20250413 Madrid, Spain, Sala Immersivo Museum to Tablao Flamenice

20250413 Another day full of activities but first the boys have a training session with Atletico de Madrid versus SDB. After the game we head to Madrid City to check out the Sala Immersivo Museum before lunch in a cafe near the 18th century Royal Palace of Madrid, which unfortunately we didn’t have time to go through, plus the queue was a mile long. We walked the streets taking in the sites when we came across the Chocolateria San Gines, an historical cafe known for its Churros (fried dough pastries) and thick hot chocolate, that opened in 1894, quite an history. After winding through many alleyways we arrived at the Tabbao Flamenice, located in the Embbematic Plaza de Santa Ana, one of the oldest active Tabbao in the world and we were lucky enough to see it. The crew were relaxing in a lovely quite bar enjoying one of Spains ales when we arrived so Polly ordered us a nice Sangria, delicious.😋 

Here we stand inside the Sala Immersion Museum which is based on audiovisual projections, augmented reality, virtual reality and holography, it was different that’s for sure and I think the girls light up quite well but I’m not sure about these fellas behinds us.🤔

The boys had fun exploring and taking photos of the many different holographic displayed in the museum.

Someone’s looks like she’s having fun, Ooo what white teeth you have my dear.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, built in the 18th century, stands on the site of a medieval fortress and former royal residence, the Alcázar of Madrid, which was destroyed by fire in 1734. Construction of the current palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1764, serving as a royal residence until the early 20th century. While the Spanish Royal Family no longer lives there, it remains the official residence and is used for state ceremonies and as a tourist attraction. Now that is just an amazing piece of architecture.

Hamish and I overlooking the Royal Palace, I so wish we had time to check out the interior.

These Statues are of the Gothic Kings, originally commissioned for the palace roofline during the reign of King Charles III in the mid-18th century. But the weight of the statues were a problem so most of them were never installed on the palace roof but were eventually placed in the Plaza de Oriente in 1844, during the reign of Queen Isabella II, where they remain today. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the Royal Palace of Madrid and its surroundings were severely damaged along with some of  the Gothic Kings statues. Some were destroyed, while others were damaged or defaced but after the war, efforts were made to repair the damage to the statues, so here they stand today in all their glory.

This 3D mural in Madrid, creates an illusion of depth and a realistic street scene on a flat surface and the mural itself depicts a bustling street with buildings, shops, and figures, extending into the distance towards a prominent building. 

Another amazing mural of, "Luces de Bohemia Brutal" by Manumural V and Andrestrexart. Inspired by the play "Luces de Bohemia" (Bohemian Lights).The play is a tragicomedy about the struggles of a poet named Max Estrella in early 20th century Madrid

Here we are at the Chocolateria San Geines, founded in 1894 and since then the site has served its signature chocolate con churros (hot chocolate and churros), over time it transformed into a bustling late-night destination reflecting Madrid’s lively social and culinary scene.

Check out this glass of goodness and no I could never eat that but I’m sure the boys Leila scoff it down.

And this is how its made

Walking through the allies we come upon many beautiful image like this, the ceramic tiles on the facade of Tablao Flamenco 1911 (formerly Villa Rosa) in Madrid and its around 100 years old. The tiles were created between 1915 and 1920, the facade also features tiles created by Alfonso Romero Mesa in 1927, and it’s just stunning.

We then step inside of the Tablao Villa Rosa, one of the most traditional establishments in Madrid, it was once a grocery store before being transformed into the Flamenco Tablao during the 20th century. It had its golden age during the first third of the 20th century, especially in the 1920's. It was closed on several occasions throughout its history then in 1996 it was restored and reopened as a Tablao Flamenco and restaurant.

Here we are at the main entrance to the Tablao Flamenco, check out this crazy lot and we even got a grin from Marcos, well done boys.

Anyone would think these guys are rehearsing for the Flamenco dancers, I’m thinking they all failed.🤷‍♀️

All the crew are jumping with joy for the show, or maybe they just like getting their photo taken.

The photo’s a blurry one, but we captured Rodriguez in the background who looks like he’s sleeping, come on mate the show isn’t that boring. 🥱🤣

Grandma and Grandson, at one of the oldest shows in the world, The Tablao Flamenco. The venue is known as the "Cathedral of Flamenco" and has hosted numerous legendary flamenco artist.

Inside the Villa Rosa a historic tablao (flamenco venue), check out that stunning interior with Moorish-inspired decor, featuring ceramic murals, arches, wood, and frescoes, creating a beautiful and authentic flamenco experience. The facade itself is covered in colourful tiles depicting symbolic places of Andalusia and Madrid.

A dance to build strong legs, but there are risk involved if you don’t warm up first, like sprains, strains, and stress fractures, I can only imagine.

Aww! Check out these little dude’s, it’s so lovely to see the different cultures coming together and I’ve noticed it lot between the NSW and QLD teams, our next generation.

Throw some coins in the tin Mum, as Hamish get a photo with Bumblebee Transformer Character.

The Group had a a great time and we got to see some famous historical sites, not to mention getting fat on thick hot chocolate and churros and who can say they got to see one of the oldest shows in the world, The Tabbao Flamenice, even if Rodriguez went to sleep, just kidding mate.🤣 

Thanks to the crew for another brilliant day 

Many More to Follow