Off To Visit the Baby, Madrid 2025 Day #9. “Culture Shock and Lots of Fun”

We got an early start today (leaving the hotel at about 11:30) to get something to eat.  Breakfast looked much better than it tasted here are two photos for Claudette’s enjoyment. 

Following lunch, (oops I meant breakfast.  I got confused because we ate at noon, the traditional breakfast time for Spaniards) and headed to look at an apartment with Erica.  I was very uncomfortable because some of the jamón from breakfast was stuck between my teeth.  We didn’t have time to go back to the hotel so I made a quick stop at a pharmacy to get some floss.  When I saw they wanted 8 € for a small container of floss my tooth discomfort was almost completely relieved.  We later found some floss at a supermercado (supermarket) for about 2 € and my faith in the Spanish system was renewed.

Erica seemed to like the apartment we saw today so we visited a bank to see if she could get a hipoteca (mortgage).  At the bank we learned she could get a mortgage at a 2.5% annual rate.  I then interrupted the conversation and said “Forget about Erica, can you help ME refinance  my house?”  The banker gave me a rather curious look.  I supposed it was because they don’t do mortgages for properties in the USA.  I asked Erica and she said that was not the case, it was because my Spanish is not very good.  Apparently, instead of asking about a mortgage I asked if the fishing is good in Madrid swimming pools. 

This afternoon we were the honored guests at the Irish Embassy Christmas party.  Actually, we were invited to attend after they finished eating.  Apparently Erica told them if I was invited for the meal they would have to increase the party budget. It was great meeting her coworkers because they all seem to love Erica. I never tire of hearing how wonderful my children are.  I also met some of Erica’s colleagues who were very interested in my blog and promised to become followers.  They seemed like two wonderful people with whom I’m very pleased to share our travels and I say welcome to Patrick and Tamzin.  They each agreed to get 1,000 of their closest friends to sign on as followers so I can make this a second career. 

Next we headed to one of my favorite places to eat in Madrid, El Brillante (Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 8, Centro, 28012 Madrid).  This place is famous for their calamari sandwiches and the waiters who yell at each other. 

The waiter spotted us as Americans and handed us the menu with pictures. Look at all the yummy choices we had. See below.

I also had a choice of pig stomach but even those the above items were temping but I opted for the bocadillo (sandwich) they call, “El Brillante”, the same name as the restaurant. It is fried calamari and absolutely delicious.

After eating we went to the Madrid Comedy Lab for a comedy show.  I hope you are impressed that my Spanish is good enough to enjoy a comedy show in Madrid.  Unfortunately I need to confess that it was all in English.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Madrid.  If you don’t think it will be tough for me since we will soon be leaving our dear baby, then you don’t know me. 

Adios y hasta mañana.