1) I checked into my new hotel about 11 AM, and when I walked into my fifth floor room, I laughed. White, light, just enough color, and a sunny view of neighbor terraces across the street. And it is really right in the thick of everything. I couldn’t be more delighted.
The yellow chair could not be more perfect.
2) The afternoon brought me to the Museo Sorolla, suggested by my friend Jonathan. The home and studio of the great Joaquín Sorolla, some of whose works I’d been familiar with. The house and garden have been beautifully maintained, and many of Sorolla’s masterpieces have remained in the collection.
The courtyard of the Museo Sorolla.
2a) Back in 2008 I found the Musée Gustave Moreau all on my own, and in 2019 my friend Scott directed me to Leighton House in London. The Museo Sorolla ranks right alongside them.
Sorolla’s studio is maintained as it was during his lifetime. He chose wonderful containers for his brushes!
2b) Sorolla was known for his use of white, and of summer beach scenes, so how wonderful that a special exhibition had been mounted to look at the other end of the spectrum, Sorolla en Negro. Smart thinking on someone’s part, and quite lush.
One of several portraits. I wish I’d taken more photographs!
3) After a nap, I went up to the hotel’s rooftop bar for a drink, and laughed again when I saw how wonderful the view was six floors above my room. Add a few domes, cupolas, and towers, and you’re bound to have a wonderful view! And the Royal Palace off to the right! I couldn’t be more delighted.
3a) The energy of this place is Younger Than I, but not everyone here is Younger Than I.
3a) There’s a small swimming pool half a level down, accessed through the bar. Sitting overlooking that amazing view in the heat, I could hear some flip flops slapping behind me. I looked to my right and saw the receding view of a slim young man of appropriate musculature wearing only a high-waisted pair of black briefs, those flip flops, and a mane of dark wavy hair halfway down his back. A regular Myrmidon he was, the first one I’ve seen outside the Classical Annex of any museum. All he needed was a snake bracelet.
4) Strolling about in the evening I committed an Act of Retail, and now I’m back in my room, very comfortable and very happy. I may venture out later for a bite, or not.
5) Tomorrow afternoon, the Prado!
Goals.