No need for a Compass...

My friend C and I both ordered the menu del dias at El Pabellon Del Espejo on Saturday morning. This charming bistro is located in the middle of Passeo de Recoletos in Madrid. The service was great and parralled the decor's vintage charm. We broiled Cod was perfect and we finished our meal with a generous slice of layered chololate cake.

As we admired the chandelier and stained glass from the end of the restaurant there were hundreds people gathering outside. Some were coming into the bistro with placards and red and yellow banners. It turns out there was a manifestation scheduled for that afternoon and evening...against terrorism... according to our waiter, but others told us it was directed to the Basque rebels. It was beautful, watching all kinds of people gather to demonstrate.. and inspiring. I hope to post some video of the manifestation on Google video soon.

We made our way to the archeology museum after stopping many times to interview locals for the Praxis Project... (did I mention I am not bilingual?) About the time we arrived at the two pair of winged sphinxes stationed by the museum entrance Carole had to leave for work. She'll be on call for the duration of this adventure so we've just learned to improvise.

The museum reminded me of the Victorian and Albert before it was new and improved... the original vitrines still holding its collection of mummies, et al. Afterwards I mady my way back to the hotel. The crowds were thick and everyone was listening to the speach being broadcast from the Plaza of Independence. Crowds were clapping and chanting their support. The streets were closed to traffic for the demonstration so it was possible to walk right up to Neptune's and Cybele's two fountains. I can see why Madrid is a late night city... its really most beautiful after dark.

At the hotel I met C, C and M to have drinks in the lounge and make plans for our Saturday night in Madrid!