MADRID

The last time we visited Madrid was in 1987, our first ever, and only briefly on our way to a business meeting in Marbella. Our recollection was thin, except for an awful Paella that made a lasting impression. This time it is a 4-day acclimatization before we join a week-long foodie tour called The Taste of Spain. It will take us, by bus, from Madrid to San Sebastian to Barcelona with emphasis on the culinary subculture which, along with some of the best wines in Europe are mainstream tourism in this country. That said, we were greeted by this scene at Puerta del Sol, not far from our hotel, the Vincci Soho on Calle de Prado. The economy is still unstable here, and it drives home the point how lucky we are living in a part of the world that is still doing OK, all things considered. Even more so it forces us to reflect on the situation at home, as the uncertainties of a violent ending to the protests looms high.