Exploring Spain

Find Art at the Prado in Madrid, Spain

The Prado Museum

The Prado Museum stands as one of the world’s premier art institutions, housing a collection of European masterpieces within its grand neoclassical walls in the heart of Madrid. It is most famous for its unrivaled concentration of Spanish works, including the haunting “Black Paintings” by Goya and the intricate, enigmatic “Las Meninas” by Velázquez. Beyond its national treasures, the museum offers a breathtaking journey through art history, showcasing essential works by Bosch, Titian, and Rubens that once belonged to the Spanish monarchy.

Hear our reflections

Check on the panel to view the video below.

Searching for Tarshish: A Mediterranean Mystery

An elusive search

Where was the legendary Tarshish? Ancient voices and archaeological clues increasingly point toward the Western Mediterranean, with many scholars locating this wealthy biblical port in southeastern Spain.

We travel to trace the maritime routes of antiquity and investigate the evidence behind this elusive region. Join us as we piece together the history and geography of a land once famous for its silver, gold, and sea-faring power.

See the video

Click on the link below to view “Tarshish. Go West, Young Man!”

Unearthing Spain: the National Museum of Archaeology (Museo Arqueológico Nacional)

Discover the Spanish Soul

If you want to understand the soul of Spain, you have to go deeper than the cafes and plazas. You have to go underground—literally. The Museo Arqueológico Nacional (MAN) in Madrid is a world-class time machine that tracks the Iberian Peninsula from the dawn of humanity to the modern age.

Check out the video tour below

Following a massive renovation, the museum is now a bright, logically laid-out masterpiece. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a cool escape from the Madrid sun, here is why this “hidden gem” is a must-visit. Click the panel below to view.

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French work

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French work

We walked across Spain, in part, to experience its cathedrals. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos did not disappoint. It was glorious. Jaw-dropping even. It taught us the meaning of Gothic.

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Ah, Burgos!

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Ah, Burgos!

On the morning that we walked into Burgos, we slept a little later. Of course, “a little later” in this context, meant hit-the-trail around 8:00, as opposed to 6:00. It was only a 10-kilometer hoof to the city, and we knew that even with a late start we would arrive before noon. The Spanish seemed generally unfamiliar with the sunrise side of the day so it made little sense to yalla-yalla, rush-rush.

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On dappled deer

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On dappled deer

A deer darted across the trail. It was small, stocky, and grayish-brown in color. It belonged to the family of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the most common cervid in the Mediterranean basin.

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Atapuerca, Man

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Atapuerca, Man

The importance of Atapuerca goes beyond its medieval moment. Along a ridge known as the Sierra de Atapuerca, archaeologists unearthed early evidence of humankind. These extraordinary finds put this site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

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Over the montañas and thru the wood

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Over the montañas and thru the wood

It was a coffee-less trek through ten miles of oak, pine, mud, and flies. Pine pollen kicked Bob’s allergies in the head. My need for morning caffeine kicked me into a headache.

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The good, the bad, and the ugly

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The good, the bad, and the ugly

The three of us sat down on a bench beside the trail. As we munched bread and cheeses, another solo traveler approached. He was a lean, muscley man with no shirt. His skin was tanned from the sun and covered in tattoos and maybe a few scars.

“Gooddaye,” he nodded. He had a Welsh accent.

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James goes West

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James goes West

We know that James was beheaded in Jerusalem (See Acts 12:1-2). It makes sense that he would have been buried in the place where he was killed. Who would go the trouble to move a dead body? Especially a messy one.

Ah, but this where it gets interesting.

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The grape farmer's story

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The grape farmer's story

"Do you know the story of the Camino?" His English was stained but clear enough. Bob and I welcomed the company of the grape farmer and the conversation that followed.

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Old world tortillas

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Old world tortillas

Bob returned and plopped down on the bench. In his hands were two packages of aluminum foil.

“Check this out! His eyes were bright.

We unwrapped the silver treasures. They were warm and smelled wonderful.

“Tortilla de patatas,” Bob announced with flair.

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A visit to the hospital

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A visit to the hospital

The complex was built by the Knights Hospitallers. Even the place name was evocative. San Juan de Acre was the name given by Spanish-speaking Christians to coastal Acre, the last Crusader stronghold in the Holy Land.

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A sturdy walking stick

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A sturdy walking stick

He was robust and sported a beard that would have made Gandalf proud. Beside his folding chair was a table. On the table were fruits, Camino paraphernalia, and a gourd for collecting donations. Nearby was an assortment of walking sticks.

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There's a Mike in Logroño

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There's a Mike in Logroño

Bob and I walked into Logroño, a bustling city on the banks of Río Ebro. Wheels screeched. Music blared. People hollered. Buildings of steel and glass rubbed against their stone counterparts. It was a mix of the modern and the medieval, a blend of Spain’s yesterday and today.

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A significant mark

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The first 100 miles of the Camino were in the rearview mirror.

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What happened to James the Great

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The death of James the Great is described in the NT. Outside the NT, however, his story lives on. Part of that story is dedicated to an epic journey, and part of that story is dedicated to a post-death appearance. Both of these accounts teeter wildly into the area of myth but never say that to a Spaniard. It may cost you an eye.