“M”ick did not like my last post – he thought it a bit tacky, but I am afraid the theme continued today as we went to (supposedly) the biggest open-air (“M” is for) MARKET in Europe and (supposedly) the most popular flea markets in Spain this morning. They are called El Rastro.

We were staying only a few blocks from the markets and headed off around 9.30am – many of the stall holders were setting up so it was not too busy.

However, after a few hours it was absolutely packed with people and we’d bought our few treasures, so we headed off for lunch.

I loved this sign – obviously written with a Canadian accent, as that is how I hear Canadians say water.

While waiting for the bus, we spotted this group of twenty Nigerian expats on the move.

We had seen similar groups before. They have their wares wrapped in a sheet and when the opportunity arises they set it on the ground – an instant display of their bags or fans or sunglasses. Always on the watch for the Police who quickly move them on.

They must make some money or otherwise there is no point to them setting up each day.

We had thought we might go to one of the museums today but we were just not up to it, so instead enjoyed another tour on the bus and finished with a bucket of beer for €3! Yes, that was for all five bottles of San Miguel.

We finished our last day in Madrid with dinner at a restaurant in the Plaza de Tirso Molina. While we were waiting for our meals to be delivered, yet another group of men with their bags of products walked past.

I ordered the fried anchovies..

While Mick ordered the half rabbit. He knew he was getting chips but not sure about anything else.

It actually came with half a head and it was smothered in a garlic buttery sauce.

He couldn’t eat it all! And for €10 he was pretty happy about his selection.

Another great day in Spain.