Category: Madrid

Off To Visit the Baby, Madrid 2025 Day#1. “The Joys of Travel”

by reissmd, posted in Madrid

We got off to an early start to LAX today, thanks to our good friend Mike.  He has frequently volunteered to give us a ride to the airport and I think it is mostly because he feels guilty about kicking my butt during our weekend cribbage matches.  Today we are beginning a visit to see our daughter, Erica, who lives in Madrid. 

Today I fell victim to the risk of traveling from a warm climate to a cold one. I was very comfortable in Mike’s car but when I exited I realized that my jacket was safely resting on my bed at home.  No problem I thought, I’ll just buy a jacket at the airport.  Ha!  The only thing I found was something that might keep me warm in Northern California but certainly not in Madrid in December.  One thing that did warm me up was looking at the price ($699).  I messaged Erica letting her know we will need to stop at a men’s store soon after arrival.  She said the magic words, El Corte Inglés.  For those who’ve never been to Spain, ECI is the shoppers heaven.  They have everything.  From high end men’s and women’s clothing, sporting goods, jewelry, to groceries.  Mind you, not everything is in one place.  They have multiple stores around the city so you need to know which ECI store has what you need but as I said they have it. 

Our flight was wonderful.  We flew on Iberia Airlines.  The flight crew were very kind and I managed to get a little sleep. We arrived on time to Madrid.  Getting through customs was a breeze.  I went for a run in the morning but got a second work out at the Madrid airport. I’d estimate the walk from the plane to baggage claim to be about 1500 steps.  In spite of that long walk and need to go through customs we still had to wait for our luggage.  I texted Erica an update saying I think our bags might have been on a different plane because we had been waiting such a long time.  We didn’t see anything on the conveyor belt for another 25 minutes after that comment.  Total baggage wait time about 40 minutes.

After finally getting our bags we saw the sight that brought us to the country, our daughter, Erica.  She was kind enough to pick us up at the airport and was very thoughtful to turn up the heat in the car and get me to a store so I could buy a survival jacket.  Instead of ECI we wound up going to another local favorite, H & M (actually based in Sweden and not Spain). They had a variety of jackets for me to choose and I found one that cost less than the tax would have cost me for the jacket at LAX. 

How do we look? 

When I say WE I mean the jacket and me not, Erica, Patrice and me.

Sorry, I’m a little batty. I didn’t sleep much on the plane.  I need a nap.   Erica has plans for us tonight so I’ll say good night and talk to you tomorrow. 

Adios. 

Europe 2022 Day 23 “Home Sweet Home” USA 10/29/2022

by reissmd, posted in Berlin, Germany, Bologna, Budapest, Hungary, Italy, Madrid, Venice, Italy, Vienna, Austria

Yes, this trip has finally come to an end. Patrice and I were definitely ready to go home (which we safely did last night) and we both think this was one of our best trips ever. Thank you to all the people who helped make it such a success. Also many thanks to all the people who left comments on the blog. I really enjoy hearing from you and staying connected to our friends and family. Here are a series of photos that I found interesting but didn’t get a chance to send them during the trip. They are in no particular order.

Your restauarant server wants to make sure that you know that Europe is no different than the USA. See this copy of one of our dinner checks.

The most common clothing attire I saw on the trip was the NY Yankee baseball cap. I guess they didn’t hear that the Astros eliminated the Yankees from the playoffs 4-0. See below, one of many.

And if you want to buy a Yankee cap they are easy to find.

In Milan, the Galleria had lots of high-end stores. See below.

After all your shopping at the Milan Galleria, you can stop for some fine dining at this location.

We saw a few of these strange devices on the streets of Bologna. No one used them and I am not sure what they are used for.

We saw this boat with an odd name in Venice. Acqua is the Italian word for water. I think you can figure out the rest.

Chocolate Lentils? That is my idea of fiber. See below.

When you gotta go, this is the place to go if you are in the Marco Polo airport in Venice. While you are at it please pick up after yourself. See below.

In Madrid, we saw signs of the USA and Canada. First, we saw little hot dogs from Nebraska. I didn’t realize Nebraska was a hot dog Mecca. See below.

I know you can see Tim Horton’s all over Canada but it looks like they are also attacking Madrid.

