dame una primera!

Barrio de La Latina (La Latina as the locals call it) is the oldest part of Madrid and located in the centre of city. Its name derived from Spain's most illustrious mediaeval women, Beatriz Galindo whose nickname was 'La Latina' for her skill in Latin. She was a professor in the University of Salamanca after studying Latin in Italy. Once back in Madrid, she taught the children of Queen Isabela I. Within its city walls, you're aware of its narrow streets, large squares and even an Islamic Citadel. It is difficult to map the precise area of La Latina but that's what you would expect from the origins of Madrid. I have this affinity toward it because of the abundant choices of great tapas bars. The best time to visit would be on the weekends and on Sunday, Rastro, a flea market is worth a visit. And as flea markets go, everything from new to old bargains could be found. If antiques interest you, some of the specialised shops are available. The name, El Rastro means 'the trail' perhaps originated from names of the tanneries that once occupied the Ribera de Curtidores (i.e. Riverside of the tanners). An abattoir the banks of Manzanares River and the slaughtered cattle would be transported to the tanneries. During this process, it was thought that a trail of blood would be left along the streets hence the name El Rastro.

Cocktail recipe #2
Dark & Stormy - Muddle the limes (5 wedges) in a High Ball Glass. Fill glass with cracked ice, rum (50ml Havana Club 7) and ginger beer (200ml). Put 5 dashes of Angostura bitters on top of drink. Finish off with a lime wedge and straw.

Worth noting:
La Concha, Cava Baja 7 - Small friendly wine bar
Casa Lucas, Cava Baja 30 - Good selection of Spanish wines. Also try their 'scrambled egg with morcilla' tapas
Casa Lucio, Cava Baja 35 - Famous, traditional & busy, so reservation is essential. Huevos rotos, tripe & ham.
El Zapatero, Calle Almendro - Good selection of tapas enjoyed sitting around small tables.
Almendro 13, Calle Almendro 13 - My type of tapas bar. Good tapas and doesn't serve red wine or coke. Only classic beers, white wine & sherry. Huevos rotos and 'rosca' sandwiches is good here.