unfortunately I only found this site yesterday and I am leaving for Madrid, Toledo, and Seville tomorrow (Friday December 1). Nonetheless, I decided to ask a couple questions in the hope that I might get a couple responses before I leave my computer around noon Friday Eastern time.

Are there any good Christmas pastries, cookies, etc. that will travel easily for me to bring back as presents?

I am a serious beer geek. I have found a few brew pubs and beer bars in Madrid (the names of which are at home in my luggage). But if anyone has any recommendations for pubs it Madrid, Toledo or Seville with a wide selection of Spanish and/or European beer, please let me know. (Yes, I drink wine too.)

Finally, I am traveling alone and have only a limited amount Spanish. (I know some Italian but solamente un poco Espanol.) In case I really feel the need to talk to someone in English, can anyone recommend any pubs that English-speaking expatriates or tourists frequent.

Thanks.

Michael (first time in Madrid)