Today was a day that we had planned to learn about Erica’s life in Madrid but before I get to that I need to know if anyone is out there. Yesterday I wrote about my near-death experience and there were only two comments thanking Patrice for her life-saving efforts? Isn’t anyone reading this thing? Do you not care if I live or die? Do you not know how to post a comment? All of the above? That noise you hear is me crying. The following is for the two people who are following my posts.
This morning we met Erica for breakfast with two of her friends, Niko (from Chile) and Silvia (a Madrileña, i.e. born in Madrid). We had a wonderful meal talking in Spanish (for practice) and English (so I knew what was being said). I was so engaged in our conversation I forgot to take pictures of Niko and Silvia. But I know my friend Joe wants to see food pictures so I didn’t forget to photograph what I ate.
Then we headed over to Erica’s work. We couldn’t go empty handed so we stopped off to bring them some snacks. There was a nearby market with a variety of shops. We found a “Casqueria” which means a place that sells the innards of animals. Look at the following pictures at your own risk. My apologies to my dear niece, Leslie, who at this moment is wondering if maybe my getting hit by a car yesterday would not have been a horrible thing after all.
There were a variety of other items, and I was in disbelief that anyone would buy any of them. But while we were gawking at this myriad of incredible offerings a woman approached the store and ordered a multitude of items. The butcher quickly went to work cutting up the sheep combination picture above. He chopped the heart, liver and lungs. He then separated out the trachea and esophagus. He diced the trachea but threw away the esophagus. After all who would eat esophagus? The customer initially said she was buying the items for her dog but later confessed she might fight the animal over who gets to eat the stuff. I will not be accepting any dinner invitations from this woman. We decided against buying any of the innards for Erica’s co-workers and instead decided to get some more traditional items such as jamon Iberico (Iberian ham), cheese and cookies (the cookies were my suggestion of course).
Erica enjoys working with this crew at Juventud y Cultura. The company sends Spanish students to study abroad and brings foreigners to study in Spain. In addition they also run a high school program and a summer camp where kids from 6 to 16 years old study in Spain for 2-3 weeks. Parents can also come to Spain with the kids. If you are interested contact them at info@juventudycultura.es
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 
I care.
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Well of course I’m very glad that Patrice saved your life! I just didn’t comment yesterday because it seems to me that she has been/is a lifesaver many times. ❤️ you both!!
Zara
Sent from my iPhone
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Eeeeeew! 🤮
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Reading the blog religiously! Prague is one of our favorite cities, ever. Glad you avoided the accident. Didn’t think you were the type to need constant reinforcement that we are listening!!
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All of the above, jiji
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Yes I did an do read all of your blogs. I was very angry at the one about your “funeral”. Needless to to say I’m sure you understand why. Also, I will not cry at your “f” as I will not be here or there to go it. I plan for you to come to mine first. First, that means before you. Unless you are on a trip so you don’t have to come. But would I deprive you of such an event. No I wouldn’t. Don’t be so sure that I won’t know what’s going on at my “f” because I plan to know everything.
Enjoy the rest of your trip. Stay out of the innards market.
Love to Patrice and Erica.
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It’s been awhile since I left a post. But I’ve been dying to know was Patrice having tears in her eyes because she couldn’t stand the thought of living without you or because it would have resulted in a tremendous bureaucratic nightmare having your body shipped back to the US? Tough one. Well I would have missed you and your presence at the Hollywood Bowl this summer! Fred
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You know I’m here and read every post. I am grateful you are alive and thank Patrice!!! I wait until the end of the day or the next morning to comment. The pictures of the innards of animals made me sick! Not only am I an animal lover but a vegetarian!!! I’m happy you got to meet Erica’s work crew !!!
This is the greatest number of responses to your blog that I’ve seen! People do care!!❤️ Until tomorrow…
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Great pictures and contacts. Keep at it, Robert!
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Even though I don’t comment, I love, love, love your blogs (and especially when your better half chimes in!.Yes, I was horrified when I read about your near-accident, and am glad that you are alive!!!
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Thank you so much. I am glad too.
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