Looking to connect with George Washington? Try Budapest. See below.

Budapest had this very unique piece of art in a park (see below). It is also an ecological tool since it encourages people to put their plastic bottle caps inside. See the hole on the right side.

How about a taste of NYC while you are in Budapest? See below.

Did you know that Moses was a techie? See below,

In German the word for jewelry is Schmuck. I know a lot of guys who would say anyone who spends a lot of money on jewelry can be described with the same word. See below.

If you are homesick for Venice Beach in Los Angeles, just get on a tram in Vienna.

But lastly, this is my favorite memory of the trip.

Ciao, until December when are off to …………

Europe 2022 Day #12 “Ryan Air? Please No, Anything But Ryan Air!”. Madrid, Spain; Budapest, Hungary 10/18/22

by reissmd, posted in Budapest, Hungary, Madrid

We had an amazing “Last Supper” with Erica last night at Restaurant El Valle (Calle de Sebastián Herrera, 6, 28012 Madrid).  The three of us shared a huge Hake fish (similar to Cod and Haddock).  The fish was filleted at the table and I am so glad it was.  The pre-filet appearance was fantastic, post-filet it didn’t look like something I would want to eat. 

Hake, pre-filet.
Hake, Post-filet

If you would like to see the 55-second video of the server doing the fileting here it is. It was great watching him do it but I think watching the video might be better for those dealing with insomnia.

Today was the day of our trip that I was dreading. Today we flew from Madrid to Budapest on Ryan Air.  You might be asking if I have such disdain for this carrier why did we book this flight?  Unfortunately, it was the only airline with a nonstop flight to Budapest on 10/18/2022.  The others would have taken many hours longer and routed us through Ukraine or North Korea (that last part was a joke if you couldn’t tell. But as my daughter, Lindsay, tells me, “If you have to say it’s a joke, it isn’t”). 

We did our job, arriving 2 hours prior to departure with our boarding passes in hand (let’s not rehash the fiasco that I told you about yesterday). We walked a fair distance to the Ryan Air check-in desks and saw a rather modest number of people on line.  The queue (how British of me) moved incredibly fast and then we were on our way to the gate.  

As is typical in Spain people started lining up to board long before any announcement that boarding would begin. 

Spaniards are on line to board 19 minutes before the scheduled boarding time and 49 minutes before takeoff.
Patrice and Robert 10 minutes AFTER boarding started.

Onboard we were given instructions in Spanish prior to take-off. I couldn’t understand a word making me very depressed about the quality of my Spanish.   Then they gave what I assume were the same instructions in English speaking so rapidly that I understood nothing.  At least I could feel a little better about my Spanish. We finally took off at 8:38, about 13 minutes late (or 20 minutes early if you usually fly American).  In spite of leaving late, we landed 17 minutes early (1 day early if you usually fly American).  Maybe I misjudged Ryan Air? They might be a budget carrier but they seem to have efficiency as their goal.  It was a great flight.

One other note about Spaniards and their flying etiquette, in addition to lining up to board long before it is necessary (we all had assigned seats so what’s the point?) they have one other curious behavior. On every Spanish flight, I have been on, the passengers applaud after landing. I wonder if they would boo if we crashed.

We were picked up from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) and driven to Aria Hotel Budapest where will be staying in Budapest. This place is AMAZING. Let me rephrase that, THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. I already told our travel agent to cancel the rest of our trip because we will not be leaving this room. I also contacted a real estate agent to sell our house because we are never going to leave this room. The room is spacious. The bathroom is gigantic. We have a very roomy shower and a separate bathtub. The room is very high-tech with lots of gadgets. Downstairs there is a spa with a sauna, hot tub, and swimming pool. Also, an area to just relax. Breakfast is included and I can’t wait to see that after seeing the pastries in their “bar”. From 4-6 PM, they offer wine and cheese. I don’t drink alcohol but I might have to start.

What a great day. Oh, did I tell you we took a 4-hour walking tour of the city? I would like to talk more but Patrice and I have to schedule our massages.

