Nice things about Spain and fun places in Europe

Insider (Ret) · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:56 pm Post subject:

Gee whillikers. While I was off in Spain, you guys got on a first name basis. I think that's grand. But Tom's already decided what's true and what isn't, so David, I think your cause is noble, but lost. Doesn't mean you shouldn't keep at it. I saw lots of tributes to Cervantes in both Barcelona and Madrid....

David Traver · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:32 pm Post subject:

Did you drink Tio Pepe, eat tapas, and smoke cigarettes at midnight with a thousand strolling families walking arm and arm in the beautiful nigh?

God, I love Spain, even though I don't drink or smoke. I sure loved the potato chips in the little stores. I was amazed by the wonderful dried ham.

It's a great place.

(I picked up Tom's name from you. I honestly don't know who he is and I always respect anonymity for posting. However, once somebody drops a name here in public I'm happy to pick it up and use it.)

Insider (Ret) · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 12:51 pm Post subject:

Oh boy, yes, we most certainly did eat tapas and drink both cava (white sparkling wine) and rioja (fresh red). But no, I gave up the smoking thing some 17 years ago. There is a good deal more smoking in Europe than here, which can make dining out a bit problematic for folks who are sensitive.

We cooked in our apartment one night, after a wonderful visit to the Boqueria, Barcelona's central market, and yes we did have some of that grand cured ham (jambon). Sublime.

Spain is fun--we were in Barcelona for the Merce festival on Sept. 24 and the partying was very hearty. But oddly enough, as much as we liked both Barcelona and Madrid, neither city broke into our top five, which remain London, Paris, Rome, Venice, and Florence. Still, the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona and the Prado in Madrid are must-sees.