Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings

If you read yesterday’s blog you might have thought I was kidding about leaving for Boston in the morning.  That was not a joke.  We are currently cruising at 35,000 feet somewhere over Arizona on our way to Beantown.  Last year some friends asked me, how would I like to meet them at Fenway Park in Boston for opening day?  Sounded like a good idea at the time and I enthusiastically said yes.  Last week when the northeast was being pelted with 18 inches of snow my judgement came into question.

I told Patrice she didn’t have to go on the trip but she is a real trooper.  People have asked if she is a baseball fan and the answer to that question is a definite NO!  Patrice, like many Americans, finds the sport extremely boring.  But lucky for her, being married to me for 35 years has given her a lot of experience dealing with being bored.

Yesterday I called my friend, Gary, to wish him a happy birthday (yes, he is an April Fools Day guy) and told him of our plans.  Gary knew that we had been having a great time in San Diego and when we told him about our trip to Boston he said, “Tough life!”.  Gary seemed to be having a good night too.  He was out to dinner and sent me a picture of his leftovers (see below).

Like I said it has been snowing in the northeast but the forecast for tomorrow is sunny and 50 degrees.  At night we are suppose to get some rain.  Hmmmm, I suppose it might be better if we stay in and watch the finals of the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. Patrice better not see this.  If she does, then I’ll be in REAL trouble.

Today was the last day of the conference and it was time to head for home.  Of course I couldn’t leave this wonderful town without making a couple more observations.  The San Diego convention center is truly amazing.  The layout is perfect and having our hotel attached made our experience a delight.  There is an enormous atrium which I think could house the entire population of South Dakota (see below).

So I got to thinking about what if this place was packed and people were trying to enter and exit this area.  Things could get very messy. Someone already thought that out (see below).

Yes those architects can be very ingenious at times.  Not so for doctors.  At least not the ones at the ACP Annual Meeting.  Notice the doctors lined up to exit this lecture.  See below.

If the doctors would have bothered to look to their left they could have seen me exiting from here (see below).

After the last Convention meeting we packed up and headed for home.  A nice dinner break was enjoyed a Rocco’s in San Clemente.  Patrice found it and much to my surprise I not only enjoyed a wonderful dinner but I got to watch the end of the North Carolina vs Oregon basketball game to see the last entrant into the NCAA finals.

I better sign off now, because we need to get up early.  Tomorrow we leave for Boston!

While I was busy getting smart Patrice explored the town.  Just minutes from the hotel she found about 6 bail bonds offices on the same block (see below).

Then while I was at the convention I tried to sign on to the Convention wifi with my phone and found this:

Why is an FBI surveillance vehicle at the American College of Physician’s Convention and can’t they keep a lower profile?  Do you think they were looking for Jairo’s Karma?  Or was it Steve Carell’s persona from the show “The Office”, Michael Scott, who was garnering their attention?  Neither made much difference to me, I was too busy trying learn some medicine.

I became a pseudo-celebrity yesterday when I volunteered to be the demonstration patient during a lecture about examination of the shoulder.  Today three different people recognized me as “The Shoulder Man”.   Too bad it wasn’t an examination of the face.  It would have been fun to be known as a “Face Man” for once in my life.

Tonight we attended a get together for the ACP Regions representing California, Hawaii and Arizona.  California is divided into a Northern Region and 3 Southern California Regions each with its own presiding Governor.  When we checked in, the woman at the desk wanted to know of which Southern California Region was I a member. Unfortunately I didn’t know.  To help me out she asked who was my Governor to which I replied “Jerry Brown”.  Needless to say, she wasn’t amused.

Tomorrow is the final day of the Convention.  We will head home at the end of the day.  That is not totally true, but more about that tomorrow.

Today was day one of the American College of Physician’s annual meeting in San Diego.  The ACP does a great job of providing excellent and timely lectures.  By timely I don’t just mean important up to date information but when they say they are starting at 7:00 AM they don’t mean 7:01. Yes I got up early this morning to hear about “How to Prevent Kidney Stones”.  For those of you who have been following this blog for a while you are aware that I had a stone. We received some great information.  Unfortunately the lecturer didn’t tell us what to do if you suffer your stone 85 miles from the nearest hospital while located in “What’s the name of this town”, Texas bordering on “Please get me out of here”, Mexico (like I did).

After learning about kidney stones I went to a lecture about “Travel Medicine”.  I know what you are thinking now, “His next course will probably be, “How to Write a Blog”.  No, actually that one was full so I went to hear a “Cardiology Update” instead.

The convention is very well run.  Our hotel is attached to the convention center so it could not be more convenient.  They have people all around holding signs that say, “Ask Me” which is very helpful when you are looking for your next classroom.  They also have an information booth with restaurant information (See below).

Sign alerting that information is available.

Some attendees finding out where to eat.

Who needs this when we have our own personal concierge.  When looking for a great place to eat why bother asking the hotel or convention people.  They don’t know us, they don’t know what we like.  Instead all we have to do is contact our daughter, Lindsay.  She is amazing at finding the best restaurants.  When we traveled with her in England and Ireland she would find us great places to eat.  Tonight she found us Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.  This was a perfect place after all the horrors I listened to today regarding red meat.  The place was fantastic.  It was very convenient (We walked there from our hotel).  They had live music (always a treat) and the food was superb.  Patrice enjoyed the halibut and I had swordfish (see below).

