece of deerskin, placed it beside him, pointed and declared "ahora, tú eres mi amiga; por favor, siéntate conmigo" "now you are my friend; please sit with me." And so I did!