Closing scenes from Madrid

This may well be our last blog, depending on how hectic things get next week.  There are so many experiences that never made it on here; I feel bad.  But they're locked away in our memories of this wonderful place called Spain and will never be forgotten.  Most of them evolve around the people we have met, from literally all over the world, while serving here.
But here are a few shots:
Our last Sunday evening missionary singing time on the Temple steps.  This group was about 1/2 going to missions in Russia and 1/2 going to missions in Spain.  We sang both in Russian and Spanish.  And they sounded awesome even without our piano, which was shipped home several weeks ago.

Only 4 Elders going to Spain, the rest to Russia.  About 2/3 of the Sisters are going to Spain.  The Spanish missionary ratio was something like 18:4, Sisters to Elders.

2.  We finished inspecting 18 (or was is 16?) missionary apartments this past month.  Wonderful to see lots of missionaries.  Fun to see where they live, and HOW they live.  Most of them do quite well for first time away from home.  Some need a little instruction.  By and large the Sisters do just fine

Sister Toone from our Stake, in Madrid MTC, called to serve in Madrid

Rolf and Ruth Crapo with their son, Cade, just off his mission to Malaga, shopping in Sol district of Madrid. Rolf Crapo grew up in our ward in Sandy. Now his baby is a return missionary

Last Young Single Adult dance for us.  This was the scene in the Stake Center the last Friday of every month.  Usually had about 100-150 YSAs.

One of my favorite positions, listening to conference talk with my frozen peas ice pack on my knee

Elder Larsen getting a haircut.  I've done well over 1,000 haircuts while here.

My last excursion around the city.  Fun looking wood shop on calle Mayor

On last excursion, found the oldest church still standing in Madrid.  From the 1200s.

Bell tower was the main thing still standing.  Wanted to go inside, but unfortunately many of the churches are closed on Mondays, our P-day

One of the old Spanish guitar makers in Madrid.  The proprietor was inside working on his latest guitar order, with lots of sound boards and specialty woods laying all around the 3 rooms of his workshop.  This is a 3rd generation shop; some of the family lives upstairs.

Oldest market in Madrid, next to Plaza Mayor.

Inside the San Miguel Market.  Busy place at lunch time.  

Spanish lunch at my favorite restaurant next to the Plaza Opera.  We had lunch here with Dave and Heather and the boys when they visited us.  Best baked potato in Madrid, and the sausage - muy buena

Our favorite little girls in Spain - Mikaela and Juliana.  Their mom is from Italy and works in the Temple

Favorite Mexican restaurant - Rosa Negra

Rosa Negra with some of the missionaries, Riggs, Chapples and friend Stephanie Wenger

Going home on the bus at night, about 9:30.  Spaniard stay out late, having dinner about 9:00 pm most evenings, so it's a busy time on public transportation