When I realized I was in the Spanish capital surrounded by naked trees some with ochre and purple leaves, I felt excited. It was fall and chilly, but I found a fair cuddle, the taste of red wine, a warm laughter and sadness of such distance.
Far away from my melancholy: there I was standing in the middle of Parque del Retiro. I got goosebumps as a man was walking next to me dressed up as Donald Duck trying to entertain people. As usual, I had my camera and I was wearing my light blue scarf and my old and worn sneakers.
[caption id="attachment_3238" align="aligncenter" width="996"]
Miriam Alvite B © Solkes[/caption]
I’ve waited for so long and now I was seating right in the part of the world that I really wanted to see. Madrid was giving me the nicest welcome!
The history
Soon, I learned that Madrid is the Spanish city that attracts more visitors. The number of Madrid’s tourist increases year after year; especially because it has the perfect combination of cultural offers and leisure activities. However, Madrid was not really important till Felipe II moved the court there in 1561. When the capital was established the court manifested the need of urban reforms and soon suburbs appeared out of the medieval site. The 18th century began with the war of the Spanish Succession to the crown of Carlos the second, in which Madrid was involved. Since 1706 Madrid remained faithful to the Bourbons and in return the monarchs made it the capital of the country. Efforts made by the Bourbons to increase the economic, urban and cultural development of the city were affected by the consequences of the Napoleonic wars. After the World War II, Madrid, besides being the hub of consumption, began its modernization process in which large companies were created. Therefore, industries began to develop.A perfect balance
As you can see, Madrid has a rich, colorful, sometimes sordid and touching history. It is not possible to define it. Let’s take into account that it was the heart of the facts. There are: bars, stores, squares, shrimps, calamari, terraces, shots, wine, beers; there’s everything for everyone. In this sense: How do we define it? How do we limit it? According to my taste and from personal experience, I dare to say that the Spanish capital is not the cheapest city in the world. However, there are different activities in which you can save some money. There are some places in Madrid that seem to be hidden, but they are well known by those people who like to read, to enjoy a nice and steamy cup of Joe, something sweet or even better a glass of wine. A city that is used to have readers everywhere; places like this, where time seems to stand still among so many stories, are welcomed. Some examples of these places are: La Ciudad Invisible o La Fugitiva Librería Café. [caption id="attachment_3239" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Nessa Twix © Solkes[/caption]
Madrid owns a perfect balance. You must do everything but without losing your cool, the positive attitude. There is no rush.
One of the first activities you must do is going to the famous La Puerta del Sol. Without a doubt, this is one of the most famous squares in Madrid and it is possible to find some of the most significant buildings of the capital.
The constructions of the square took several stages. Everything began with the construction of Casa de Correo in mid-18th century. A century later, between 1857 and 1862, thanks to the architects Lucio del Valle, Juan Rivera and José Morer, this place took a form. Already in the 20th century gardens and a fountain were set and a pedestrian zone was enhanced.
In La Puerta del Sol there are three popular places nationwide:
The first one is la Estatua del Oso y el Madroño. It is located just under Tío Pepe’s sign, in the entrance of Calle Alcalá. The statue is a symbol of the city. The statue is Madrid’s symbol.
The second one is El Reloj de la Casa de Correos. It is well known all over Spain, because it is where the last bells of New Year’s Eve ring since 1962. If are there and you don’t have any relatives around; this is the right place where thousands of people gather together each year to eat grapes and to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
The third one is Kilómetro Cero. It is very simple: it is the point where the radial Spanish network begins. From Kilómetro Cero touristic activities come to life. Drinking a coffee and having a Napolitana de Chocolate en La Mallorquina, it is almost a spot not to be missed.
I loved that the buildings tell you their stories effortlessly. It is necessary to walk from the Sol till La Plaza Mayor. La Plaza Mayor is located in the heart of Madrid. It is one of the biggest squares in the world; it measures 129 meters long by 94 meters wide and is surrounded by buildings with three floors and porticos.
One of the most recognized symbols of Plaza Mayor is El Arco de Cuchilleros. This arch is the most popular door of the nine entrances that Plaza Mayor has. The name comes from a street with which it communicates: La calle Cuchilleros.
