Feb 14, 1979 In the morning, from the train I could see snow in the mountains north of Madrid. When we arrived in the Madrid train station, it was raining. I was very distressed that my bike was not on the train upon arrival. The baggage claim people assured me that the bike would be there tomorrow.
Downtown Madrid was beautiful, almond trees in bloom and impressive water fountains. In contrast armed police and militia were everywhere, some with submachine guns. In the last two months Spain had several political assassinations. ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom), a violent political group, was likely involved.
Photo: Madrid Contemporary Art Museum
Feb 15, 1979 I went to the El Prado art museum where most of the art was of a religious theme. It was a sunny day, very pleasant for a stroll through the Plaza Mayor, an old part of the city. Later that morning I picked up my bike at the train station. In the afternoon I visited the Contemporary Art Museum located at the university.
That evening I attended a basketball game between Bosna, Yugoslavia and Real Madrid. Madrid won by a few points.
Map of North Eastern Spain
