You might ask yourself why I’m running around with a beard in Summer, in Madrid? No, well, telling you anyway! I charged my beard trimmer leaving for Spain so it can last easily for a week, I rarely use it anyway. The problem? Apparently, while in my bag, it got turned on and happily got empty somewhere above France maybe. My beard doesn’t bother me, and maybe people will start to give me money, cause I so look like a beggar with my Sun Microsystems mailbag.

Today I woke up very tired. To much walking around and culinary excitement the past days? Who knows. Ten minutes later I was downstairs on my way to the Metro, but with no good plan in mind. Yesterday I thought going to Segovia. My sister gave directions and tips. Somehow I didn’t really wanted to go out of Madrid anymore. On the ride to the railway station I dropped off just before at the Plaza de Castilla.

Plain simple food, served quite quickly, good service, very nice setting: Sobrino de Botín. It’s in Calle Cuchilleros, southwest of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. It’s the oldest, still running restaurant in the world, dating 1725. There is actually evidence that the house was used as eating place since 1590. Goya worked there as dishwasher, Hemingway loved it, and me, I was just melting on my Tarta Botín. No, it’s not pricy.

Today I walked around the Paseo de la Castellana (with a pit stop recharging my camera’s battery). I must say there were some striking contrasts. On the Calle de Serrano (calle=street) you’ll find some design shops of know and local/Spanish brands. The Serrano Mall is a must to check out (if you are into poshly things). But once around Chueca, and going more west you pass Malasaña.. To me it was clear, this was a total new district within Madrid.

Aah.. Vacation.. The time of the year you not only think about eating a burger and chocolate cake mixed with a Mexican beer, you actually do it.