How fun to see your name on your TV (Patrice, sorry they didn’t mention you)
Piano hallway/lobby with real piano. Breakfast and afternoon treats served here.
Hot tub and swimming pool.
High-Tech shower. I hope I can figure it out.
Bathtub that looks like lots of fun.
Towel warmer to make sure you are comfortable when leaving the bath or shower.
His and her bathrobes.
His and her slippers.
Why doesn’t every hotel room supply you with a Makeup Towel?
And lastly a little chocolate gift on your bed prior to going to sleep.

What a wonderful day. Tomorrow couldn’t possibly match it. Or could it?

Oops, I almost forgot, yesterday’s question. Obviously many of my followers are smarter than me. A number of you gave the correct answer. Window shades on the planes are kept open during takeoff and landing to allow the flight crew to assess any emergencies happening outside the plane. Good work team. I will try to come up with a better question next time.

Viszontlátásra (Good bye)

Europe 2022 day #11. “Why Can’t Things Ever be Simple?” Madrid, Spain 10/17/2022

by reissmd, posted in Madrid

Last night we had a wonderful dinner at a bar near our hotel.  You have to remember when I say bar in Madrid we are actually talking about a restaurant.  The food was good and it was nice catching up with Erica.  It has been difficult for me to have her live so far away but I’ve come to accept it.  I think our visit in 2021 was the first time I didn’t cry when we said our goodbyes.  Hopefully, this trip will be the same but don’t bet on it.

During dinner, Erica mentioned that Ryan Air requires you to check in online and print your own boarding passes.  We had booked our Ryan Air flight through an agency recommended by both of our travel agents for the trip.  The agency they recommended did not tell us anything about checking in online or printing our own boarding passes.  I emailed the agency last night and when I didn’t see a reply I called this morning and left a message.  Their voicemail said they would call back in less than 10 minutes. Twenty-five minutes later I sent another email.  I finally got a reply saying there would be an extra charge for our luggage and asked for authorization to use the credit card on file.  Now steam was exiting my ears.  I replied that when we asked them to make the reservation we told them we each would have a suitcase and a backpack.  I told them they could use my credit card but I was not happy.  Finally, I got a reply that the agent misread our booking and there wouldn’t be any additional charges.  He also sent me our boarding passes.  We used this agency at the recommendation of our travel agents so as to avoid aggravation such as this.  So sometimes paying a little extra for special service is NOT worth the money.  Live and learn. 

We visited Erica at work today and had a bite to eat with 3 of her compañeros. It was a great opportunity to practice our Spanish and meet the people she spends her days with. I tried to convince them that she is not to be trusted and should be deported immediately to the USA. Unfortunately, they were not buying it and it looks like she will be staying after we leave.

Tonight we will meet Erica for dinner. Two of our Spanish friends were planning to join us but they had to cancel due to a serious illness in the family.  It’s amazing how many friends we have here and I always feel bad because we can’t see all of them every trip.  We did have a brief coffee with Angelica who I’ve known since my third trip here in 2008.  She is a real delight and I refer to her as my Spanish mother because she and her ex-husband, Juan Carlos, always took such great care of me during my visits.

Angelica (my “Spanish Mother”, Patrice (my “American mother”) and “the baby”.

Tomorrow we have an early flight to Budapest on Ryan Air.  If you haven’t flown Ryan Air consider yourself lucky.  It’s always an experience. 

I always ask Patrice to proofread my blog. Today she said, “It’s a lot of complaining and not that funny.” I told her people who read this know me and that I complain a lot and I’m not that funny.

A little question for the readers of the blog. Do you know why the airlines ask you to open your window shades during take offs and landings? Please put your answer in the comments and I will give you the correct response tomorrow (if I remember to do it).

Nos vemos en Budapest mañana. (see you in Budapest tomorrow).

Hasta Luego. 

Europe 2022 day #10. “Where Is My Baby?” Madrid, Spain 10/16/2022

by reissmd, posted in Madrid, Venice, Italy

Last night we went to the opera and watched a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata”.  The theater was formerly a palace and the work was performed by a very small ensemble.  There were three musicians and three singers.  The opera has three acts and each was performed in a different room with a 10-minute intermission allowing the audience to move to the next venue.  It was very enjoyable and I would consider going to another opera in the future.  Does anyone know when “Porgy and Bess” will be performed locally?

