Madrid: Matadoro

Matadero

One of my favorite places to visit in Madrid is Matadoro. It's a hidden gem of Madrid that few people know about. A former slaughterhouse turned arts center, the area is expansive and offers a variety of arts activities and exhibitions, all housed in the unorthodox setting.

We were excited to find out that when we were visiting they were having an exhibition about the novel, "A Confederacy of Dunces", a Pullitzer prize winning American novel. We enjoyed a short documentary about the publishing of the book, as well as a Q and A with the directors.

Gumiel de Mercado Trip

Town square of Sotillo

Having spent a few months living in Gumiel de Mercado, I love going back any chance I can. Luckily it's part of our trip since Ana's mother is from there and she loves to go up and poke around the house, enjoy a fine meal at the only restaurant in town, greet some friends, then go back home. We also usually stop at the town just past Gumiel de Mercado, Sotillo, and purchase cheese, sausages and pastries.

This trip was notable in that I tried to have a cultural food experience when we found out the local restaurant had "manitas", which are pig feet. Ana told me they are a specialty from the region though she had never tried them. Her mother got very excited that they were available and immediately ordered them, so I said I would try them. When they arrived Ana's mother excitedly said, "Oooh, all fat!", which I thought I misunderstood, but sure enough, the pig feet were mostly fat. They weren't my favorite and I was more upset that I squandered a great meal at the excellent restaurant in town. Next time!

Manitas

View of Gumiel de Mercado from the top of the hill

Montanejos: Trip II

I had visited Montanejos before and soon learned it was part of our Alcossebre August routine. I love our routine when we drive up to the mountains, stop for a coffee and Spanish tortilla (as well as order sandwiches for later),go for a short stroll on the river, have a swim, then eat the gigantic bocata that we had earlier purchased. After lunch we go to the town and buy sausages, honey, and stop for a drink at one of the local bars.

Valencia

The old city wall

I always love to visit Valencia and we do so every trip we visit Spain. It's a convenient location from the August  beach locale in Alcossebre and on the way to visit Ana's aunts in nearby Castellon de la Plana.

Alcossebre (Comunidad de Valencia) II

A great rice dish

Our holiday visit this year coincided with August which meant a few weeks at Ana's family home in Alcossebre. I had visited before (Trip I) and understood the rhythm of the August holiday.

The beach

View from the church

Artsy shot through the church door