Europe, Patrick's Celebration

It is the second time when I visit the Prado Museum. Honestly, it is impossible to observe the whole exposition even in two attempts because of the huge collection.

Well, while you are strolling in the corridors of the museum and studying the pictures, you may find many interesting facts about history and life in former times. Every painting here has some annotation, which conveys you the story of the masterpiece, the main idea, and what you should take into consideration first.

It is lunch time. "Take Wok" is a popular place here where you may try Chinese food for relatively small money. One of such restaurants is located close to the Anton Martin underground station. For example, for the big box of fried noddles with beef I paid only 6 euro.

On my way back to the apartment I bumped into the Anton Martin Mercado (Calle de Santa Isabel, 5). This two-story market is packed with organic food stalls, wine bars, Iberian ham and cheese shops. In fact, it is not an ordinary market, but a delicatessen shop. There is also an area specialized in cooking performances and small art exhibits.

Actually, Santa Isabel street is full of many interesting and vibrant places such as restaurants, bars and cafeterias. Eventually, I stayed in Alma cafe to drink coffee with a dessert.

On Friday evening is extremely crowdy on the streets, especially on Puerta del Sol, which supposedly is one of the busiest places in Madrid. Moreover, at Puerta del Sol starts one of the most famous shopping streets of Madrid - Preciados street.

While walking around the area "Barrio de las Letras" (Literary Quarter) I could not pass by these old-fashioned traditional taverns, which preserve the spirit of the old time.

I suppose, such places have their unique history and traditions. On the other hand, it might be the bait for tourists. Nevertheless, it looks colourful and impressive, and you may take the great photos of them.

And here is the food for thought. I would like to mention different types of public houses, which I could meet in Madrid:
- Cerveceria, which is for drinking beer;
- Restaurante, which is for good food with not cheap prices;
- Braseria, where they serve one type of dish;
- Cafeteria, where they predominantly serve coffee and other drinks or ready-cooked food;
- Taberna, which is for traditional food.

All of a sudden, I found out that people are celebrating St Patricks Day this weekend. I could not but join this event. A pint of Guinness in La Fontana de Oro cost me 5.50 euro. It is such an atmospheric place to drink Irish beer.

Then, it was Labarka de Pintxos, where you can find a great variety of pinchos with the cost of 2.90 and 3.50 euro.

The late evening I met in another cosy bar, which is located in the building where my apartment is. One more glass of red Spanish wine and a complimentary snack. The life could not better be.

Full night. And I am walking along the cosy streets filled with dim lights.