A taste of Madrid, literally

It's hard to imagine that I have been able to stomach the terrific quantities of amazing food here in Madrid. Although I am very sad to be leaving so soon, I think my poor stomach could use a rest. My eyes and taste-buds have filled it up day by day with uncountable dishes of phenomenal Spanish food. Just to demonstrate, even now, I am filled to the brim with paella made by my host mother. Another example: for lunch I had some cafeteria Spanish tortilla at the university, which hardly to my surprise, is one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted.
You could say I have really gotten used to the diet here, and because I believe pictures say a lot more than words where food is concerned, below are a number of pictures I've snapped in the process of devouring plate after plate of outstanding food.

This is Marge and I at the Gabinoteca.... also known as, the most amazing tapas restaurant ever. I don't think I have ever had a better lunch. 

Cochinillo!! The skin is the best part. This was in Segovia. 

This is my Solomillo and Marge's chorizo soup at Cafe Gijon. As Hemingway fans, we felt an obligation to dine at the restaurant, but as foodies, we soon discovered the real reason why people, including Hemingway, choose to eat here. The food is amazing!

What would a day be without an afternoon "snack"? Quirky-named frozen yogurt stands have become our favorite meeting place with the group, whether its smöoy, Ö!MyGood, or llaollao. 

Cafe con Leche. And I don't even drink coffee!

Just some dim sum. Not really a Spanish dish, but still amazing. 

perrito caliente!

My personal favorite is pulpo, or octopus. It is a kind of specialty. I have to eat the little octopi quickly, otherwise I start giving them names and talking to them. 

Another one of my favorites, and a common among the crew. Churros with some warm chocolate made in one of the most famous churro restaurants in Madrid. 

Some fresh potato chips in the covered market San Miguel. This stand also has fruto seca (dried fruit) that we would quite obligingly take tasters from. 

Sandia! One of Marge's and mine favorite postres (desserts) was fresh fruit. Watermelon like this one was a beautiful way to end a delicious meal. Fresh fruit, like cherries, and grapes, were quite popular among our group, mostly because they are amazing when bought at the markets. 

Although this post barley documents even half of the food we ate in Spain, it provides a good sampling of the kinds of things we got to enjoy. I think one reason why everyone in Spain loves that they are in Spain is because they love that they can eat the food. I know that is one reason we love being here! There is such pride in serving any sort of food, its almost hard to want to leave the restaurants after we finish. Sometimes I have the desire to run into the kitchen and give every cook a huge hug and say thank you. However, our usual form of thanks is given in the form of empty dishes and happy stomachs.