Upon entering we were greeted with this warning advice.
“Violetta” taking her bows. The room was very hot and unfortunately, we were in the back during every act.

We then had another great dinner, this time at Ristorante Acqua Pazza (S. Marco, 3808, 30124 Venezia VE).  We had an appetizer of Parma Prosciutto and Melon, followed by Pasta with Lobster for Patrice and Amberjack for me.  For those of you who never heard of Amberjack, join the club.  It is a very tasty fish and I was very pleased. 

Prosciutto and melon. Sorry, we were almost done eating it before I remembered to take a picture.

Today we left Venice and flew to Madrid. We went to the Venice airport (VCE) via water taxi followed by a standard taxi (if you consider a Mercedes standard). We were accompanied by our guide Anna Lisa who told us some facts about Venice that our previous guides either didn’t tell us or the information went in one ear and out the other.  It must have been the former since Patrice didn’t recall these tidbits.  If it had just been me I would assume it passed untouched threw my empty head.  

Traversing through the Venice airport went smoothly.  After making it through security we relaxed in the lounge waiting for our flight.  I got a bit of a fright because I dozed off prior to our 11:55 flight only to see this sign when I awoke

I initially thought it was 10 minutes after four but I soon realized it was the 16th of October. Phew!

Leaving the lounge I had a chance to see how far my Italian had progressed.   When we left I said “Grazie” (thank you) to the front desk clerk and she immediately replied in English.  I guess my Italian needs a little more work. 

The flight to Madrid went well, but the highlight of our trip was being greeted at the MAD airport by our favorite driver, our wonderful daughter Erica.  She brought us to our hotel and then lead us through a traditional Madrid activity.  We did laundry.  We still have 2 weeks left on our vacation so it was either do laundry or pay the tour company an additional fee for “hazard pay”. 

Patrice, Robert, and Erica at the laundromat.

After finishing the laundry, we got ready for dinner.  Erica and Patrice went to the hotel gym to work out and I took a nap.

I am looking forward to tomorrow when we do…….  Actually, I don’t know what we will be doing. 

Ciao.  

Oops, we are no longer in Italy. 

Hasta luego. 

Memphis in May BBQ Festival 2019 Day #1 “BBQ Heaven Here We Come” May 16, 2019

by reissmd, posted in Madrid, Uncategorized

Yes, fans, it’s time for the Memphis in May BBQ Festival and Patrice and I are ready to be judges again. First some history, in 2015 while visiting Memphis, Patrice found a BBQ food tour. That’s where we met our friend Lance who was the owner of Tastinroundtown. Lance has since sold the company, but at that time he was the tour guide extraordinaire. He showed us some fine BBQ establishments and explained to us how to become judges. The following year (2016) we became judges and have been coming back ever since.

This year is very special because we brought our daughter Erica, and tomorrow we will be joined by our other daughter Lindsay and her boyfriend, Robby.

Patrice and I have been judges since 2016 but we received the official Memphis in May BBQ certification in 2018. We take our work very seriously. Today we were reviewing some of the information we received during training. For example “A whole hog entry is defined by Memphis in May as an entire hog whose dressed weight is 85 pounds or more prior to the optional removal of the head, feet, and skin.” My apologies to my darling niece Leslie who is probably cringing after reading that definition.

We then decided to head down to the Festival. It was late in the day and the judging had ended. Today they judged mostly sauces, not a big interest of mine. Erica noted that at 6:00 pm they were going to have the “Miss Piggy Idol Contest” and asked me what it was. I told her I had no idea and that I had never attended it before. I further said that it most likely involved people drinking too much alcohol and displaying women in an inappropriate manner or somehow disrespecting them. This did not dissuade her, so off we went.

I was pleasantly surprised that the contest was not as awful as I had anticipated. There were 5 teams competing. Each team dressed in costumes with a pig styling. They performed songs and danced. The songs were famous melodies with original lyrics (again with a Memphis in May theme). The teams were, for the most, part quite good. And as expected most of them were inappropriate

Team “Swine and Dine” had great choreography.

Team “Swine and Dine”

Notice the crotch protector

Team “Chi Town Cookers” with at least one member who’s not very shy

Time to rest now tomorrow is a big day.

