After visiting Spanish speaking and influenced countries going to Madrid felt like finally coming to the source. Just like all major Spanish roads radiate out from km O at Puerta del Sol to various corners of the country, the influence of Spanish language, food, music, and culture has stretched across the globe through the ages, from Peru to the Philippines.

Madrid surprised me. With its 3 million inhabitants I was expecting a crazy, bustling city – which it was in some respects – but above all Madrid struck me by how walkable and peaceful it is. Strolling through narrow streets around Plaza Mayor, Plaza Santa Ana, or La Latina in an endless hunt for tapas & vino is an almost spiritual experience. Enjoying great bacalao (cod) at Casa Labra, sampling traditional callos a la Madrileña (tripe stew) in Casa Alberto (tavern founded in 1827 in a building where Cervantes used to live), sipping Riojas and Riberas at Taberna Alhambra, ending the night at San Ginés Chocolateria with chocolate con churros – those are moments to cherish. Read the rest of this entry →