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
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?NopeBathroom 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.
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 EricaThe 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.
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!
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
Today is a travel day and usually not much happens on travel days. Not much happened today except PATRICE SAVED MY LIFE! Back to that later since I am sure you aren’t very interested in that.
Last night we had a wonderful dinner at Beseda a restaurant recommended by Patrice’s sister, Fern, and her husband, Brian. At least I think they recommended it. They gave us directions to the place but no name. The food was excellent. Beseda serves typical Czech food and after our evening with Patrik (hockey player Patrik not tour guide Patrik) we are now experienced Czech Republic cuisine experts. I ordered the Svíčková, since that is the only thing I know how to pronounce. (Patrice the editor here: What Robert means by pronouncing is to point to it on the menu). Erica had the duck (since 3 of Patrik’s family members opted for that when we dined with them) and Patrice decided to be adventurous and had the Schnitzel (Isn’t that more German than Czech?). All of the dishes were superb.
The Svíčková ordered by me. The meat was maybe a little better than last night but the sauce didn’t come close. Erica’s duckPatrice’s schnitzel.
After dinner we did some exploring and found something of great interest. It was a massage parlor that had a specialty tank to cleanse your feet. Inside the tank were small fish that apparently feed off your dead skin cells providing you with a ” Marine exfoliation”.
Little fishies, look harmless enough, don’t they?Can you see all the fish attacking, I mean “treating” this woman?
Apparently sometimes the fish can get a little too aggressive. Here is a photo of a woman whose treatment was more extensive than she cared for.
We did not see this client move at all. Clearly a case of over-treatment.
This morning we took a boat tour of the city along the river. It was nice but hard to get there since today was the Prague Marathon. It was great seeing all the runners and the excitement around the event. It also brought back some memories of my own running experiences.
On the way back to the hotel we had to take a circuitous route to avoid the runners. At one point we where crossing a street and Patrice screamed “ROBERT STOP!”. Being an obedient husband I did just that. When I turned my head a car was speeding directly at me without any appearance of slowing down. I quickly retreated and thus avoided being hit. After the car passed I looked back and saw Patrice was crying. I asked myself is she crying because the guy missed me? I knew better, with tears running down her face she said she was so scared she thought I was going to be killed. What a horrible event but what a wonderful outcome. I always say funerals are a waste. The one person who would love to hear all the wonderful things being said about them isn’t there to enjoy it. I got to go to my own funeral today, see my wife grieve, and happily get to tell you about it, myself.
Time to head for the airport. I will try not get myself killed today. If I do, please cry a lot because you know how much I would have enjoyed it.
