It is a lovely sunny day in Oviedo, Spain. I am sitting in a cozy corner with a beautiful panoramic view of the mountainside.Everyone here is very laid back, family and friend time is very important, as it should be. Spain is an interesting potpourri of history, religion, fashion, food, architecture and culture. I invite you to take a mental journey with me to Madrid, to me, another Manhattan in its own right. Taxi's and people move briskly through the city. Fashionistas of all ages grace the calles (streets) . El Cortez de ingles seems to be a one stop shopping spot. The ground floor has a supermarket, Hot food counters, coffee shops, yes...Starbucks is here, and Dunkin Donuts, Micky Dee's and Burger King with many additional options than found in the states. There is also an area which sells cell phones as well. The higher levels of the store, maybe foru or five floors in some cases are reminiscent of a Macy's or Dillards. Metro stations (the subways) swiftly move people around the city and if you are daring and adventurous you could probably walk around the city to fully enjoy its magnificence. With the sunshine and gentle breezes and a pair of comfy shoes and a map it isn't impossible to do.
The adventure begins... This lovely city is a mixture of what most of Spain is; old and new, modern and traditional. There are likely sights, sounds, tastes , and fashions to pamper the most discriminate tastes.  Every few blocks there are tables awaiting your arrival, for cafe (coffee) tapas , cervesa, or cool and refreshing agua. But be aware, someone may be watching you as you are watching the city in motion. A couple of days after my arrival, I was on the Metro, heading back to my hotel, and probably because I am a mature diva, obviously a tourista I became the target of a carterista (pickpocket). He had a heavy jacket draped over his arm..on a hot day, trying to conceal his dastardly deed. What he didn't know was that I am very aware of my surroundings and  had no problem grabbing his hand, bending his fingers painfully back and shoving him across the train. Not bad for a "tourista", he was shocked and terrified and as soon as the doors opened he ran from the train. Other passengers applauded my courage and gave thumbs up and good looking out signs. You see I was raised in the inner city and have seen so many things in this life that makes me be cautious. I have survived four or five ( lost count) bank robberies as well and being terrorized by the gang "Ambrose Lane" when I was a young college student and mother of two young sons. God has constantly protected me, and guided me. That was just a small hiccup on this amazing journey. I have been visually delighted at the amazing and varied forms of architecture. Seeing the daddies proudly push their ninos through the city is some really fashionable carriages has also been nice. In many cases the Mommies were not with them and they were fully on task with their young ones of all ages. There is so much green space here. Parks were street musicians and singers entertain, jogging, skating and skateboarding, playing futbot, running with or walking "el perros" or just enjoying a cold and tasty helado. This just a thimble full of Madrid. I have so many good memories and experiences to share but I wont bore you with it all at once. I want you to please re-visit me and stroll with me through this journey. I want to share more with you about the pampered  pooches that are living well in Espana. Ciao!