And, in Cuchilleros street there is no more or less the oldest restaurant in the world. Restaurante Botín is exactly in 17 Calle de los Cuchilleros; it is there since 1725. This restaurant appears in the book Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world.
[caption id="attachment_3241" align="aligncenter" width="996"]
Miriam Alvite B © Solkes[/caption]
My eyes and my heart almost couldn’t believe it. I’ve heard all my life about this place and now I am in front of its door. The façade is still the same; the same happens with its oven that still cooks el Cochinillo and El Cordero asado, that are the house specialties. The wine cellar is from the 16th century and its four stages attract the tourists that, at any time, go by to take pictures or, even better, they stay to taste some of the delicious plates.
There are hundreds of corners to visit and activities you can enjoy in El Parque del Retiro: puppet shows, musicians, fortunetellers, psychics and palm readers are some of the usual amusements. Practically next door is La Puerta de Alcalá.
La Puerta de Alcalá and Gran Vía vibrate
La Puerta de Alcalá is one of the most significant monuments of Madrid. It is located at the beginning of Alcalá street, in Plaza de la Independencia. I couldn’t help myself and I sang silently “mirala mirala la puerta de Alcalá”. And, as I wanted the coffee I like, I crossed the street and got to Serrano 1 to go in the first Juan Valdez of Europe. After this tiny pause, I decided that it was mandatory walking a little bit beyond and I got to La Plaza Cibeles. This square is located in downtown; it is one of the most emblematic places in the city. The square is outstanding. It heads a beautiful fountain and is surrounded by magnificent buildings that were built between late 18th century and early 20th century. Yet, a city cannot be walked through in one day and even less get to know the city for real in such a short time. El Palacio Real de Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. In addition to its stunning architecture when you haven’t grown with the royalty theme, it is worth living to see the “pretty sight” guard shifts. It is possible to see these shifts every Wednesday from October to July at 11 am. It doesn’t matter if its day or night La Gran Vía is one of those streets that is alive. When it was built, the city and its inhabitants suffered some changes, so to speak. To build this place there had to be demolished more than 300 houses and more than 50 streets were affected. [caption id="attachment_3242" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Miriam Alvite B © Solkes[/caption]
Street markets and good food
Close to Granvia and La Calle de Princesa there is La Plaza España. This is a unique and centric place; it is perfect for taking souvenir shots. You can also relax by looking at the continuous movement of the city enough for choosing among dozens of restaurants and shows nearby. Nevertheless, as I discover one of the best restaurants of Chinese noodles is in the parking lot basement of La Plaza. A small place and very crowded of citizens and tourists who make lines and wait for a delicious meal. On the other hand, visiting El Rastro is a nice change. It is an outdoor market that is on Sundays and holidays in historic downtown; it is on the popular neighborhood La Latina. This flea market has more than 400 years of history. In this place you can find both regular objects and funny looking gadgets; and a very cheerful environment surrounds it. Another thing, when you write about Madrid you must mention its gastronomy. It is made up of delicious and substantial dishes. Madrid’s gastronomy is a mixed of several styles that we find in different places in Spain. Madrid is an excellent city to go around trying tapas, because many of the traditional dishes are served in tiny portions that you can taste any time of the day.Madrid is in my heart
There are the steps from one side to the other, the laughter of the kids, the glass wines toasting, music in a corner, the silver wear clinching, the stroke of the brush over a canvas, the dropping coins in a hat of a living statue, a camera flash, the steps in a hurry, constant laughter, pigeons flutters, soap bubbles exploiting in the air, somebody running, the hug of friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time, chairs moving, a glass crashing on the floor and the smell of a beer, red wine, toasted bread, black rice with shrimps, tapas that are thousands. Madrid is the place that you can sleep over without feeling guilty, there is no rush, a schedule and there I can find a different city every time I go out to see it. Among many clouds, trees, noises and lives, there is no time for boredom.Madrid is like being at home; here I am never in a rush. In Madrid, any sound takes place.
]]>
