Reflecting back on Madrid and looking forward to the future

“There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest.”

~Confucius

Looking back at recent — or even not so recent — trips always makes me want to get back on the road again. Not necessarily to revisit the places that I’m reflecting upon but rather to discover new destinations in a similar fashion. The destinations are physical but also emotional and mental in the sense that there is always a visceral reaction to a place as well as the people that I meet at my destination or along the way.

Travel makes me think deeper, feel stronger, care more, and feel like I’m more alive than when I’m at “home”.

A common misconception is that I’m constantly on the road to new and exciting places. While I have no complaints about the places that I do get a chance to visit, I sure would like to expand my horizons. This is why I really enjoy editing my images. I get a chance to reflect on the places that inspired me and I use that as motivation to plan the next project to work on that will take me  the next place to visit.

It sure is a big world with a lot to see and photograph and a big part of my job revolves around finding ways to get to the places I want to explore and capture in photos. This explains the stop in Madrid. I had just been all over Italy scouting locations for my upcoming photography tour in October and in Vigo (Galicia), working on a shoot for a client and I wanted to see something new. One of the best things about Europe is the fact that there are so many incredible destinations to choose from that are also close to each other.

I took a few days at the end of my work trips to experience the Spanish capital for the first time. I don’t often treat myself when I’m at home but it would be foolish of me not to take advantage of all the possibilities at my fingertips when I’m abroad. Once again I was thrilled to get the opportunity to photograph palaces, cathedrals (like the one above), and castles. Oh Europe!

“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.”

~Franz Kafka

I also did something a little out of the ordinary for me but something I’m sure to repeat in the future. I went on a food tour of Madrid and it was certainly one of the highlights of my stay.

The delightful couple that run the Madrid Food Tour company got in touch with me when they heard that I was going to be visiting Madrid and offered me a spot on one of their delicious food tours. They never asked me to write about it or to share any of my experiences on social media but it’s my pleasure to do so. There’s a reason why they’re ranked number one in activities to do in Madrid by Trip Advisor.

While they offer several different varieties of food tours, I went on the Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour. For days afterwords my mouth and stomach debated on who was happier for the experience.

As you can see by the montage of photos above I was able to sample a wide variety of food. Seafood, some of the best ham in the world, delicious Spanish olives and olive oil, Spanish wines, vermouth, coffee and churros, delectable desserts, and more. All in all the group samples over a dozen delicious treats and everyone was wearing a smile on their face as the tour concluded. Our guide James was the perfect host; both funny and knowledgeable about all the local fare and traditions.

If you’re ever in Madrid and looking for something to do… Look no further than this delightful tour but make sure you bring a healthy appetite.