Erica, Prague, and Madrid in That Order. Day #9 “Getaway Day” May 9, 2019

by reissmd, posted in Madrid, Uncategorized

Leaving Erica is always a very emotional experience for me. Last year watching her at the Bradley Terminal walking out of sight, after having her home for one month, was very difficult. I didn’t blog about that because it wasn’t one of our trips. I did tell you about the last time we saw her in Madrid, in February 2017, when I completely lost it sobbing like a newborn baby when we said goodbye. Well I finally figured a way of leaving Spain and not being emotionally distraught. WE ARE TAKING HER WITH US. Actually since this was a relatively late decision we couldn’t get her on the same flight as us but no matter, she will be with us for another 10 days.

Yesterday was kind of a lazy day. We visited my old language school where I studied Spanish for a couple of weeks in 2008 and made lifelong friends with my teacher (Angélica) and the school’s staff. After a short visit at the school we headed to lunch at a vegetarian restaurant near the school called Yerbabuena. It has long been one of my favorites. Erica’s friend Sofi joined us.

Sofi, Erica, Angélica, Robert and Patrice.

After lunch I was tired and we went back to the hotel to chill. We did go out briefly later in the evening to meet ANOTHER of Erica’s friends, Jaime. We had a drink with him (yes I had a drink) and solved the world’s many problems then headed back to the hotel. After 9 days on the road I was exhausted. Once again I need to get home and back to work so I can recover from my vacation,.

This was another great trip but not without its curiosities. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

London Heathrow Airport Lounge with its maps of Arizona.
Arriving in Prague we were greeted with a huge sign designating the EXIT. Czech people need better vision to see their instructions.
East German car which was no longer made after reunification in 1990. The car had only 2 cylinders.
We didn’t visit this museum but Patrice was interested in going. She said it might give her some ideas on how to better handle me.
Patrice was reaching for Erica’s hand when the guide from Lucy Tours took this picture. I like the way it turned out much better.
We didn’t go to the Sex Museum but this lady leaving seems to have enjoyed it.
Reiss? A relative I have not met?
USC in Prague?
Nope
Bathroom at Erica’s workplace. The message is, “Don’t go unless you really have to!”
Toilet paper dispenser in our hotel room bathroom. Only one piece of paper at a time. Be Green!
Tool kit at the gift shop exiting the Teleférico. Shouldn’t they offer that on the way in not on the way out?

That should do it for now. We need to get home and unpack because next week we leave for Memphis and the BBQ Festival.

Adios.

Erica, Prague, and Madrid in That Order. Day #8 “Robert Once Again Risks His Life For His Fans” May 8, 2019

by reissmd, posted in Madrid, Uncategorized

When I last left you I was having dinner with 6 beautiful women. If that wasn’t enough of a daring activity to do for your enjoyment I decided to further risk my life for my fans. Yesterday we took a ride on the Teleférico. This is a gondola system that officially is called Teléferico de Madrid (Madrid Cable Car) and it links Parque del Oeste (Park of the West) to Casa del Campo (which means cottage but refers to a gorgeous public park adjacent to the Royal Palace). It opened in 1969 and the gondolas travel 2,457 meters (8,061 feet) providing its occupants with spectacular views. Upon entering the gondola we got our usual comeuppance regarding our Spanish. I asked the operator ¿Cuánto dura el viaje? (how long does the trip take) to which he quickly replied, “Eleven minutes”.

The views were great. I tried my best to get photos but it was hard because there was a lot of movement of the gondola making using the camera difficult. I did get this great shot.

Two beauties high above Madrid.

I knew it would be hard to top that picture but I did manage to get a few that I think looked pretty good.

I used my zoom to get this shot of the Royal Palace.
Decent shot of the Rose Garden.
View of the Manzanares River.

It was a wonderful, relaxing trip that provided breathtaking views of parts of the city. I recommend it to all.

Patrice the editor here. What Robert failed to tell you was that the pictures were taken by another person in the gondola. He was too scared to let go of the poll in the gondola. I did manage to catch one picture of him during this delightful journey.

Does Robert look relaxed?

After the ride we were in the park known as Casa de Campo. Quickly we saw how Madrid is very progressive and cares for their physically challenged people. This was a handicap ramp for those unable to use the stairs.

