Serious Jamón

If you’re serious about your jamón, especially the ibérico, then you’ll have to make a pilgrimage to Spain and visit one of the many shops that specialize in this delicious delicacy. During my recent trip, I found myself wandering about the streets of Madrid, eventually to Cava Baja, where there are a number of fine tapas joints. Lo and behold! There stands Alma de Ibérico at number 41 Cava Baja, the shop you see in the photo below:

While I stood by with my mouth watering, I watched a master carve off the thinest slices for a nice lady. These slices are so thin, they melt in your mouth, releasing all the flavor of a well-cured meat. Now, just in case you want to purchase your jamón intact and do the carving yourself, check out the selection below with yours truly grinning at the possibilities:

Take your pick! It is tempting but not inexpensive. Then again, the good things in life are never cheap. At any rate, if you find yourself in Madrid, on Cava Baja, make a stop here. You won’t be disappointed.

Published in: on May 4, 2010 at 4:22 am  Leave a Comment  
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Safe Arrival

American Airlines did an excellent job the last two days. They delivered me safely and on time to Madrid, Spain. There were some bumps along the way due to weather. Luckily we were no where near all that ash spewing from the volcano in Iceland. Perfect landing at Barajas Airport, too. Cabin staff also performed well, making sure everyone had what they needed and were as comfortable as possible.

So, once again, I’d like to thank American Airlines, especially their frequent flier mile program which made this journey possible on a tight budget.

Fly the friendly skies. Don’t forget your checklist!

Published in: on April 16, 2010 at 10:18 am  Leave a Comment  
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Spanish Castles

Any visit to Spain has to include a castle or two. There are plenty to choose from. In fact, the challenge is which ones to visit given the limited amount of time during a particular tour. I found a website that has plenty of photos. Here’s the link:

http://www.castillosnet.org/spanishcastles/source/mapa_index.php

The homepage has a map that you can click on. You are then directed to that particular region’s castles. So many photos that you can spend hours sorting through them. One thing that always amazes me about these castles is simply how many stones had to be cut and stacked. Millions of tons! Incredible feats when you think about the lack of machinery. I’m looking forward to posting my own photos soon of a couple of these castles. You’ll find them right here on The Bent Page.

Published in: on February 19, 2010 at 9:51 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Santiago de Compostela, webcam

Here is a great link for the webcam located inside the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The view is of the central nave area with the altar in the background. Click the link below:

http://www.crtvg.es/camweb/index.asp?id=12&mn=COR

Amazing view. I look forward to seeing it in person some day.

Published in: on January 19, 2010 at 5:32 pm  Comments (2)  
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