The night of October 2

We just got back from dinner. It wasn’t quite dinner, not exactly, more like your ordinary night of debauchery. Tonight was a free night. In other words we were on our own and of course that meant trouble. After receiving a map and a list of Spanish to English translation only regarding food, our guide/mother turned us loose to fend for ourselves. Emi and I ended up with four other tour members and we hit the town of Logrono, specifically the tapas area. Only in this part of Spainish tapas are called pinchos. The area was hopping. It was a Friday night and that means TGIF in Spain as well as home. Of course you understand that the night life here doesn’t start until past 9pm. I’ve read and heard about that, but I was still amazed to find it to be a truth. No matter. I had had a short nap, and so I was rejuvenated and ready for anything. I quickly formed a plan. There were 6 of us and that easily translated to 6 rounds of pinchos and drinks (cerveza and tinto, red wine). The plan was quickly approved and I started the night by ordering octopus cooked in olive oil. When we finished consuming the eight legged cephalopod, down went the paper towels unto the floor as the custom and onward to the next pincho bar specializing mushrooms with shrimp. Oyster mushrooms cooked in olive oil followed. Then skewered beef. Then chorizo. And gelato ended the night. It was a short walk back to the hotel and we all made it without falling. It was like a grand street party. People were eating and drinking inside and out. Music was being played and people were dancing in the streets.
Our little group bonded and became like a group of life long friends. The night was so unexpected, so wonderful. It was one of the things that make traveling so much fun. It was an event that I couldn’t duplicate even if I wanted to. Only in Spain.