We had a great time with the Simmons in Madrid. We loved spending the day at the temple, and then went to a Flamenco club (Tablao) for dinner. Mind you our reservations were for 10:00pm and the show started at 11:00pm. We were home by 1:00am. We were really living the Spanish lifestyle. Believe me, we entered our hotel and the streets were still packed with people. When we caught our taxi to the airport at 5am they were just thinking about going home. Talk about a party country!
The Flamenco is described as a forceful artistic expression of the sorrows and joys of life. The dancers improvise from basic movements, following the rhythm of the guitar and their feelings. It's fascinating. It's incredible. The flamenco guitar developed from the modern classical guitar. They have a lighter, shallower construction and a thickened plate below the soundhole, used to tap rhythms. The guitarists were amazing. Never looking at their guitars, and putting forth beautiful rhythms and music. The flamenco rhythm is created by the guitar, the hand-clapping, and the dancer's feet in high-heeled shoes.
We talked to the owner of the restaurant, and he said that the clubs hire out different groups and they perform twice a day on the week-ends and once every week night. They are in the clubs about 2 weeks and then they bring in a different group. Our performers were 3 women and one male dancer (The bailaor) Two vocalists and two guitarists. My favorite was the male dancer and the female dancer in red. I guess the poka-dot dress is the traditional style. Tom of course loved the guitarists and the vocalists.
Our table was right next to the stage. We could see the dancers expressions and watch each movement of the guitarist. It really was fabulous.
Sorry the temple shot is sideways.
4 comments:
Wow! I would love to go to a Flamenco Club. Dan went to a few in Argentina and he loved it. I also love your hair length and color. Anita, you are seriously looking great. I hope I age as well as you. Glad you all had a successful trip. How did Steve do?
What a fantastic trip! It is so true that the party gets started late... and lasts all night. Noel's family is the same way. In fact, the graduation party for Noel's mom's elementary and junior high school started at the same time. Noel and I were the first to leave at 1am. Even the 5th graders could stay up later than us!
Had you been to the Madrid temple before?
It was our first trip to the Madrid temple! I just love getting the stamps on my family history people....of course they don't care which temple I go to...just go!
I miss the "Simmonses" (as dad would say)! I'm glad you have a blast in Madrid, but I wish I could have been there to see the flamenco dancers. We'll have to go back!
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