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Picasso’s Malaga

“Hey, did you know Pablo Picasso’s middle name was Ruiz?” Candy asked me over her rum and coke. “I didn’t know he had a middle name. I thought it was just one name, Picasso, like Cher,” I said, sipping a Grey Goose and Vodka. We occasionally went to the bars of hotels Malaga Spain exhibits like it shows its Picasso museum also known as the Museo Picasso Malaga which we were heading over to as soon as we finished our brunch, on a Tuesday. We had got in from Morocco the night before and had spent the morning lounging around the beach in Almeria and just hung around. The city itself was alive and a little touristy as we had come before season and heard a lot of British accented English (I know, that sounds silly) and went to the museum inn the after noon and stood in line for the bag check and for tickets and we were about to bag it when the line suddenly moved and we were in, ready as we were for tapas. It was quite nice there, Picasso’s work was all over (you have to like Picasso, of course) we saw a lot of sketched work and no so many completed objects, kind of like proto Picasso. so it was wee bit disappointing, I think we were expecting a gallery chock full of tremendous works, but you see Picasso’s work throughout the world and I suppose you can not have it all in one place, he only mad so much, prolific as he was.

Well, it was off to tapas and we had sangria and tapas like bacon and prawns, spiced seafoods, artichokes all over the place, shrimps, ham, costillos or ribs as they are known here.

Tags: dining, Hotel Malaga, landmarks, Spain

Madrid Celebrates May 2

Madrid is an amazing city, full of a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene. It also has a significant place in Spanish history and the gaining of its independence. While today, tourists are fascinated by the many landmarks and entertainment options of the city, they often overlook its historic importance. A romantic meal at one of the best Madrid restaurants is more likely to include a discussion of the museums and other cultural attractions, than Madrid’s magnificent history.

The day of the second of May, Dos de Mayo holds a significant place in Madrid’s and Spanish history. That day in 1808 the residents formed a rebellion against the occupational troops of France, which triggered the great war for Spanish Independence. The repressive forces of Imperial France were finally being seriously fought against and the struggle created a significant cultural transition for Spain. At that point, the city of Madrid had been under the occupation of Napoleon’s army from March 23. Meanwhile, the abdication of King Charles IV had been forced and he was replaced by his much-favored son Ferdinand VII.

On that fateful day in May, a large crowed began to gather outside of the Royal Palace Madrid. They were there to prevent the removal of Francisco de Paula to the French city of Bayonne. When this happened, a battalion from the Imperial Guard was sent to fire upon the crowd. This had the effect of dispersing them throughout the city, where riots and violence soon erupted. This event was captured in the famous painting by Francisco Goya, The Charge of the Mamelukes, which depicts the fighting in the streets. The resistance was suppressed that day, however, it inspired greater enthusiasm and strength in Spain’s efforts for Freedom. Today May 2 is honored as a holiday in Madrid and the surrounding region. The original barracks of Monteleon are now a square called Plaza 2 de Mayo. The surrounding area is known as Malasana, in memory of a young teenage woman who was murdered by the French troops.

Tags: best madrid restaurants, francisco goya, Madrid, madrid restaurants, Spain, spain restaurants