Blue Sky Fly

There have been some perfect weather days. That is, perfect weather days for flying. Low humidity, light winds, clear sky over head. Here’s a view looking at the very northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay:

Upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay as seen from a Diamond DA-40.

Upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay as seen from a Diamond DA-40.

Here’s another view in which you can almost see forever.

The view from a Diamond DA-40.

The view from a Diamond DA-40.

And just for fun, here’s a look at the instrument panel in that Diamond DA-40:

Instrument panel of a Diamond DA-40.

Instrument panel of a Diamond DA-40.

The DA-40 hums along at 130 knots. That expansive canopy provides plenty of visibility. And on days like this one, it’s awesome. Always do your checklist!

Published in: on August 4, 2014 at 10:17 am  Leave a Comment  
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La Mallorquina, Madrid (2014)

La Mallorquina located on the Puerta del Sol in the heart of Madrid is a pastry shop you don’t want to miss.

La Mallorquina, Madrid, Spain.

La Mallorquina, Madrid, Spain.

They’ve been around for more than 100 years and for good reason. All the great things inside will delight your taste buds. I’ve been here many, many times. I’ve taken pastry to parties, back to my hotel, and given them as gifts to friends. Worth every euro. They’re old school here, boxing your selections in these handsome containers:

Pastry box from La Mallorquina, Madrid.

Pastry box from La Mallorquina, Madrid.

To find out what’s inside, you’ll have to visit yourself! Sorry, but it’s worth the trip. Enjoy every meal, and dessert, too!

Published in: on August 3, 2014 at 11:33 am  Comments (1)  
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Tempranillo, Madrid

Another favorite stop for tapas on Calle Cava Baja (in Madrid) is Tempranillo. This place is more “old school” than “new school.” In other words if you order a glass of wine, they’ll bring you a small snack. They also have a menu full of delicious items. But first, let’s see all that wine on the wall:

Wall of wine at Tempranillo, Cava Baja, Madrid, Spain.

Wall of wine at Tempranillo, Cava Baja, Madrid, Spain.

You’re sure to find something you like there. They usually have several bottles of red and white open, selections that are tasty and easy. Here’s a look at the chipirones with artichokes:

Chipirones with artichokes at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Chipirones with artichokes at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

I also enjoyed a salad of various items that was loaded with olive oil. The photo is not the best, but here it is:

Salad at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Salad at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Having been to Tempranillo many times, I’m amazed by the consistency. Always good, always interesting. The people watching here can be fantastic. So, go early, linger, and enjoy.

Published in: on August 2, 2014 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BMW from Hertz, Spain (2104)

During my most recent visit to Spain, I had the pleasure of driving a very nice car. Thanks to various points and promotions from Hertz, I was able to secure this BMW 3 series:

3 Series BMW rented from Hertz, Barcelona, Spain.

3 Series BMW rented from Hertz, Barcelona, Spain.

What a pleasure to drive this car. It was equipped with a GPS navigation system that worked very well. It’s diesel engine was quite efficient, especially given it was paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Here’s a photo of the instrument cluster just before I began the drive:

Instrument cluster in 3 Series BMW rented from Hertz, Spain.

Instrument cluster in 3 Series BMW rented from Hertz, Spain.

Take note of the trip odometer which shows all zeros. Then, at the end of the drive, when I arrived in Madrid, I snapped the next photo:

Instrument cluster at end of driving across northern Spain.

Instrument cluster at end of driving across northern Spain.

Again, note the trip odometer and see that I drove a total of 2,517.3 kilometers. That’s a fair distance. So many wonderful stops along the way, many of which you’ll find here on The Bent Page. Plus, the scenery was outstanding. And this machine performed like a champ. Thanks, Hertz!

Published in: on August 1, 2014 at 12:24 pm  Leave a Comment  
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