Salamanca isn't hot. Cardigans were worn last night and Alyssa was cold anyway. We're going to see the university and cathedral today. We're under strict instructions from a friend who lived here two years ago to go out and drink. A lot. This is hampered by the fact that I'm recovering from food poisoning. I think I had some off seafood quiche three mornings ago. We went to a tapas bar that night in Seville and after a beer I suddenly began to feel very dizzy and blurry and then fainted. I have an absurdly low alcohol tolerance, but I've never reacted that poorly to a single beer. I only remember being placed in a chair and Alyssa's face peering up at me while cold water streamed down my chest. All of the waiters were very helpful. They put cold towels on me and had all sorts of recommendations for how to make me feel better. Sit. Stand. Drink more sangria. A little whisky. This bread. The hospital. Alyssa got me back to the hotel and into bed and the next morning I felt better (which means I beat her to the top of the Giralda. The ramps are not steep. They were built so that people could ride up on horseback).

The morning after, arriving in Córdoba, I felt much worse, but improved steadily throughout the day. For dinner, we went to a restaurant recommended by the Michelin guide. We ordered all of the tapas (six items - two dips, each with cooked egg and a lot of garlic; croquettes; fried aubergine and honey; cod fritters; and lettuce dressed in garlic and vinegar) and a portion of Iberian ham in truffle sauce. It was perfect.

I wouldn't mention the food poisoning if it were something to be at all concerned about. Have already notified my mother. And, quite possibly, there will be some alcohol consumption tonight. We only have two more nights in Spain and Alyssa still needs to taste sangria with cava.