Running List of The Best of Spain...

So for this entry, I decided--or was instructed rather--to share with others the "Best of Spain". Which, for me, raised the immediate question "what defines the 'best'". Well after some thought and a Fanta Naranja or two, I've come to consider the best to fulfill two criteria: (1) any place or food I feel the need to talk about with my host mom and, more importantly (2) something that I KNOW I would miss upon returning to the States (or that I would seek out when arriving back home). So, below you will find a list of 'things'--for lack of a better word--here in Spain that fulfill the aforementioned requirements. I've already begun a sort of 'Best Of' list in my previous post so you can refer to that to see my favorite places in San Sebastian, País Vasco, and Valencia, Comunidad de Valencia. I will try to accompany each item on the list with a corresponding picture, but I can't promise. This is, after all, a running list meaning I add as I go and find new things so we shall see how this turns out. I'll also divide the items by location so that should make it easier to navigate. Hope you find this list useful!

Salamanca, Spain
-Valor Chocolatiers: Best Chocolate!
Located on Calle Libreros, just north of the Patio de Escuelas (Universidad de Salamanca), this lovely café boasts quite an impressive menu featuring anything and everything chocolate (hence why it is a favorite!). From a decadent cup of chocolate to accompany a plate of churros to a refreshing chocolate smoothie of sorts, Valor is the perfect place to indulge in pure chocolatey goodness. Yum! (This is apparently a chain of chocolatiers so there are bound to be more all over Spain. The one in Salamanca is the only one I am aware of).

Madrid, Spain:

-Mimi's Crepería: Best Crepería!

The picture speaks for itself!

-El Rostro Open Air Market: Best Deals!

Just a few minutes south of the Plaza Mayor is the largest open air market I've ever seen. Not only are there hundreds of kiosks and booths lining the streets but there is a huge variety in terms of the products being sold. All of the markets in Spain that I've walked through have seemed to offer the same types of merchandise, however, Rostro has an amazingly diverse selection at prices that are negotiable! Its only open on Sundays from about 10am to 3pm but if you get the opportunity to go, take it...you'll be happy you did.

This past week...

I visited both Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha) and Madrid, each for a day this past weekend. Below is a summary of where I went and what I did while in these two cities!

Toledo

Despite having to wake up at 6:00am to get to the bus, my day trip to Toledo left me pleasantly surprised. I saw the most beautiful church I had ever seen (of which no one could take pictures, of course) and I saw some of the coolest vistas that I have seen so far in Spain.

Madrid:

Madrid, as the Capital city of Spain, is, of course, filled with so many things to do. A day trip may not have been enough time for the average traveler but my friends and I fit a great deal into one day…I’m actually really proud of us. Plus, we travelled on a Sunday, meaning entrance to both el Museo de Reina Sofia and el Museo Prado was free and not too crowded—well, the Museo Prado was pretty packed but the line moves quickly on Sundays because no one has to pay. I also advise that you utilize the Metro system in Madrid instead of taking a cab. Fare is only one Euro per ticket and the lines take you anywhere and everywhere you want to go.

Pablo Picasso: Guernica (Reina Sofia) Picasso: Woman from the Back (Reina Sofia)

Salvador Dali: Face of the Great Masturbator (Reina Sofia)

El Rastro is a huge Open Air Market that I definitely advise you visit and it is only open on Sundays.

Additionally the Parque Retiro is a gorgeous park replete with waterfalls, streams, brooks, walkways, and loads of open space to enjoy on a given day. Entrance here is completely free every day as opposed to the Jardin Botanico (Botanical Gardens) that requires a small fee to get in.

Lastly, the Crepe place (Mimi’s Creperia) is definitely a must!