We are now home from Spain - what an amazing trip! I cannot believe how fast the month there went by. It seems like just last week we were packing to go...
Our final days were busy with taking in some more music and getting ready to go. My cajón arrived the day before we left and it is amazing. Here is a pic of Juan Carlos and I with our Ocaña cajones and Sergio between us (he has one as well).
The sound of these instruments is truly incredible.
So, our last night we enjoyed a final tapas dinner, some churros con chocolates for dessert, and a stroll through Plaza Mayor and our neighborhood. This month has been wonderful, and we definitely want to return to Spain as soon as we can work it out.
Un abrazo and a heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful friends we made in Madrid - Juan Carlos, Tina, and Sergio - you are some of the best friends anyone could hope for anywhere! Also to Andres, Maria Isabel, Alejandro, Isabel, Andy and family, David and family, Pedro, Laura & Momo, Manuel, Germán, and Rosario. You all touched us deeply! Ian - so sorry we didn't connect in Spain - next time!
And finally - everyone always asks me, "What was your favorite food?" Or, "What was your favorite place?" Spain was full of wonderful discoveries and it's always hard for me to narrow down favorites, but I thought it might be fun to try. If I left anything out - let me know!
- Favorite place: Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona
- Favorite food: Wow - this is tough. Here's a partial list: jamón iberico pata negra, Spanish tortilla, churros con chocolates, Andres's lamb, pan jamón, napolitana chocolate, salmorejo, asparagus casserole (can't remember the Spanish name), egg/potato/ham casserole (also can't remember the Spanish), polvorones, and of course paella. I'm sure I forgot something but...
- Favorite drink: cafe con leche - this has converted me from a die-hard "double, tall, non-fat, wet cappuccino with 2 raw sugars" drinker (yes, that was embarrassing to admit)
- Favorite wine: Rioja tinto (red)
- Favorite restaurant: Taberna Miranda in Madrid, Taberna Salinas in Córdoba, Cerveceria Cruz Blanca in Madrid
- Favorite museum: Reina Sofía in Madrid, Joán Miró in Barcelona
- Favorite piece of art: Guernica by Picasso
- Favorite cathedral: Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (Gaudí)
- Favorite palace: Alcázar in Sevilla
- Favorite outdoor place: Parque Retiro in Madrid
- Favorite garden: Alcázar garden in Sevilla
- Favorite musical experience: jamming and hanging with Juan Carlos and Sergio, Flamenco show at La Casa de la Memoria in Sevilla, Sergio's ensemble and Mayte Martín in Madrid
- Favorite transportation: Ave train, Madrid Metro
- Favorite shop: El Flamenco Vive in Madrid, Kukuxumusu, Objetos de Arte Toledano
- Favorite market: La Boqueria in Barcelona
- Favorite tour guide: Top 10 Madrid
- Favorite CD store: El Flamenco Vive, FNAC
- Favorite thing brought home: my cajón!
- Favorite landmark: Plaza Mayor in Madrid
- Favorite activity with the kids: Real Madrid soccer game, Retiro park, goofing everywhere
- Favorite memory: sharing this experience with my beautiful wife and children, making new and wonderful friends
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2 comments:
Your picks are so right on the mark, Terry. Perhaps I would choose arroz caldoso over paella, it's a seafood paella swimming in a flavorful seafood stock and served in soup dishes. Amazing!
I was honored to cook for your family and to receive the new year with you guys. It was a lot of fun.
Cheers,
Andres
Hello Terry!
Although the time urged, to give life to your cajón has been a pretty experience. It is easy to work in these conditions.
Thanks for your confidence and until always,
Germán
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