Corral De La Moreria- Blanca Del Rey

My wife and I saw the real deal in Spain.

Flamenco-- As it is meant to be.

In a tavern located in the heart of Madrid there is an establishment called Corral De La Moreria . The ambiance, food, staff, and vibe is perfect. No exaggeration. It has been frequented by many celebrities and public figures over the last 50 odd years. Really great place and I whole heartedly recommend it.

I have seen Flamenco shows here in Toronto but nothing as amazing as this.

The headliner was world renowned Blanca del Rey. She was born in Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain in 1946.

Here's the thing that impacted me. Her performance was more than I expected. With every gesture and movement the audience was made to feel the music come alive.

That sounds ridiculous. But its true.

Every joy, every sorrow, every challenge and heartache, and every memory of every lover or foe she ever had was conveyed very strongly and forcefully with her flamenco movements.

I have never seen anything like that. I have never felt anything like that. Certainly not from watching any dance performance.

It was unforgettable.

In previous performances I have been accustomed to seeing "twenty something" beautiful young women move the strains of classical Spanish guitar chops. As a guy I find it relatively easy to dig that sort of thing.

Blanca del Rey brought something more.

The Importance Of A Mentor

Catchy title.

As of late I find myself to be in a reflective mood more often than usual.

Specifically, I've been thinking about how important it is to have a mentor. Regardless of whatever stage you are in your life.

Whether it is for your career, or your personal life-- having a guiding role model is crucial to your success.

How do I know that?

Through vivid and unforgettable experiences I have come to believe that if I am my only resource for unchartered terrority, I am likely in danger of making needless and foolish choices. (Yup. Been there. Done that.) Choices that could be avoided with wise counsel from someone who has been in the exact same situation. Someone who has been in the same position and who has also transcended that difficulty.

The best example to clearly illustrate this is the prize fighter.

Ultimately, he (or these days "she" too) has to enter the ring alone.

However, with a wise and experienced trainer (mentor) in the fighter's corner, there is a distinct advantage.

The prize fighter has the power of receiving significant insights, advice, and guidance that is unique AND practical from the trainer.

That is why even those athletes that are within the elite of their particular sport, those atheltes who are earning millions of dollars, utilize a trainer (mentor).

Can you imagine how ridiculous it would be for one of the Klitschko brothers to enter the ring for a heavyweight championship match sans a trainer? They would likely lose.

Here's the really interesting part though. A fighter like one of the Klitschko brothers has the talent, know how, and God given talent to win most bouts. Yet it is unthinkable to enter the arena without their trainer.

It seems to me to be a principle linked to success. Even if your not the heavyweight champ.

The other thing I realize is that your mentor is not going to do the work for you.
The prize fighter does his own pushups. His own road work. His own sparring. Not the trainer.

And, the trainer won't waste one second of his or her time if you are not committed and dedicated.

Simple.

True.

Museo De Prado

Wow. That's all I can say.

My wife and I just had the good fortune to visit Madrid Spain. And, of course, I had to visit the galleries... Specifically Prado.

Wow.

To see first hand with our own eyes the works of artists such as Titian, Reubens, and Carravaggio was an awe inspiring experence. Not to mention the many sculptures and architectural wonders that were found throughout the building.

Many of the works are familiar to me from books and internet images but to see it in person is entirely something else.

I can just imagine the artist working away at the canvas and doing his or her best to convey a sense of feeling or emotion...

Unfortunately, no photographs or videos are allowed within the museum for obvious security reasons. In a way that probably enhances the experience. We get to see the images and remember them rather in our mind than with the assistance of technology. Kinda like how they were supposed to be viewed.

Highly recommended.