Is this a handicapped ramp or a thrill-seeker ride?

In the park we met another of Erica’s friends, Aitor, and his parents (Alfonso and Almudena). We had a very enjoyable picnic in the park and practiced our Spanish. Patrice did great and I think I might have understood a thing or two myself.

Typical Spanish picnic platters.

At night we met ANOTHER one of Erica’s friends. Yes this girl has more friends in Spain than I have had in my entire life in the USA. We connected with Esther and had dinner while watching a Flamenco show. Esther takes Flamenco classes and the show was presented by some of the students from her school. The performance was excellent and the food was also superb. No food pix but here is a shot of two beauties.

Esther and Erica
The Flamenco dancer. Notice pedestrians walking by got a free glimpse of the show.

Today we had the type of experience I have learned to love while in Spain. Patrice has had a cough so we stopped by a pharmacy to see if we could get some medications. I was fascinated by a machine that they had in the pharmacy. The pharmacist explained that they have two robots upstairs that deliver the medication after he types the command on his keyboard.

The chute where the medication comes down after the pharmacist gives the command.

I mentioned I was a doctor in the United States and it was as if I said the magic word because what followed was truly magical. The pharmacist took us upstairs to see the robots in action. He then took us to meet the owner of the pharmacy. Next we got to see a floor dedicated to veterinary mediations, orthopedics supples, and holistic treatments. Finally we got to see the robots in action. In addition the pharmacist told us about the history of the pharmacy including showing us pictures of the aftermaths of the the building being bombed in the Spanish civil war.

We were about to leave the pharmacy when I asked if I could take a picture of him. He then gathered around his staff to pose for the picture. He beckoned Erica to join him and also asked a surprised customer to pose with them. It was truly an incredible visit.

Pharmacist, Jose, flanked by two of his co-workers, Erica and an unknown customer. Just like a visit to CVS or Walgreen’s, no?

If you would like to see the robot in action click the Robot Video Link below. I think it is fascinating. Patrice says it was boring. Click on the Robot Video Link and you be the judge

Tomorrow we head for home. I have lots more to say but need to pack and get ready for our flight home.

Erica, Prague, and Madrid in That Order. Day #7 “Robert’s Insecurity Showing Through” May 7, 2019

by reissmd, posted in Madrid, Uncategorized

Okay, okay, okay, I guess I was feeling a little insecure. But when only two people make comments when you report a near death experience, can you blame me? Thank you to all the people who reached out publicly and privately to reassure me that they care and were (in Mark Twain’s words) happy to hear that the reports of my death had been greatly exaggerated.

Yesterday was a fun day. After visiting Erica’s compañeros (co-workers) at Juventud y Cultura we headed back to the hotel for a rest. But before that we stopped for what might become a travel tradition for me and that is to get a haircut. If you check a post from our Australian trip [Australia Day 16 Home Sweet Home Faster Than a Speeding Bullet you will see I got a haircut in Melbourne. Patrice, Erica and I decided that I was due so we stopped at the shop next to Erica’s work place and Miguel took care of me.

Miguel making me even more beautiful.

At night we had a wonderful dinner with 4 of Erica’s friends. Eating dinner with 6 gorgeous women in Spain was almost a dream come true. With one of the women being my daughter and another my wife it seems a bit less glamorous, but actually much better. (Patrice the editor here, he better say that if he knows what’s good for him).

From left to right: Romina, Erica, Robert, Patrice, Hilda, Francesca, and Dalia.

Tomorrow we are going on the Teleferico which is a gondola that goes high across the city giving the passengers incredible views of the city. Those of you who follow this blog know who much I love heights. STOP YOUR SNICKERING!

Erica, Prague, Madrid in That Order. Day #6 “Exploring Erica’s World, Does Anyone Care?” May 6, 2019

by reissmd, posted in Madrid, Uncategorized

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.

My Spanish favorite, Cafe con leche (coffee and milk but in reality it is more like milk with coffee).
Poached eggs

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.

Cow snout.
Pig’s ear.
Sheep heart, lung and liver.

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’s Work Family at Juventud y Cultura: From left to right Mike, Mar, Erica, Luis, and Ibon .

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