The Devil Wears Prado.

Today was the day we visited the Prado, thought by many to be one of the finest art museums on the planet.

Getting into the museum was like getting onto an airplane-- our bags were scanned for weapons along with any liquids or gels. We actually saw a guard escort an older woman out of one of the galleries (called "rooms" here) because she took a sip out of a water bottle. This country is serious about the Prado. El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, and Titian are each represented well here. OK, embarrassingly, the only piece I was immediately familiar with was "Venus with the Organ Player" by Titian. It was a work featured in an old Saturday Night Live sketch with Dan Ackroyd and Glida Radner- Ackroyd's character was trying to get Radner to talk about the body parts on the painting. All the while he was repeating the name of the artist, accenting the first part of the artist's name. Good clean fun.

It's difficult to talk about the memorable views at the Prado. The one we spent the most time with was "Maids of Honor" by Velazquez. This amazing example of art coming to life is considered by many to be THE finest painting in the world, period. If the crowd surrounding the work was any indication, this is an important piece. And from 1656. Lots of history learned on this trip.

The Prado is dramatically influenced by the very strong Christian roots of Spain. Never have I see so many depictions of the crucifixion and the lives of saints. No, Jon's life was not represented here at the Prado. There were several rooms that we spent more time admiring the building and the spectacular architecture and vast marble than we actually spent looking at the canvases. Never have I seen a more spectacular palace for art. And I'm a MOMA guy.

As it was another sunny, perfect day in Madrid, we strolled aorund a great city park in front of the Prada, near the Palace Hotel. Madrid is about horses, palaces, and fountains as they seem to be everywhere. In the middle of the most congested traffic circles are these huge fountains or statues of a king and his horse or both a statue and a fountain. Maybe that's why it's so difficult to drive here-- there are so many distractions. And the drivers are pretty wild. Never have I seen so many motorcycles and scatters- perfect for weaving in and out of traffic. Our American subs are nowhere to be found. In fact, no subs, not even Range ropers. I have seen lots of MINI Coopers, which makes me smile. VA and Mercedes are very popular here.

We actually walked around and tried to do some shopping today and found many of the shops to be closed due to siesta. Jon is really getting used to this nap routine.

Tonight we're heading out for a late meal, like everyone else, and then out to check out some other Madrid nightlife. Off to Barcelona tomorrow. And we were just starting to know our way around Madrid. We fly out of Madrid's airport in the morning, which I'm certain will be an experience.