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Published: February 27th 2012
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It's been 10 years since I last visited. Easily, these things come to mind. Chocolate con Churros at Chocolateria de San Gines, Prado Museum, Bullfights, Puerta del Sol, Tio Pepe, Callos, Jamon Iberico, Quezo Manchego, cafe con Leche, paella, CASA Botin, cuchinillo, Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor. Surely there's more.
As soon as we slept off our jet lag, I was ready for my first chocolate con churros. That sticky hot choco and crunchy churros from Chocolateria San Gines makes a determined glutton out of me. The Jamon, Quezo, Paella, Callos can wait. But just like 10 years ago, getting lost searching for this Chocolateria seems to be the norm. I'm willing to bet I'd get lost again the next time I go for my churros con chocolate fix. But that cup and those crunchies are worth the many unintended detours!
As it turned out, I should have walked along Calle Arenal rather than Calle Mayor. Out of the SOL Metro, you take the right of the 2 roads from the Plaza. Along this street is Iglesia San Gines. The Chocolateria is just right behind the church. That means you turn left at
the church corner and another left on the first street. The alley doesn't look much, but the churros con chocolate won't disappoint.some heard there's another chocolateria by the name of Valor. I'm sure to visit it one time so I can decide for myself which is better. Wait for the verdict!
If you still have the strength, Calle Arenal and/or Calle Mayor will lead you to Palacio Real. Plus you can visit the Cathedral too, right beside the Palacio Real which rivals, or can put Buckingham Palace to shame. I thought I'd do this itinerary another time. Besides, free visits are on Wednesdays. (cheapskate!)
Tracing my way back to Plaza Mayor, I remember the many pickpockets threatening to make paupers out of us 10 years ago. This time around, I felt "safe" with the presence of roving police officers on foot and on horses guarding the Plaza. Everything else remained the same. I would have wanted to search for CASA Botin, but thought I've reached my "quota" for getting lost this day. That can wait for another day.
And then some surprises. After my churros con chocolate
fix at San Gines, I dropped in at Mercado de San Miguel. The place was teeming with people having their 2pm lunch. In a heartbeat, I was there ogling the croquetas and quezos. Nom Nom Nom. I found a lot that I would love to try the next visit I make. Maybe some vino and paella. Oh, I love Spanish food. It was an ordeal to peel myself away to walk back to Sol and take the Metro for Retiro.
Armed with a book, I decided I'd rest my tired legs in Retiro Park. Street musicians adorned the corners and there was one who provided real good music near the bench I chose for my afternoon reading. After some pages and feeling ready for a stroll, I passed many pairs and families with young children seated by the monuments facing the big pond. I particularly liked one photo I took. You'd know what I mean when you see the photo. 😊
Back in Puerta del Sol, i looked around at all the familiar places. The same images i kept in the last 10 years. Amazing how you can go back after 10 years and
find the many things unchanged. Except for one. Now, where is Tio Pepe in Puerta del Sol? I used this signage as my landmark 10 years ago, and sorely miss it now. Has it moved? Did they pull down the signage?
Btw, more details and photos can be found here.
http://marilil.wordpress.com/category/spain/
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Home and Away
Bob Carlsen
Ahhh...there is nothing like returning to a favorite city or country...
I love to look for familair cafes and sights, and experience the melancholy when thnings have changed. I hope you find your Chocolate con Churros at Chocolateria de San Gines. Don't leave until you do!