Madrid, Spain

An Introduction to Tapas in Madrid:

We have all heard this word thrown around.  Here are some of the heavy hitters:


BANDERILLAS:
Are ubiquitous, and usually consist of cold pickled items skewered together--A safe start.

CROQUETTES:

Equally common as the banderilla, and is a fan favorite.  They are small fried rolls consisting of minced meats, potatoes, and vegetables, encased in breadcrumbs.

TORTILLAS DE PATATAS:

Little pieces of omelet consisting of chunks of potato and onion.  Often times, skewered onto a piece of bread. 

PATATAS BRAVAS:

I've seen these everywhere, and they consist of diced potato pieces served with a spicy tomato sauce.

GAMBAS:

Prawns sauteed in peppercorn sauce, with garlic and chopped chili peppers.

I arrived in Madrid today.  A nice enough city, and yet another capital.  Again it's sweltering, and I'm starting to see why Spaniards spend so much time outside at night.  I couple walks through the city center, and it's big, but nothing special.  There's some decent architecture, the main Gran Via drag is nice, and there's some historical buildings.  But, to be honest, Madrid isn't comparing well to other cities I've been to.  However, it shines in one aspect, and that's food and drink.

Also, I came for the Museum del Prado, which I hammered out during their free two-hour period at the end of each day.  It's nice to get the Prado under my belt, as that leaves no more top line art institutions to see on this trip.

TIP OF THE DAY:  Whenever I'm in a new city and I'm not sure what to see, I hop by one of those street side souvenir stands and see what's on the postcards.

READING:  Experience and Nature, John Dewey


LISTENING: