This is it. Reality is  better than fantasy here. I’m feasting my way through Madrid while riding pillion on a Michelin starred chef’s motorcycle.  “Hey! This ain’t no motorcycle!” protests  Sergi Arola, the versatile and highly acclaimed Spanish chef, “This is a Harley Davidson”. As if on cue, the handsome large machine roars into action. Sergi gallantly fetches me from the legendary Hotel Ritz (where I’m staying).We take off in a flurry of sound into Spain’s  vibrant, historic capital city. The crisp cool winter air invigorates and the Spanish sun warms, as we bump over picturesque cobbled streets, zoom over wide expanse of roads and keep stopping to eat at markets, tapas bars, restaurants. At each stopover, my gallant guide is recognised. welcomed and even mobbed.

In pic: A Spanish building in view