We went to the Monasterio del Corpus Christi las Carboneras to buy cookies from the cloistered nuns, but a sign on the door said no sweets until Monday.

When we went inside the church, I was surprised that even a little church still had gold-covered altars and ornate paintings.

Close-up of a worn brown wooden door with metal studs and a laminated sign taped to the center panel. The sign is printed in both Spanish and English and reads: “No hay dulces hasta el LUNES. There are not Sweets until MONDAY. THANK YOU.” The door’s aged texture and chipped paint add a rustic character to the scene.Full view of a tall, dark brown wooden door set in a stone frame, featuring a pattern of square and diamond-studded panels. A small laminated notice is posted on one side of the door. A security camera is mounted above, and a “Mind your head” warning label is attached to the door lintel. The weathered surface and heavy design convey a sense of historical weight.Interior of a richly decorated chapel featuring an elaborate golden altarpiece with religious statues and paintings. Rows of wooden pews are filled with seated visitors facing the altar. The warm yellow walls, arched ceilings, and framed religious art contribute to a peaceful and reverent atmosphere.

2025-06-10

We popped into Mercado Jamón Ibérico for our last jamón 100% ibérico de bellota tasting.

As much as I’m not a huge pork-product person at home, I want to find it near Long Beach for a special treat a couple times a year.

A plate of finely sliced Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, arranged in a circular pattern to showcase the marbling and deep reddish hues of the cured ham. The translucent slices reveal streaks of intramuscular fat, indicating the high quality of the meat. The glossy surface and delicate texture make it look rich and savory, with a small sign at the top of the plate labeling it as “Jamón 100% Ibérico Bellota.”An interior view of a jamón shop with multiple legs of cured ham hanging on black hooks behind the counter, each tagged with red and black labels reading “Bellota.” Chalkboard signs display different types and prices of jamón per kilo, including 100% Ibérico and 75% Ibérico. A carving station in the foreground features a mounted ham leg and slicing knives, with vacuum-sealed packs of jamón and glassware neatly arranged below.A cozy, rustic jamón shop corner with a photo mural of black Iberian pigs grazing in a wooded pasture, reinforcing the source of the high-quality meat. On the adjacent wall, several paletillas (front legs of jamón) hang beneath signs noting their type and price. Informational plaques explain the feeding and curing process, and a small table with chairs adds a welcoming touch to the tasting area.

2025-06-10

Hugo got a chance to go into the Royal Palace on a tour; unfortunately I wasn’t feeling great that afternoon, so the next morning we walked around the palace (and the Almudena Cathedral) a bit to see the outside of both and the beautiful sights over parts of the city we never ventured into.

Wide-angle view of the Royal Palace of Madrid, with its grand neoclassical façade featuring rows of tall columns, numerous windows, and ornate sculptures. The Spanish flag flies prominently from the roof. The expansive forecourt in front of the building is paved with geometric stone patterns, and scattered visitors walk or stand, giving a sense of scale to the immense structure. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the elegance and formality of the architecture.Closer view of the central section of the Royal Palace of Madrid, highlighting the symmetrical stonework, decorative columns, and arched doorways. A large clock is set into the ornate pediment above the entrance, flanked by classical statues. The Spanish flag waves atop the building, and several people move across the stone courtyard in the foreground, some pausing to admire the architecture.Panoramic view of the Madrid cityscape with dense urban buildings stretching to the horizon. In the foreground, a sea of green treetops forms a natural contrast to the red and brown rooftops and modern high-rises beyond. The clear sky adds depth and vibrancy, enhancing the layered textures of trees, mid-century blocks, and distant towers.View of the Almudena Cathedral’s bell tower and façade taken from below, emphasizing the tower’s verticality and classical detailing. A dark bronze statue of a bearded figure holding a scroll stands prominently on the right, casting a shadow on the stone wall. A group of people is gathered in the shaded area near the base, while others sit on the steps along the cathedral’s base under a bright sky.Lively street-level view of the Almudena Cathedral from an angle that showcases its detailed exterior, including baroque and neoclassical elements, multiple spires, and the central dome. Crowds gather at the cathedral’s entrance, and a person in a Stitch costume adds a playful touch near signage for the museum. The vibrant activity and crisp shadows emphasize the warm, sunny day.Street scene in front of the Almudena Cathedral with a mix of tourists, vehicles, and historic architecture. The cathedral’s ornate dome and towers rise prominently against a clear blue sky. A steady flow of cars, including a marked taxi and an ambulance, passes along the busy road. Trees and signage frame the scene, capturing the dynamic intersection of city life and monumental history.

2025-06-11