Drink, Eat, Sleep..Rinse and Repeat

El Rastro Flea Market

Doggie Station outside of market

Typical Architecture in the Chueca

Cats and Thai Food, how cute

Dog Poop Bin

Israeli Mezze

Sea Bass

We took a taxi to the giant outdoor flea market called: El Rastro. Think of it as an incredible garage sale of all things you couldn’t give away to anyone. I had the feeling all the vendors are buying and selling to each other. I didn’t see anything I could conceivably want. But as the used car salesman said: “There is an ass for every seat”. So, I assume there are people who buy things at the flea market.

 

We then took a long walk around the Chueca neighborhood. We really enjoy staying in this area. It is Sunday so most of the boutique stores are closed but tomorrow they will be open and ready to receive us. We love the architecture. Since there are no private residences in this area, everyone lives in apartments and they all come out in the sunshine, many walking their dogs. We liked the dog station outside the market and the poop containers on the street.

 

We walked quite a lot returned to our hotel and like true Spaniards took a siesta. It seems to be the Madrid way: Eat, Drink, sleep and repeat.

 

Upon awakening it was cocktail hour. I decided I shouldn’t give up on martinis in Madrid. Cathy had wine, but I told the bartender I wanted to watch and improve his martini making skills. The problem, I believe is the Spanish love their Vermouth. This causes them to not understand the delicate relationship between Vermouth and Gin needed to make a proper Martini. Under my supervision, he minimized the Vermouth and maximized the Gin. It was superb! I am not sure he enjoyed the direct supervision, but I am sure the generous tip ameliorated any hurt feelings.

 

Since it is the Yom Kipper, we decided to go to an Argentinian-Israeli restaurant. We had great Mezze and grilled Sea Bass. It wasn’t our traditional Matzah Ball Soup and Brisket, but if fortified us for the New Year.