Good bye to Madrid for Some

Hello all, it is Monday June 11 and I (Lynne) have just siad goodbye to the rest of the group, they departed the hotel about 7;30 am after a truly wonderful gala good bye dinner last night at a wonderful restaurant on the Plaza Major--many tapas including lightly fried asparagus with a parmesan dipping sauce, olives, tortilla espagnole (potato omelet), some little sausages, bread with olive oil and, of course, wine. THe main couse was albondigas (meatballs) and vegetables and then chocolate mousse. Vewry festive and a little sad too; we have enjoyed our time together so very much and came to love Oriol our guide. He was the best guide evey.

but to back up a bit. Our last formal concert was Sat night after a very busy and tiring day and a LONG walk to the church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We were afraid it would not be well attended and that we would be too tired to do well. Wrong on both counts. The crowd was huge and so very respònsive and we responded to them It was a wonderful concert on all sides. And afterwards they provided cokes, water, cookies and BEER. I am am pretty sure they ran out and got that sometime during the concert because it was so hot and they loved us. Also they gave the group two very beautiful plaques--- one a silver holy family that is elegant.

the next morning we celebrated the mass of Corpus Christi at the same church and again they welcomed us so warmly--the presiding priest spoke to us in English for a few minutes. It was really a moving experience to celebrat this holiday which is very important here in Spain

Next we went to Aranjuez, one of the royal palaces of Phillip II but restored later. The gardens were open, the day was glorious, terrific pictures to come. Then on the Toledy where we had a tour or the cathedral, the 2d largest in Spain. It is magnificent inside. We also watched some crafts people make damascene and wandered the streets all decorated with flowers and banners for Corpus Christi
I am about out of internet time so adios from Spain. Lynne