Hi, Eddie--
I do love the north of Spain--the south was charming and fascinating too, but I have such an attachment to Salamanca that, when Spain comes to mind, I think of the Plaza Mayor (and a sandwich de queso and una jarra de sangria at Meson de Cervantes). And a few years ago, my sister and I had a lovely few days together in San Sebastian, which has to be one of the most picturesque places on earth!

Thanks for the churros suggestion--that would be a great first stop and probably desperately needed after an overnight flight! There was a great churreria down the street from my residencia in Salamanca, and I have often tried to duplicate their fabulous chocolate (someone told me it's the addition of a bit of cornstarch that makes it so thick, but I haven't tried that).

Less than a week before I am in Spain! Hooray!
Tara