Day 2 - May 22 Madrid and our first concert

We started the day with an early breakfast call time, then on to the bus for a drive through Madrid's rush hour to go to the Prado Museum.

Our museum guides did a good job of explaining so many details about the Spanish paintings and sculptures. There were a number of school groups, including a darling group of toddlers in matching red gingham smocks sitting on the floor taking in all the art they could handle. Adorable!

After the museum, we took a driving tour through many of Madrid's historic neighborhoods and saw so many interesting architectural details that make the city so scenic.

A walking tour from the Royal Palace of Madrid to Plaza Mayor took us past dozens of different restaurants, so it was easy to scope out good places for lunch. Then it was back on the bus to the hotel and a quick rehearsal in preparation for our first concert.

One bit of drama - Fran, Devon, Jim, and Ross all got stuck in the tiny elevator at the hotel for half an hour or more. Poor things were pretty cramped and stuffy in there until the elevator repair guy showed up to save the day! They made it out in time for a minute or two of rehearsal. It was a minor incident, unless you were the person stuck in the elevator!

We really weren't sure what to expect in the way of an audience, and were very pleasantly surprised to walk in to quite a large and enthusiastic crowd! We earned a standing ovation, and another very enthusiastic standing O after our rollicking encore. Cathedral acoustics are incredible . Chills and some tears! It was a delight to mingle with the audience members afterwards and hear so many of them express their appreciation in rapid-fire unintelligible Spanish. At least, based on their smiles, we think it was appreciation,,,,

Dinner was served at 10 PM, and as I type this it is close to midnight. What a day! Tomorrow's call time is 8 AM on the bus for the drive to Toledo, Cordoba, and Seville