Traveling is so much fun when you have your own concierge.  A mere text between meetings and not only do you get an excellent restaurant recommendation you also get reservations.  We are a couple of lucky travelers.

That’s all for now.  I have a 7:00 AM class tomorrow and need to get to bed.  Why does 7:00 AM seem to come sooner on vacation?

Robert

Well we had a decision to make today, should we stay home and watch March Madness or go to the Broad Museum.  Well you know who runs this kingdom so …………………….. yes we went to the Broad.

Here are some pictures:

And some more:

Oh yes, I forgot, we had a wonderful lunch at Otium next door to the museum.

But we really did go to the museum.  I guess I forgot to get some shots for you.  Actually I did get one, and it says it all.

We have landed in New York and now waiting for our flight home.  Seeing Erica was wonderful in spite of the awful weather.  I enjoyed seeing my old friends and making new ones.  I am not sure the next time we will visit this wonderful country but I suspect it wont be in a February.

Since was my 9th trip to Spain I have been asked for travel tips to this country.  I am certainly no Rick Steves but here goes.

1.) Pack light.  For example do you really need that hair brush (see below).

2.) Take advantage of the local culture.  Especially don’t be afraid to try the local food.  (See Below).

3.) One last tip, WATCH WHERE YOU STEP!   Madrileños are not like Angelinos.  They do not walk their dogs with baggie in hand.   I have a great picture to demonstrate this problem but Patrice censored that addition.

Lastly, a few hours into our flight (and luckily after my nap) they made an announcement asking if there was a doctor on board.  After identifying myself to the flight attendant I was taken to a passenger in distress.  Apparently he and his wife had just arrived in Madrid enroute to a vacation in Portugal when they found out that their 19 year old daughter in New York had committed suicide.  The father had taken an Ativan and was feeling lightheaded.  The flight attendant gave me a blood pressure cuff that did not work and a stethoscope that looked like it came from a “Ken and Barbie go to Medical School Kit”. Fortunately I think the patient just needed a kind voice and an empathetic ear.  On our way to our connecting flight one of fellow passengers saw me and said, “You were the doctor on the flight?”.  After confirming his suspicion he then said, “You have a great bedside manner”.  I never get tired of hearing that.

Talking to a man and woman who just lost their daughter forever made leaving Erica in Madrid less painful.  Sometimes we just need perspective in life.

That’s all for this trip but I hope to be talking to you again next month.

Roberto

Today was a day I feared would come all too soon.  Tomorrow we leave for home and today was to be our last day visiting Erica in Madrid.  Our Erica has developed a life in Madrid and is so very far away from her daddy.  Sorry if I am getting too sentimental for my readers but this is very difficult to write between wiping my eyes and blowing my nose. Erica is 26 years old but I would be lying if I didn’t admit I miss my baby.  I remember when my family left New York in 1957 and we were visiting my father’s mother before we left.  I saw both of them hug and cry.  I didn’t understand what was happening at that time but now I understand all too well.  Talking about breakfast and dinner is easy.  Talking about saying goodbye to Erica is not.

We stayed busy today meeting my friend Angélica for coffee that carried on to dinner.  We had an amazing meal at a restaurant called IL CONO.  We had a variety of pastas that we shared including one that was made at our table.  Please see the video I have attached at https://youtu.be/lYSh6-XLdoE.  This is the first time I have tried to post a video to the blog so I hope it works.

After dinner we headed to the Museum Sorolla where Erica’s friend Esther gave us a guided tour.  Sorolla was a famous Spanish painter and art collector.  The museum was his home and after his death his widow transformed it into a museum.

Tomorrow we leave for home.  I look forward to getting home.  I love Madrid but no matter who is the president of the USA, it will always be my home.

Hasta mañana,

Roberto

Today started off innocently enough.  Erica met us at the hotel and we walked in the cold and rain to a local bar (aka restaurant) for breakfast.  I had my usual Madrid breakfast of Tortilla Española and café con leche.

Erica headed off to work while Patrice and I decided to investigate a local venture of Google called “Campus Madrid”.  It was  a bit of a disappointment because all we saw were the first two floors where Google apparently is attempting to help locals network in the tech world. There was a small cafeteria and then some wonderful work spaces with lots of young people and their laptops.  From what we were told the upper floors are reserved for true Google employees but no programming occurs at the location.  They were not clear exactly what type of work is being done.  I don’t think it is anything highly secret but the lack of clarification was more a function of their employees difficulty speaking English and our inability to speak Spanish.  The one thing I found most fun was using the Google maps app to find Campus Madrid and to get us there using public transportation.  I am sure I turned a 20 minute trip into 30 minutes but it was fun.  I am a simple guy with simple pleasures.

