The main reason for this trip was to see our daughter Erica and the eclipse (definitely in that order). The eclipse was spectacular as was the visit with Erica. Having David and Julian along has also been a joy. Julian is just 9 years old and has been an amazing trooper. He has had to put up with horrible heat, a foreign environment, a doting grandmother, and me (no explanation needed on that one).
Since Julian has been so great we decided to devote our day to the child. Prior to returning to Madrid we went to the Museo de la Evolucion Humana (MEH for short, young people will get a laugh out of that. The joke had to be explained to me). We then had a 2+ hour drive from Burgos to Madrid which had me drained and ready for a nap.
Julian demonstrating how to enjoy a 2+ hour drive.
Just as I was about to get ready for my nap, Erica came into the room and said “We’re going to Madrid Rio Park to play in the Chorros”. I didn’t want Erica to think her dad is an idiot so I said great let’s go. After she left the room I pulled out my Spanish dictionary and saw that chorros means diarrhea. I quickly learned that chorros can also mean fountain.
The park was a short drive from Erica’s apartment and as soon as we arrived at the fountains the children immediately got in and got wet.
Do you recognize the two chidren playing in the water?Soaking wet we posed for a picture. The water felt amazing, I didn’t want to leave. I said the day would be devoted to the child but I didn’t say which one.
In spite of being soaked, just a few minutes later I was totally dry. Isn’t it interesting what 102° temperature can do? No wonder people don’t own clothes dryers in Madrid.
From there we headed to dinner at El Pimiento Verde [Calle de Castelló, 18, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid]. We’ve eaten there on previous trips. Erica reminded me that last time I said the Rape (Monkfish) was the best fish I’d ever eaten. I don’t remember that, but how could I not order something that I gave such a glowing review? The fish was for 2 so Patrice volunteered to join me. Neither one of us was disappointed.
Rape (Monkfish) with potatoes. This was the portion for 2 but if you promise not to tell anyone I think I could have eaten the whole thing myself.
Last night we had an incredible meal. We ate at El Pimiento Verde (Calle de Lagasca, 43). We had been there before, but to be frank I didn’t remember how good it was. Patrice and I enjoyed the monkfish (in Spanish it has the unenviable name of “Rape”). This might have been the best fish I’ve ever eaten. David and Erica each had the filet mignon. We all shared the artichoke which too was probably the best artichoke I have ever eaten. They also supplied us with delicious bread, a palate cleansing broth to drink, and yummy croquets. If that wasn’t enough we shared a baked apple with ice cream for dessert. Oh my God I’m getting full just writing this. I need to take a break from writing because it’s time for breakfast.
Monkfish (Rape) with potatoes. The before picture.And after. A thumbs up from David.
Earlier in the evening Erica took us to the “Repair Cafe”. At this location some very smart people get together and share their great minds repairing items. So if you have a hair dryer, coffee maker, or some other device that is not working properly, you can bring it to the Repair Cafe and get it fixed for free or a small donation of your chosing. So instead of an appliance being added to the waste of the world it is brought back from the dead and the owner and society both profit. David was working on a hair straightening iron. I was totally amazed by his ability. He was explaining to Erica what he was doing and I was trying (I emphasize trying) to follow along. My only thought was, “Could this genius really be my son?”
Last night was bitter sweet in that we had a wonderful time with the kids but this morning it was time for David to return home. I can’t feel too sad because we will see him again in a couple of weeks.
Today we met up with Erica and went to El Rastro, an open air market that is open every Sunday. If you love crowds and buying junk that you don’t need this is your place.
For example, we traveled about 5,800 miles to get here, shouldn’t I go home with a Lebron James jersey?
A vintage jersey from when he was with the Cleveland Caviliers.
I offered to buy this for Patrice. See below.
She was very considerate of my sleep and financial well being when she said “Dream on! Save your money”.
The Rastro offers tables for people to eat while shopping. See below.
Don’t you just want to dig in when your food has been hanging out on a trash can?
If the latest in tech hardware is your area of interest then you might want this offering. See below.
I asked the salesperson what this was and he said, “Un momento, necesito preguntarle a mi padre” (One moment, I need to ask my father).
Here is a “must have” item. See below.
Wouldn’t a used beard trimmer fill out your bathroom drawer?
In addition to the hoards of people, the place was very clean. Just look, as this woman adds one more item on top of this trash can (or should I say lunch table?).
If you are a long time follower of this blog, you know we are NOT in Japan.
After an hour or so at El Rastro it was time to eat. Today we dined at Casa Erica. She made us a luscious seafood salad. She was very kind, making sure that her dog didn’t lick me during lunch. Unfortunately after lunch I became too much for the doggie to resist. I know there are a lot of dog lovers out there but if I am going to get licked by a female I want her to have 2 legs, not 4.
At night Erica took us to La Parcería (the partnership). It’s a cultural organization formed by Brazilians and Columbians. We saw men and women dancing, accompanied by 2 percussionists and a singer. They were very energetic, very entertaining, but too loud for my gentle ears.
After the show we shared a quick bite at a local bar. In Spain, restaurants are referred to as bars. We shared “Huevos Rotos” which means broken eggs. See below.
They weren’t broken when we received them but they were soon after this picture was taken.
I need to get to sleep now because we have lots of big plans for tomorrow. I would tell you what’s going on but the truth is I have no idea.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 