I is for...

... El Corte Ingles

If you're looking for high-end department store shopping then this is the place you'll want to go! It's got everything you could ever possibly want from a store, with a nice little price tag to go along with it. This particular El Corte Ingles is located in the heart of Madrid, in the Puerta del Sol district where thousands descend every day. Charlie took this picture on December 23rd when we went downtown to take in all of the Christmas lights. The snowflakes on the side of the building were particularly impressive. And don't think that they only sell clothes and shoes! Nope. Head here for their gourmet food shop, book stores and really anything you're little heart could desire!

H is for...

...Hatchbacks!

Oh dear, where does the time seem to go? Apparently the month of May has come and gone and nary a single alphabet blog. My apologies! Well, there's only one thing left to do if I want to get through the remaining letters before our 2 months left here are up...on with the show!

Should a person ever choose to rent or own a car here in

Spain, your options would be limited—

Have you caught on yet? That's right - you would be driving a trusty hatchback. Other than the motos (motorized scooters) hatchback cars are the way to go. Red, blue, green, 4 door, 2 door - they come in all shapes and sizes! The smaller the better though since the spaces between cars to parallel park in are teensy weensy.

You should also be prepared for it to be standard as well, making driving in Spain even more of an adventure. Even yours truly has been learning the ins and outs of driving a stick shift—thanks in part to a very patient and loving husband.