Monthly Archives: January 2008

January Spring in Madrid(?)

Here I am in Madrid, Spain. It’s nearly 4pm and I’m watching a Spanish movie, “Adosados” (1996) after a lunch of pasta with green olives and Ribeiro white wine. The thing is, the sun is getting a little lower now, … Continue reading

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Merienda: Not for everyone

I JUST got back from grocery shopping (“la compra“) in the neighborhood. I also went to the snack shop (they ONLY sell snacks) for “supplies” for Sunday’s NFL Football playoffs. And since it was 6pm I also decided to stop … Continue reading

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Balconies of Madrid

Europeans in general can be partially credited for the “invention” of the balcony. Most of these appear in HOT countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and even southern France. To me it’s amazing to see thousands of balconies around Madrid city … Continue reading

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Spanish Olives and Spanish Olive Oil

To say I’m a FAN of olives and olive oil would be a gross understatement. Olives and olive oil are part of a Mediterranean diet – and certainly are part of my daily diet. It’s rare if I pass one … Continue reading

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Madrid Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos de Oriente

Today, the 5th of January 2008 – in fact, RIGHT NOW – the annual Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos de Oriente are passing down the Paseo de la Castellana and Recoletos to the Plaza de la Cibeles. It all started … Continue reading

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El Escorial – Valle de los Caidos

The village of El Escorial is an easy daytrip from Madrid. It can be done by bus or by car. The 16th century royal palace and monastery there, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, was built by King Philip II and … Continue reading

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