When you think of Madrid, some things come to mind that are stereotypical expectations. It's true, there are tapas everywhere; And yes, they do actually take siestas. I often question why I am not living there ... Flamenco, yes, they do that as well. What I didn't expect, while visiting Madrid, was the amount of modern day commercialization that is so woven into old world European cobblestoned streets, and original tiled walls of taverns along the way. The nostalgic reminders of histories past lined every street you walk in Madrid, all the while stumbling upon a Dunkin' Donut or Tim Hortons. I find that fascinating. Visiting Madrid, despite of the numerous modern food chains, I was on a quest of the real Madrid ... of course, first ... weeks ahead of time, I had to attempt to get a reservation at the only world's oldest continuously running restaurant, Boitin. My 10pm reservation gained me access to seeing the original kitchen built in 1725. Tucked into a slice of history, where slow-cooked lamb and pork are prepared in an 18th-century wood oven. It’s said that Spanish painter Goya was a pot washer here and Ernest Hemingway was a patron. Now onto tapas, but before that, a long stroll at and around Plaza Mayor was pretty awe-inspiring. Once the site of nation's public bullfights and where the government held executions, its history is long. Despite the swarms of tourists and locals, taking in the plaza's grandeur and seeing the intricacies of the old world architecture that surrounds you, simply makes you pause for a few moments wondering if you are really living in the now or centuries ago. Hidden on the side of Plaza Mayor is Meson del Champiñon. Opened in 1964, this original tavern is dark and filled with history. Serving up tapas, but the one must try is their namesake tapas, stuffed mushroom. They are famous for it, and I now know why. And when in Madrid, you can't get away with eating their iconic jamon, their version of cured meat - a prosciutto like ham. Jamón Ibérico, to be exact. Tucked away in many corners of Madrid, you will find Museo del Jamón., a multi-location cured meat shop with attached restaurant. It's no frills, so don't expect fancy tables and silverware. The menu can be confusing, but truly, at Museo del Jamon, you can't go wrong with anything. Everything is ham related. Can you ask for more?! Madrid streets are not very maze-like but I find the best way to experience Madrid is to walk and get lost. When you are lost, wandering the streets of Madrid, every corner you turn, can be amazing: striking wrought-iron balconies on historic mansions and Italianate Baroque royal residences, giant murals in the Literary quarters ... and then their colorful plazas and squares lined by frescoed buildings. I was that tourist in awe when in Madrid.  During my wanderings I find myself ringing the doorbell at CapasSeseña. A tiny boutique, the bell is there in case the cape maker is upstairs cutting fabric in the workshop. Yes, its a shop that only sells capes and they are all made on premise. The detailed craftsmanship on each cape is stunning. There is so much artistry in their every stitch. A cape from CapasSeseña is a coveted item for many a celebrity visiting Madrid. You see, shopping in Madrid is more than just buying products – you’ll come away from Madrid’s boutiques with artworks that tell a story and have a long history, no matter how new they are.  These aimless wandering can be endless, but time to cure my sweet tooth. In a small, almost fairytale-like alley, hidden in the back is none other than Chocolateria San Gaines. Opened in 1890, this has become the emblem of Madrid. Ask for a table outside, and it puts you right into some enchanted fairytale of the 1800's. Historic cobblestone street, in some magical passageway and if you are lucky, you will get to enjoy a few old world street musicians while sipping your hot chocolate.  This isn't your everyday hot chocolate as we know it. A thick, dark chocolate made by age old traditions, exactly how it was made in 1890. A must try. Order it with churros, again, not what you think they are. Oh so delicious when dipped in that ecclesiastical hot chocolate. Next stop, more Madrid eating at the expansive Mercado de San Miguel, a monumental Spanish food hall where you will find traditional paella, olives and anchovies, more jamon ... and somewhere in the middle of this modern food hall, you will find Mozheart. They specialize in both sweet and savory creations made of the freshest mozzarella you will ever taste. Trust me, you must try this whether you like mozzarella cheese or not. You wouldn't even know what you are eating. My last destination in my days of wandering and eating in Madrid was to find, yet another unsuspecting tapas locale, Casa Amedeo.  A miniscule shop, inside the only seatings are along the bar. On the old wooden walls, are photos of the family that's opened Casa Amedeo in 1942. In these photos is a little 10 year old boy, whom if you are lucky, will be the person who will be bringing you your tapas. He is the sole owner of Casa Amedeo today. I was told he has not taken a day off since he started working when his father opened this pub-like joint. Right now, in his 70's he is still serving and mingling. This charming old man speaks no word of English, but he has found a way to communicate. He won't leave you alone, unless you order their signature (I would say world famous) tapas, los caracoles - snails. They are so delicious, seeped in a broth and cooked for over 3 days ... the charming old owner, will tell you to only eat with your hands (I allowed manners to go out the window at this historic good eats.) He will further make you dip the bread that they serve with the snails into the broth. That is the proper way to eat this, his son translates to me. A great meal indeed, and note to self, Spanish Tapas are generous in portion. Order with caution.  Before we bid this sweet old man farewell, he took my phone and wanted a photo ... on his website, he writes "we sell love ... we sell life ...". Indeed he does. Indeed he does.