During the entire time we were in Madrid, I had an near uncontrollable urge to say everything with a lisp. Even in English. You must understand that this comes not from a desire to make fun of "Spanish Spanish," as I like to call it (Español de España), but because I enjoy the sound so much. It tickles my ears and brings a smile to my face, especially when someone is being very earnest and speaking in quickfire Spanish Spanish, like the Madrileños, as the people of Madrid are known. Thankfully, they are wonderful people with a sense of humor. They made our transition from the mean streets of Paris very easy. The minute we arrived in Madrid, it was as if a weight had lifted from our shoulders.