Our noses turn red instantly as we are
punched in the face by the cold wind outside. We find a haven in the metro and
for 1€ it will take us anywhere under the city.
In the midst of the European winter there
is one thing that attracts us all instinctively… SOL. It’s the hub-bub of the Madrid
fashion industry, surrounding Plaza Mayor for historic delight. From this 1619
coble stone square you can radiate out, led by your nose down nine roads of
souvenirs, tapas bars, pastry shops and shopping heaven. Inside Plaza Mayor we
enter a shop with two big Jamón Serrano on the door and a picture of a little
boy smiling eagerly at his plate of sliced ham. Once through the doors, the
walls are lined with cured ham and every dish on the menu contains this
perfectly matured meat. After having lived in an Arabic country for a few
months, ham, plainly stated, tastes better. Toothsome ham, frank cheese and
perfectly-crisp-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside rolls fill our bellies and
compliment all the laughter in the room. We wash it all down with some sangria
and round off the meal with some Spanish churros wrapped like little gifts in
pink and string.
At this point you would think our senses
couldn’t withstand anymore temptation, but never underestimate human
resilience. Fresh fruit so colorful and succulent you have to touch it to know it
is not airbrushed, soft freshly made pastels of pasta, fish heads and sole,
coffee aromas swirl in your nose and your mouth starts watering for the
perfection that is bread. I speak of the
market of all fresh food markets. Mercado de san
Miguel. You exit the arch to the right of the doors of ham to find this
modern Spanish delicacy.
As I recall the flavors of the day still
lingering in my nose and mouth we are ambushed by an impromptu concertina
concerts on the metro. The way that the couple in the corner of the car almost
taste each other with their eyes grip this romantic heart of mine and I hope it
never lets go.
