Madrid, Spain

I joined my husband on a business trip to Madrid, work for him but playtime for me. Per usual, I found a few bead shops in Madrid, most not worth noting. I did, however, work my way over to a store that had delightful findings. I can't say that the two women working were delightful, but was pleased with some new brass shapes. They had a huge variety of brass metal forms from sunrays, to dandelion puffs, to starbursts. I bought a cute fern that I will turn into a necklace, as well as dangles that will finish off a pair of earrings. The kicker is that I was able to find where to buy them wholesale so that I don't have to fly to Madrid when I want to get more.

On a side note, the food is phenomenal in Madrid. We ate so flippin' well with seafood and bread that were divine. The art wasn't bad, either. <wink>

The highlight of Spain for me (other than seeing family) was taking the train to Barcelona to see Gaudi's unparalleled architecture seen in Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. I was blown away by the beauty of every inch of the cathedral. Truly phenomenal. Afterwards, I took a wander through a street of dark, tunneled winding paths where there were many gem stores. I was able to buy strands of turquoise, carnelian, and ruby in the small, faceted 2 mm form that I like for my stack earrings. It's always a good day when you can view a one of a kind cathedral AND buy gems.