CORONA FAILS TO SPOOK THE ZOMBIES INTO A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN! »
I'm a freelance journalist who took off to Madrid for a look-see and enjoy what was on offer while I was there. I was hoping to write a story about Halloween in this once-bustling capital. Considering how fiesta-loving the Spaniards are, All Saints Day cum Halloween should be quite festive. On the other hand, I had to get real. These are unusual times, the Era of the Covid. And I should be prepared to join a terribly watered-down holiday. . . Guess what I found out!
DON A CAPE AND WOW THE LADIES — AND GENTLEMEN! »
Part I of the Two-Part Seseña Capes Series. Warm and dashing, the capa española can be twirled haughtily around the wearer’s body twice or even three times. And Capas Seseña is the only establishment still existing in all Spain with a proud and single-minded dedication to the making of the classic Spanish cape, cut and sewn right there on the old turn-of-the-century premises. The traditional garment has been enchanting elegant national and international fashion audiences (and wearers, of course) unfailingly all these many years.
Bravas, Bridges & Brew in The Home of the Brave! »
I hatched a plan after my doctor described my latest blood test as "boring." I never wanted anything about me to be described as boring. So I drove from the middle of Long Island, epicenter of bland restaurants, to southern Brooklyn to pick up the Guidepost Galloping Gourmets. They can root out Spanish food better than a savy pig can find a truffle.
CAN YOU IMAGINE A WORDLESS STAND-UP? “FRIDO” IS! »
It’s hard enough to tickle the audience's funny bone with just a few words. But a mute stand-up? See what “Frido” can do!
QUINTESSENTIAL GREEK VILLAGE IN DOWNTOWN MADRID »
Taberna Griega could be the quintessential Greek village in downtown Madrid, where GUIDEPOST's "Three Musketeers" celebrated Guidepost Publisher Dan Lowell's birthday which was actually in March but due to the pandemic lockdown we could only celebrate it this September. We had spent an afternoon in its lively taberna and lingered over the luscious Meze served with hot Pita bread and sipping high quality Cretian wines. And of course we feasted on the main courses. Ya mas!
A STUNNING SPANISH BEAUTY WOWS FRENCH EMPEROR & MARRIES HER »
At first the intentions of Charles Louis Napoleon (shortly to be crowned Noapoleon III) might have been less than honorable, but Eugenia, granddaughter of an American Consul, insisted that he think of her as a possible consort and not as another courtesan. Five weeks after the proclamation of the second French empire, Napoleon III proposed to Eugenia de Montijo in December of 1852, and she readily accepted becoming Empress Eugenie of France.
ADIOS TO THE PARKS — SEE YOU PRONTO, CORONA PERMITING! »
With Madrid sadly topping the list of Spain’s new positives these days (1535 COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours before 19 August 2020), the city and the region could be trending back to Phase 1 of the de-escalation of the old State of Alarm! Parks will be closed, but at least only for the night, just three months after their much-awaited unrestricted reopening.
CORONA, THE GREATEST MIRACLE-WORKER IN MADRID THIS SUMMER »
Summer verbenas give Madrid its delightful charm. But this year, they have all been cancelled. Thanks, Corona, you’ve wrought a miracle such as very few Madrileños have ever had to witness in their long history.
THE SUMMER FESTIVAL IN MADRID IS NOT OVER YET! GIVE A LISTEN. »
Here are some of the places you could still go to and have a taste of the new normal in the nation’s capital with the lingering good old Madrid spirit to underpin it. Surely, the lousy corona can’t put that great spirit down! (Maybe there’s a little sadness, but it won’t be there forever.)
FINDING DON QUIXOTE »
I had given up finding my favorite Street Performer Don Quixote. I was afraid he had gone the way of the many other performers, not to be found again. But to my surprise, on one of my last days in Madrid I rounded the corner and there he was. Tall, handsome, and lance in hand, waiting for people to take his picture. I have always loved finding him.
