Madrid. An amazing capital.

I fell in love with Madrid. You might be wondering why I didn't say the same for Barcelona. I really enjoyed Barcelona, please don't get me wrong... but for me, Madrid was were my culinary affinities were awakened. So much to eat! and so little time. I think it might have been the night life, or the spirit of a truly Spanish city, but I loved my short time here. I met up with my mom and Maria, our amazing friend who was the perfect host.

Tapas.
Little bite-sized portions of food. I got my first taste of real tapas here, and only made me more excited for what I knew was to come during the next leg of my trip to the South of Spain, where tapas originated and are a central part of daily life.

Not only are the people lively and open (and LOUD), their lives are intrinsically linked to what they eat. The first night I was in Madrid, I had arrived via coach bus and I was tired after a twelve hour trip from Barcelona (I wouldn’t quite recommend this mode of transportation but it was cheap and my wallet appreciated it.) It was 9:30 PM and instead of calling it a night, Maria announced that we would sit and eat in the plaza nearest to her apartment building. Okay…fine. I wasn’t about to complain.

She proceeded to order a tortilla, two types of croquetas (perfectly fried bite-sized balls with a semi-solid béchamel-like interior), and three “cañas” which are the Spanish equivalent to small draft beers. Not bad for a Wednesday night.

Not only do people go out to eat a lot later, they take a lot longer to eat too. There is the sense that it is a big communal celebration at each Tapas place/bar you go to. Strangers become fast friends partly due to everyone’s friendly nature but also because these tapas places are so tiny and crowded! 

Olives and delicious wine. Cloud 9. 

Queso Manchego, Pan con tomate (toast rubbed with tomato and garlic and oil), jamon serrano, and more olives!