Catedral de Nuestra Senior de al Almundena
While we were on our way to the Catedral de Nuestra Senior de la Almudena (what a mouthful!), we saw the same Chinese migrant workers next to a beautiful European building. They resettled to sell their fans on the street. I walked over and bought a red and orange fan for 2 Euros. It had a black bull and the word “Espana” spray painted on it. It was the only thing I could do to make their day a little better. We spoke to them in Mandarin and their faces became more relaxed. I think the familiarity made a big difference for them in their daily struggle. It was a little piece of home.
The Catedral de Nuestra Senior de al Almundena, also known as the Almudena Cathedral, is one of Madrid’s modern cathedrals. It stands direction across from the Palacio Real. When Spain’s capital moved from Toledo to Madrid, the new capital did not have a cathedral. What’s interesting about this cathedral is that instead of the usual forms for artwork you see in most cathedrals, this one is filled with pop art.
The cathedral, dedication to the Virgin of Almudena, was built on the site of Madrid’s first mosque. Construction didn’t begin until 1879 because of political disputes with the archdioceses of Toledo.
JC accidentally slipped and said bad word inside the cathedral. He apologized profusely but was smitted as soon as we walked outside. He wanted to see what was behind the cathedral so JC climbed on a stone bench and banged up his knee when he slipped. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Wanting to save his legs from further smitting, we decided to end the monkeying around and took a coffee break at Juan Valdez Cafe. Ordering coffee in Spanish was no problem. Asking for the bathroom was another story.
JC: Donde esta al bano?
Barista: A la vuelta a su derecho.
JC turns to me and has this behooved look on his face that said, “What?!” I translate and he goes “Oooh.” He turns to the barista and says, “Thanks man!”
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=c30847d2-7a91-47f3-b985-274addd20fed)
Pingback: Chinese Migrant Workers At The Plaza de Oriente « A Pair of Panties & Boxers
Pingback: Tweets that mention Pop Art At The Almudena Cathedral « A Pair of Panties & Boxers -- Topsy.com
Pingback: Anonymous
Pingback: Egyptian Temple In Madrid’s Parque de la Montana « A Pair of Panties & Boxers
Pingback: Chinese Migrant Workers At The Plaza de Oriente | A Pair of Panties and Boxers