Life's too short to stand next to smelly people on the Metro...

While the title of this post doesn't actually have anything to do with its content, I thought I'd share a little pearl of wisdom we've picked up while in Spain... :)

In any case, we wanted to take this opportunity for a little 'show and tell' of some of the neat spots we've explored so far during our time here in Madrid:

Let me begin with Parque del Buen Retiro, a place we've spent so many wonderful sunny afternoons. Packed with gravel trails (which have been a great way to get back into running!), soft grassy sections perfect for laying out a blanket under the shade of a tree, statues and arches as old as the city, and plenty of people to watch!

On the weekends this place is swarming with Madrilan@s relaxing after the work week while street performers and vendors try to take advantage of them by earning a few euros.

Here was a very talented Spanish swing band we enjoyed in the park.

The huge pond in the center of the park where you can rent little row boats.

Here are a couple shots of the park at night, still filled with people.

On to El Rastro. Every Sunday morning people pack the streets in La Latina (a famous neighborhood near the city center) for an enormous flee market. You can find just about anything here. Hats, scarves, ratchet sets, dinnerware, antique muskets, original (or unoriginal) artwork, and pretty much anything else you could think of.

YUM! Candy!

Where's Waldo?...

While this isn't a specific location its more of a spectacle to be witnessed throughout Madrid (and Spain): The Food.

Here we have some octopus just waiting to be chopped up and made into something delicious. I've only had it once so far at my school for a celebration but it was much tastier than I would have guessed. A Spanish woman told me that to achieve the right amount of tenderness the chef has to beat the octopus a certain number of times against a stone or wooden block...

Spain is also know for their ham. Specifically for a type of cured ham called jamon iberico, which is delicious and everywhere. This past summer I started eating meat again after a three year hiatus in anticipation for traveling and having new culinary adventures. All I have to say is I've rediscovered my love of ham, so pigs everywhere...beware. :)

A very Spanish way to enjoy an afternoon is to relax on the patio of one of the numerous bars in every neighborhood with a cana (small glass of beer) and tapas (small plate of yummy Spanish food). The best part is, you pay for the beer and the food is complimentary! Now, some bars are stingy but the key has been to find the bars with the smallest glass of beer and the biggest plate of food!