We're leaving today for this rustic little farmhouse in the Granada province. We'll probably arrive tomorrow and we'll return to Madrid on Monday or Tuesday.

It's great to know there's a couch we're welcome to sleep on, anytime, in Madrid. Without it, I think Kim and I would both have gone nuts. (Thanks Matt!)

Since there isn't electricity where we're going, I'm not sure if I'll be able to post to this blog until we arrive back in Madrid -- maybe yes, maybe no, depending on whether there's an internet cafe in the neighboring village.

On an unrelated note, here's some thoughts on my culinary exploration of Spain:

• while the sandwiches are plain (they lack lettuce, tomatos and other U.S. classics), they DO feature top-notch jamón. But what else would you expect from a country that seems to revolve around ham?
  
• the paella is well-spiced, though the shellfish is still in its shell, which turns eating shrimp into a violent, mutilating act
  
• 99 cent store-brand Nutella knockoff and1 euro wedges of brie
  
• Spicy ice cream! It's called "Maya" ice cream, which is strange because Mayan culture is Central American, and it's chocolate with various spices (also reminiscent of Central America?)