Yesterday I had a day that consisted of chores and travel. I was sad to leave Madrid and in hindsight, "the eyes in the back of your rear end" (Who told me this?), I would have liked to stay on the weekend, to go to the rastro market and watch the Spain vs Italy game. It does seem a metaphor for my life, and fortunately I will be equally happy to see either team win. I say that, but it will be more telling on the day when I am watching. Curious to know whether I will be dragged into Spanish enthusiasm and intention (most probably) or taken to a place in myself which holds Italy and its national pride. My loyalities will be tested. I might just want to be stubborn and back the opponent.
The truth is, though. I don't know if I have a strong sense of national pride when it comes to sport. I was almost telling myself that it wouldn't be that bad for the nation if France won the rugby world cup. But I actually think that might be due to my own detachment from solely identifying with the NZ culture.
Anyway, back to yesterday. I spent the morning walking around Madrid (I keep wanting to call it Milan and I haven't lived there for 15 years) looking for a an adaptor and a shop to get my Iphotos fixed or re-installed. First I had churros and coffee at a bar near San Miguel market...

And then after trapsing around all of Madrid and metro-ing when my back was sore I finally found a Mac shop that re-installs Iphotos. The technicians didn't start til 1pm and it might take up to 3 days. I had a train to catch! But I felt like my attempts were well worth because I finally found an adaptor I could use for recharge my things; phone, MP3, Mac computer, camera. Not really a minimalist 'old skool' backpacker eh?

Before going back to my room to pack I made it to San Miguel market where I indulged in sherry and olive creations on sticks, yoghurt shots, chorizo, more jamon serrano (just assume that's on the menu), prawn tapas and a cerveza) I took some photos too. And when I asked a man what he recommended to eat he said it depends what you like, and went through a list of places to try. I stopped him mid flow and said 'Me gusta la carne' = "I like meat" and he and his friend cracked up laughing. I can only imagine what they were laughing about but I might be right of track so we won't go there.

Cheeses and meats...

Mini chorizos in takeaway bags

All sorts of seafoods and other treats

Pastries

Oysters and champagne.... hellooooooo!

Plastic coffees on display... helllloooooooo!

Oh My God... sweets from heaven

Yoghurt shots.... Who wouldn't want to live in Madrid... I mean? Helllloooooo

Lastly, my glass of sherry and olives on sticks with quail eggs, anchovies, cheeses... I am sorry but life without food is like..... ummm..... travelling without going anywhere. I was going to say like having a baby without having sex but that was just as lame. Sorry, can you think of a better one?

Why is it that I can get excited about art, architecture, nature, language, bars, people and all sorts of things but when it comes to food I become obsessed? Is it a McVeigh things? Is it in my genes? Because I tell you one thing it's definitely preventing me from fitting into my jeans! (Pun intended, but figured it out only half way through the sentence).

I packed, I had a dilemma about whether to leave and made my way to the station. Madrid, I'll be back. The station had me wait 3 hours for my 7 hour bus ride but it actually shot past, between having a beer, reading and listening to my Ipod. I was happy. I do feel much less safe with my bags than I used to in Italy. I hold everything close to my chest. (There may be a metaphor in that too.)
I have been told that there are a lot of pick-pocketers in Madrid at the moment, due to the high unemployment.
The bus ride was fine. Nice guy sat next door and answered a few of my queries but generally we sat in silence listening to our music and writing on Whatsup chat on our phones. I nosed over his shoulder a couple of times to see if he was on whatsup as well. God I am nosy!
I spent most of my time listening to Mind, Body and Spirit on my MP3, which is very cool and eating left over mini chorizo. Ok, so I better start eating salad as my tummy is about to explode! It's like a balloon, I kid you not. I think I am gaining major gluten and raw meat intolerance.

Jose picked me up at 2am and we went home for a glass of sparkling water and then to bed. I have a cute wee room opposite his and his house is a beautiful petit country house on the top of a hill with a vege garden, flowers and gorgeous country views.

View from the hammock - doesn't pay it justice though. There is a pool down there on the right, the town of Monda in the middle and a castle to the left....

Today Jose went to work in the morning, picking figs and carving cork off the trees and I slept til 12pm.

Lunch was delicious and we sat outside in the shade. It felt like a Mondese equivalent of a tuscan lunch. We drank sparkling water and ate salad, pate, jamon (it's not even interesting to say anymore), prawns, olives and pickles. Now Jose is sleeping and I am writing to you all. It is soooo hot, feel like another sleep... quasi quasi....