Scenes in Tile, Madrid

Of course Spain is famous for it’s tile work. I came across too many examples to include them all. However, one building, a restaurant if I recall correctly, truly stood above the rest. This place featured iconic scenes from each of Spain’s regions portrayed in beautiful tiles all along the facade. Here are five of them. Can you guess the locales they depict?

How about this one?

Come on! That was easy, the name is in the bottom of the scene. Try again.

Only a few more.

Okay. Last one.

Great work, isn’t it? I only wish some people here in the USA would go back to the classic style. All this modern architecture is quite sterile. It leaves you thinking you’re in a 1960’s Stanley Kubrick movie. I’d rather have the Spanish flair from some years gone by. Ole!

Published in: on May 23, 2010 at 9:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Iberico Sampler

If you have a hankering for cured meats Ibérico style, Madrid (and Spain in general) offers you plenty of options for complete satisfaction. I stopped into the Museo del Jamón in Madrid one  afternoon because, well, it’s hard to stay away from quality cured meats in a place where they take it to the highest levels. Not only the meats, but also the cheese and wine call out to you. Why resist? And here it is…

On the lower-center portion of the plate you’ll notice the jamón Ibérico thinly sliced with the fat around the edge. Around the upper part of the plate is the chorizo. In the center and to the left is another salami-style concoction, the name of which slips my mind just now. Then there is the manchego cheese wedged in. Of course, a hunk of bread comes in handy, as does the glass of sangria in the lower left corner of the frame. Delicious one and all.

A word about the Museo del Jamón in Madrid. It can be a crowded, boisterous place. That said, it also offers some top-notch delicacies which can be had quickly and fairly reasonably. Don’t be put off by the three-deep crowds at the counter. Work your way in, order, and enjoy!

Published in: on May 22, 2010 at 1:49 pm  Comments (3)  
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Bebidas Frias, Madrid

Traveling through Spain, I took various opportunities to check out the Coca-Cola signage. Madrid (and Spain in general) is dominated by Coca-Cola soft drinks. Of course! It’s the real thing. Anyway, I came across many signs with retro themes including this set. First, the vertical.

That’s an excellent sign with the pretty lady at the top. Here’s the horizontal that was on the door.

Furthermore, in most every store I purchased a Coke it was ICE COLD. Ah, refreshing! I’ll have more Coke signs in future posts from the recent voyage around Spain. Stay tuned.

Published in: on May 20, 2010 at 7:32 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Curiosity Shop, Madrid

The Curiosity Shop fronts a pedestrian throughway only a few blocks south of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain. I was walking by here in search of postcards when I came upon it. The sign is an old-time painted one that is hard to miss:

And the door bears plenty of logos and stickers that also catch the eye:

There’s plenty to gaze upon right there. However, the items in the window and beyond are the real treat. You’ll find all manner of old toys and novelties on display. Peer through the glare on the window to see for yourself. When was the last time you saw things like that?

I imagine if you’re a toy collector or someone who appreciates such things, this place would be a must visit while in Madrid. Be sure to bring your Euros. Those old toys sell for tall prices. By the way, just a few doors down, you’ll find some nice postcards and ice-cold Coca-Cola, too.

Published in: on May 19, 2010 at 7:46 pm  Leave a Comment  
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