I know I’m a lucky young woman. My friends are all brilliant and take good care of me, and the oddest — funniest — things happen when we get together!

In the first video, we meet……….Carlos a complete stranger who turned out to be quite a gem of a guy. He gave me his favorite CD, took us out for dinner+drinks, lent us his inflatable bed so we didn’t have to go to Marta’s brother to borrow his, offered to take me to see Formula 1 in Valencia AND tried to give me GBP150 worth of multi-vitamins (stamped + approved by the Spanish FDA and retailing in licensed pharmacies).

His apartment views are…………..A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

With the videos and the trip, my aim was not to do the “touristy” thing but instead provide glimpses into how locals and my friends live. I did the “touristy” thing (del Prado, Plaza Major, Parco del Retiro, Gran Via etc.) many years ago when I was there on business so it was a great experience this time to be with friends.

Naturally, we ate some good food like gazpacho, jamon salads, black squid and Spanish ox — it’s just as well my vegetarian trial was over! Yes and normally I like my beef medium to well done, but this beef was recommended to be eaten rare because of its high quality. Marta really really spoilt me, food-wise!

[If readers click on the images below they'll be directed to good Spanish recipe sites, written in English.]

Marta may be over in London for the London Film Festival in October. If so we can have proper Chinese dim sum and I can make her real spring rolls! Yippee!