Cadiz and the market!

There are some moments in life that you would like to forget. There are some moments you wouldn't exchange for anything else. I wouldn't change the view of Africa when travelling to Cadiz for anything else. It is the time when you get excited by the beauty and symbolic meaning of such view. Travels far, far away were always attractive and exciting, but when they come into real life it is even more amazing.

The view of Africa

The desire to stay and absorb all the stunning powerful beauty was almost irresistible, but I was on my way to Cadiz. The city of history and wonderful food! The city full of life! Straight after parking I asked with my very basic Spanish skills where can I find the market. I didn't want to waste any time. However, a pause to look at the sheerness of the sea was necessary. It presented itself with such an amazing spectrum of blues and turquoise colors that my eyes traveled all across and continued up to the clear sky. The warmth upon my face calmed me down and cleared my mind.

Streets of Cadiz

 I had to go on with my market search mission though. I couldn't even follow the instructions I have received from the gentleman I asked for all the stands with caramelized almonds, freshly toasted seeds. The little old town alleys were filling up fast with children in colourful costumes and music. The city was a venue for families and people were ready to enjoy the day. The positive attitude is simply fascinating. I finally arrived at my destination. Food naturally attracts me I guess.

Streets of Cadiz

Spanish street food

 If you want to see fresh fish you need to come here. Big portions of tuna and swordfish will just take your breath away and little prawns and squids will make for the best lunch. I was amazed by the skill of the stand owners. Fish filleted with such skill and to perfection is very uncommon. It was better than most plays I went to see in theatre. While filleting the owners were calling out how fresh their product was or just merely singing a song that they liked.

Maket in Cadiz

Market in Cadiz

 I regretted the fact that I don't have a kitchen in Spain more than ever before. The desire to take a murena and snails back home with me and try how they taste was so strong. I have already tasted snails, but murena would have been completely new to me. I am sure I will come back. I will come back for the smell of fresh sea, for the salted hams and homemade cheese and for the unique atmosphere.

Market in Cadiz

Simple Spanish lunch

Simple Spanish lunch 

 I had to leave Cadiz and its streets just to transfer to Puerto de Santa Maria. Once I didn't go somewhere just to visit a food market or friends. I went to see flamenco. All-together I have spent one year in Spain and I didn't see any real flamenco yet. I loved Puerto de Santa Maria, the port that gave name to one of Columbus's famous boats. The podium was passing on the sounds of women's heels far across and the sun fell upon the faces of very confident and strong girls, women and the crowd that came to watch. I call that a real cultural injection - not like any concert back home!

Flamenco in Puerto de Santa Maria 

Flamenco in Puerto de Santa Maria

Flamenco in Puerto de Santa Maria 

pokornamartina's photostream

pokornamartina's photostream on Flickr.

The food of Spain and my trip to Madrid

Plaza Mayor early in the morning!

Plaza Mayor

Arriving at 5:45 at Madrid's main bus station in my black boots and leather jacket I looked like a little homeless with no idea of belonging. I don't drink coffee normally, but at that point it felt like a lifesaver. I realized that the bistro was instantly full as soon as it opened and bustling with churros and sweet pastries. Nothing special for the price, but it is definitely enough for people who spend their whole night at a freezing bust station.

If I count the km I walked in my high heel boots with all my luggage that day no one would probably believe me, but how can you just go to a hotel and stay there when you are in a city of amazing food such as Madrid. It didn't take me much time to find The Ritz or the most famous galleries. Oh, The Ritz! The name that makes every hotelier go dreamy and reflect on old style glamour times full of tradition. The sun reflecting on the walls of this iconic building made me turn around and look for one of the most amazing food markets.

Mercado de San Miguel in the heart of Madrid is a real foodie's heaven. This heaven starts with assortment of nuts, pastry and cheese displays, continues with specialized olive and jamon serrano stands and ends with little tapas bars. It is the most amusing and interesting, and in a way also peaceful, mayhem that activates every single synapse in your body.

Museum of Jamón

Walking around in my high heel boots and with my camera ready in hand brought me to some amazing places and I tested freshly toasted salted sunflower seeds (would be perfect for salads and as edible garnish). I might get inspired on some future recipes. The Museum of Jamón is also very interesting even though very touristic nowadays. 

Toasted sunflower seeds

It was just one of those days when everything seems bright and you know why life is worht living. I appreciate every single moment, however trip to Madrid just seemed that one bit extra special. The conclusion came. A visit to Pan de Lujo. Even though we didn't manage to make a reservation and there were no extra places I asked them if we could come just for a dessert.

Pan de Lujo and the amazing apple tart dessert!

Oh, I just love the atmosphere and food of this place. The waiters know what they are doing, the wine display with changing color lights is just inspiring and the different breads are delicious (fruit and nuts is my personal favorite). It is modern and refreshing and at the same time relaxing. It has this effect of an asian spa which fuses life with calm relaxation. I had a dessert that I took there last year and that I absolutely fell in love with. How couldn't I? Apple and vanilla ice cream combination is just wonderful!