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Madrid, the capital, lies
right in the middle of Spain, hundreds of miles from the coast and yet it
has the most exceptional variety and quality of fish and seafood imaginable.
Apparently it has had for years. The city has museums, art
galleries, great buildings and food to die for, not to mention a great night
life if you are so inclined. On the downside, like any capital city it
has its fair share of undesirables, illegals trying to sell you fluorescent
ping pong balls and prostitutes, pickpockets, scam artists and probably the
only place in Spain (except Barcelona) where they are "out to get you".
Too many American tourists and a rather uncomfortable climate, particularly
in August when the Madrilenos wisely leave the city to the tourists to avoid
the oppressive heat.
But if you want a bit of peace and quiet, combined
with spectacular architecture, palaces and so on, you do not have to venture
far; El Escorial, Aranjuez (of Rodrigo's Concierto fame) and cute towns like
Chinchon all within half an hour or so. Even if you do get bored with
that, you only have to cross the mountains to stumble upon Old Castile, or
drive a few miles further South to Castilla La Mancha, home of Don Quixote,
windmills and probably the worst wine in the country! |
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