Surprise!

So, Adolfo told me yesterday afternoon that today I would be going to the wholesale markets with some of his staff. Then he told me that Vincente would pick me up at 4:30, in the morning, that is!

The Mercamadrid is the second largest fishmarket in the world, only surpassed by the enormous Tsukiji market in Japan. The picture I attatched shows one of the laneways, there are at least a dozen. Theres also a shot of the skid of fish we purchased; a dozen Canadian lobsters, 8 Mediterranean lubina, cases of shrimps and a years supply of cod, (24 cases of 6 pieces of 5-7 kg fish for those of you who are curious; now is peak season for codfishing in Denmark).

Afterwards we went to Adolfo's house and headquarters at Vinedos Cigarral Santa Maria, so I could see how the restaurants food orders are processed at their warehouse, and drop off the load of fish and vegetables.

Next to Madrid, I met up with Adolfo's son Javier at the Cibeles location, and had a quick chat and a traditional lunch of chickpea and bacalao stew, followed by braised veal. Afterwards I hopped aboard Madrids excellent Metro system to do some shopping at Puerta del Sol and Mercado de San Miguel. Rain is currently driving me home early, but I look forward to a long nap.