We then met Erica and Jaime (a friend of Erica and Lindsay) for coffee.  Jaime is a delightful young man who speaks incredible English.  He likes to practice English and told us he doesn’t get much of a chance to practice except when he talks to himself in the mirror.  So for the sake of his need to practice and our desire to communicate we spoke English.  This was a true Spanish experience.  We sat there talking for about 3 hours and were never given one hint from the owners that it was time for us to leave.  After 3 hours we asked for the check (Spaniards do not bring the check until asked) and then we were on our way.  I don’t think this is something you could experience anywhere in the USA and one thing I love about Spain.

After a brief stop at the hotel we headed to dinner with Erica and her friend Marcelo at El Pimiento Verde where we met our friends Hazel and Ricardo.  We first met this couple and their two children in 2015 when Patrice and I were visiting our girls in the city of San Sebastián in the north of Spain.  They asked me to take a photo of their family and a friendship ensued.  Hazel runs a school and Ricardo is an illustrator and draws political cartoons (viñetas).  Apparently the election of Donald Trump was a Godsend for him.  Trump has made his work TOO easy.  Here is a link to the one of his cartoons.  To help you along the adult is saying, “And now, who is going to pay for this?”.  I think the rest is self explanatory.  http://e02-elmundo.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2017/01/29/14857106732725.jpg

Following dinner we had a near disaster.  We had a very comfortable ride home but when we got to our room we realized Erica had left something there.  I was going to text her but I COULDN’T FIND MY PHONE!!!!!.   I searched everywhere but without success.  Patrice sent a text message to me and then called but again without success.  Then we received a call from the passenger who entered the cab that we had just exited. He had our phone and after a series of negotiations we got the cab driver to bring it back to me.   I am now resting comfortably in bed.  Patrice has given me a Valium and is rubbing my shoulders.  I have a warm compress over my eyes and the hotel doctor and nurse are at my side.  They say that I should be fine but we are considering admitting me overnight for observation.  My phone has been taped to my hand in order to reassure me and prevent agitation.

Until tomorrow.

Robert

(Please tell mom I was just joking, I am fine).

Once more we awoke promptly at 11 am.  We decided to skip breakfast and headed straight to Erica’s apartment for an early lunch of leftovers from last night’s incredible dinner.  After bidding goodbye to Erica as she returned to work, Patrice and I headed out to explore the city some more.  We went to the Matadero which is now a cultural center but previously was a slaughterhouse.  This is a beautiful complex with a lovely greenhouse botanical exhibit, a skate park and educational galleries along the Madrid River.  The setting is lovely and I am sure that now it is much more enjoyable for animals than it was as a slaughterhouse.

We then headed to Puerta Del Sol where we visited an M.C. Escher exhibit.  There were about 200 originals of his works.  I have long been an Escher fan so this was a real treat for me.  I especially enjoyed one of his self-portraits.  See below.

After the Escher exhibit we had to go to San Ginés Chocolateria for churros with chocolate sauce and café con leche.  I love this place and Patrice went along just to keep me company.  She didn’t want any churros (see below).

At night we met up with Erica and my friends Myriam and Marcos for dinner at Restaurante Castelados.  They are a fantastic couple with 3 sons.  Marcos speaks extremely fast and my Spanish is very poor so after about an hour my brain swells and tissue can be seen seeping out of my ears.  Thank goodness we had Erica there to help with my understanding.  The meal was incredible and for those who follow this blog only to find restaurant recommendations you should definitely make note of this one.  We were told that Michelle Obama dined here when she visited Madrid.  For those who have been following our trips you might recall that we ate at Pamela’s in Pittsburgh and the Red Rooster in Harlem (both favorites of Barack Obama).  This has given me an idea.  We have been on a Hall of Fame Tour and a National Park Tour, now I see in our future a “Barack and Michelle Obama Trendy Restaurant Tour”.

I am not sure what tomorrow holds for us but I am sure it will include Erica and food.

Thank you so much for your comments on the blog.  I love reading them.

Robert

I know many of you are sick of me writing about food (although many want to hear about our dining recommendations) but I have to tell you about the best meal of this or any of our trips.  Tonight we had dinner at Erica’s apartment with a number of her friends who live here in Madrid.

Prior to the meal we accompanied Erica to the local grocery store.  We found a number of interesting items and curiosities.  One thing I found very interesting was that in the fruit and vegetable departments you bagged your item and then took it to a scale.  From the scale’s monitor you chose the name (or in my case, picture) of the fruit or vegetable in your bag.  A sticker with a bar code is then printed out.  You attach the label to the bag and then you are ready to check out.

There were many items in the store that I have not seen in the US.  For example they had a variety of pizzas.  One was definitely new to me (see below).

Also I had not seen this food stuff before either.

I think germ-phobic Americans might like to see the practice below adopted by grocers in our country.  Most of the fruit and vegetables come pre-wrapped (see below).

Dinner was wonderful.  Erica did a great job of preparing the meal.  Patrice did a lot of work too.  I was a major contributor by playing Words With Friends on the couch, thus keeping out of the way.

Erica’s friends were delightful.  They all spoke perfect Spanish and pretended to understand what I was trying to say.  The one theme that was clear and most important to us was that they all love Erica.  It was also very heartwarming in that they also asked about Lindsay since they knew her from her time here in Madrid.

Until tomorrow,

Roberto