We made our first trip to the center (El Centro) of Madrid last weekend, by city bus, accompanied by our friends and co-workers, Paco and Suzi Serrano. They guided us through the maze of buildings, and people, and introduced us to a small smattering of history and special places to eat. There were lots of people in the plazas who were trying to earn a little money by displaying to the tourists some form of entertainment, for which they hoped the tourists would toss some Euros their way. We came across this gentleman, and I just had to laugh. Michelle understood, but our friends did not. You will undoubtedly get the picture:
He really puts me to shame!! We enjoyed his talent for a while, then moved on. I have a long way to go for our next family dinner.
One of the highlights of the day was a visit to one of the many Catholic Cathedrals that dot the horizon, in all of Spain. This one, La Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena, is one of the newer ones, and as such, is very well-built and quite stately. It is immense, formed inside with four different halls, depicting a huge cross in its structure. We probably sat and enjoyed the atmosphere here more that any other place we visited.
Our return trip to our 'piso' (apartment) was on the Metro (subway). I'm glad we had someone to help us figure out how to purchase the entrance fee, and to also help us actually find the right Metro to get one, and to make the connection to the other Metro line that actually dropped us off just a couple of blocks from our home! I think , now, that we can maneuver our way to El Centro and back when we dare to go try it again, on our own. It's a great way to get around, especially when you do not have your own wheels, like we did in the US.
Speaking of having wheels: Paco wants me to have a car; once I learn enough Spanish and how to use it to teach people how to become more self-reliant. Right now, I am not too excited about the privilege of having a car, until I can get used to the roundabouts, and all that goes with it!! Time will tell.
The day we chose to go was also a big holiday: Labor Day for all of Europe. The crowds were beyond packed, and there were folks from all over the world visiting El Centro!! We managed to survive anyway. (you know me: farm boy from Idaho--loving my wide open spaces!!)
Yesterday, Thursday, was a Mission Conference, where all the missionaries, from every part of the mission, came to receive some serious instruction from Elder Dykes (Europe Area Counselor in the Area Presidency) and from Elder Allen (Church Missionary Department). We all met in the chapel on the Temple Block. Their main focus of training was about their upcoming delivery of I-pads, to assist them in the work of inviting others to come unto Christ. Two Hundred and six missionaries, plus a few of us 'older couples' participated in the training, from 9:15 in the morning until around 2:30 in the afternoon, without much of a break. The spirit there was amazing. All these "kids" who were exited to be in Spain; doing what was asked; to teach others that there is a Savior and He loves them. We then were marched outside and had a humungous group picture taken, in front of the temple. That being concluded, they were turned loose on the waiting pizza and soda in the cultural hall!! "Get outta the way, Brother!!!!
After helping clean up the place, we escaped around 5:00.
Another experience from the last week was our trip to Aranjuez, a small town and branch of the Church south of Madrid. We went to help support a group of people trying to support and encourage each other in finding work. They have a new building for their church!! It was very nice to see them in a nice place, compared to what they had had in the past. Yet, in comparison to what we have here in the US--What a difference!!! The pictures that follow show the sign outside their chapel, and the Relief Society Room.
We also visited the king's summer palace while in Aranjuez. It is no longer used by the King. It is a tourist attraction now. But, what beautiful grounds! Boxwood bushes were trimmed to make mazes, large birdcage with birds inside, fountains, trees, and beautiful flowers.
Enough for now, our goal is to add to this weekly, usually on Sunday. Have a wonderful week!
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