Midterms

Midterms are now over and I can't recall a time I've ever had a more difficult time staying focused.  With so much to do, Madrid is enough to give anyone an attention disorder.  It is hard to justify reading over notes when you have so many more exciting possibilities.

So without much surprise, I found myself procrastinating.  But I justified it by calling it educational procrastination.  The best way to learn the language is by putting it into practice; knowing Spanish words is useless if you cannot find a reason to speak them for them.  Naturally, there are countless Spanish speakers at bars and they're usually willing to talk endlessly, as drunk people are wont to do.  

Other than just the language, it is important to get a feel for the culture.  Spain has a rich history of artistic talent and this is made obvious in the Museo Nacional del Prado.  This art museum holds works from greats such as Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Rembrandt and Ribera.  The museum is impossible to explore completely in only one afternoon but in those few hours alone I saw many famous paintings I have only seen in books and online:

Las Meninas, Velazquez

The Third of May 1808, Goya

Jacob's Dream, Ribera

Judith at the Banquet of Holofernes, Rembrandt

Adoration of the Shepherds, El Greco