Bank Search Yields Some Wonderful Things

How pathetic is it that I have seen more of Madrid in the last two days than I have in the last month because of the constant search for a Barclay's Bank? Colorful Malasaña, swanky Salamanca, the festive museum circle, glitzy Gran Vía, and charming Chamberí, I saw them all. As much as I enjoy traipsing through various Madrid neighborhoods, I prefer not to be bank hunting simultaneously, because the rule is that when you intentionally look for something, you are not able to find it. It happened with the pastelerías* and it happened with the bank, which, in my opinion, can go follar un pez.**

Despite my quejas,*** I did discover some wonderful things this weekend, so the bank did not ruin everything. Read, enjoy, and come to Madrid and check them out.

carrot cake-I love a good carrot cake, so when a friend said to me, "There's a café near here that is famous for its carrot cake," I didn't hesitate. It was not the best carrot cake I had ever tried, but it was delicious nonetheless, with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting dribbled with chocolate. The café also had a relatively big selection of teas, juices, and coffees. I had a white pear tea, served in my own little teapot. The atmosphere of the eatery was just the way I like it: artsy, cozy, smoky, and warm, with clashing, yet comfortable, couches. I don't remember the name of the café, but I do remember where it is, which is more important anyway, right?

holiday spirit-Although it bothers me that Madrid is decked out in lights and Christmas trees that aren't yet lit (it's not too early, is it?), I am excited about the day when the city decides to press the 'on' switch. It will be a spectacular view. Speaking of holiday spirit, kudos to Starbucks. The employees are wearing red and green, holiday cups are being filled to the brim with the seasonal drinks, and I swear I heard "White Christmas" playing at the museum circle Starbucks on Saturday while I sipped my post-Thyssen mocha praline latté and discussed The Beatles with my friends. The only thing that feels unnatural to me is the warm weather. I am not used to seeing Christmas lights and frosty window displays without actual frost.

Calle de Goya-Fluorescent lights illuminating the street? High-heeled shoppers bearing stuffed shopping bags? Sounds like my kind of world.

VIPS-Until last week, I thought VIPS was a phone company or a business of that sort. The franchise's exterior doesn't really hint at food, and I had never stopped to look inside, so naturally, I did not assume it was a café/convenience store that, get ready, carries Reese's Peanut Butter Cups! Madrid does not generally stock them in regular stores, so I was thrilled to see the reddish orange package resting on the candy rack by the cash register. As I was leaving with my newly found treasure, I caught a glimpse of President's Choice cheeses in the refrigerator. I'll be coming back.

*pastry shop

**fuck itself

***complaints