Evening in Madrid
 
 
Surprise! Evenings in Madrid start much later than evenings in the U.S.

After racing through Madrid and Toledo, at about six o'clock, we were hungry. We had aniticipated eating some local fare, but apparently no self-respecting resident of Madrid would think of having an evening meal that early. For a person in Madrid, ten o'clock is a more reasonable dining hour.

We took a cab "downtown" and discovered only a "Tex-Mex" restaurant that was open early enough to satisfy our immediate cravings. So, in Madrid, we had our first "meal out" at the internationally acclaimed . . . "El Rancho." Well, ya buys ya ticket, and ya takes ya chances!

Later, after our very early dinner, we emerged from the restaurant to sidewalks whose well-lighted establishments beckoned evening stollers. There are many wonderful outdoor cafes along the major Calles. They open around nine or ten o'clock and remain open until around two in the morning (or so we are told). Apparently Madrid is a night owl's heaven!

At the outdoor eateries, you can order a full meal or simply drop in for a drink. It's delightful to sit, have a cup of coffee or a cerveza (beer), and watch the strollers meander past. In one spot we were even entertained by a skilled musician.

 

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