Category Archives: Health
The Spanish Siesta: Fact, Fiction – or Envy?
Go ahead. Admit it. You wish you could take a long, refreshing nap in the middle of your workday, right? Sure you would. Who wouldn’t? The fact is, most Spaniards would LOVE to have a long nap after lunch, too. … Continue reading
No More Self-Serve Olive Oil Dispensers in Spain
In many ways Spain is still a very quaint country, retains many old-world charms, and puts higher value on quality of life rather than the quantity of life or the size of your bank account. But this is sadly changing. … Continue reading
Langostinos – FAT Shrimp for Friday Night Dinner in Madrid
Growing up in the rural Ohio, USA, “America’s Heartland“, eating shrimp was a near-luxury, something you only got if you went to the Red Lobster family restaurant in the next town. If you went to “the big city”, however, you … Continue reading
Spring Sprung Early in Madrid
The almond trees are blooming and buds are sprouting, too. It must have reached 70ºF here today and, surprising to no one, and it was a perfect day. A great day to have all the windows open. I know, I … Continue reading
Madrid Summer Heat: Only the Beginning
I hate the heat. And anyone who knows me knows this to be true. “So why in the heck did you move to Madrid?” people always ask me. The short answer is that I love it here. I love Spain. … Continue reading
Puerta del Sol Madrid Demonstrations, Elections 2011
Politics & religion are two issues they say never to discuss when traveling abroad as they’ll only cause problems. Discussion and debate, while necessary, is also exhaustive and requires effort and patience. The tens of thousands of people in … Continue reading
“Pulpo Paul Ha Muerto” – Pulpo Paul Has Died
Pulpo Paul is dead. The 8-tentacled clairvoyant octopus, which correctly predicted Spain’s great victory over not only The Netherlands in The 2010 World Cup Final, but also against Germany and countless other matches, died last night of natural causes in … Continue reading
Old People Walk Slow
The old phrase holds true, “God love ’em.” And I do too, that’s the fact, so my patience-level is generally high when I encounter them on the sidewalks and standing in lines. There’s no denying it, old people walk slow. … Continue reading
Swine Flu Fear Fuels Economy
Fear stimulates the economy – and the H1N1 Swine Flu virus “pandemic” scare is helping a lot during this worldwide economic crisis. In other times wars were started to pull us out of recession and put people to work. The … Continue reading
Helping a Fallen Neighbor – LITERALLY!
“If you live long enough you’ll see nearly everything.” I’m sure this quote is true for average people. Today I came another step closer to realizing it as I was walking through my Madrid neighborhood this morning at 8am. Only … Continue reading
When Neighbors See You Naked
This has happened to me more than once – more than 10 times, probably. Yes, the neighbors have seen me naked. This isn’t hard to do since the neighbors across the 5 meter-wide side street have windows facing my living … Continue reading
Women in the Men’s Locker Room
Although the title makes it sound like a scene from a sexy porno movie, the fact remains that there are constantly women in the men’s locker room at my gym! On at least 10 different occasions I’ve seen the cleaning … Continue reading
Madrid Gym Observations
Today’s blog entry is somewhat of a rant and has little to do with Madrid or with Spain – I hope. DISCLAIMER: The following is not intended to generalize about all health clubs in Madrid or the exercise professionals working … Continue reading
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
I’m a Pain in the Neck!
The last several days I’ve been a pain in the neck – to myself! Sunday night, a few hours after returning from Porto, Portugal I was washing up for bed, tilted my head back, and POW! A shooting pain went … Continue reading
MadridMan is a Hot Body!
Statement made. Self-indulgent title, I know. But I can dream, can’t I?? Let me explain… I’m NOT a “hot body” as in “I have Brad-Pitt-Abs-Of-Steele”, GQ cover model material, or even MUSCLE MAGAZINE material. FAR FROM IT! (but I’m working … Continue reading
Pharmacies in Spain
For customer service, Spanish pharmacies are near the top! Unlike in the USA, when you want to buy something like Alka-Seltzer, diarrhea medicine, ASPIRIN, or condoms (see update below), you MUST go to the pharmacy. For Spaniards, this is a … Continue reading