celia s
12th September 2006, 03:16 PM
Hi guys,
Just returned from Madrid.What a fantastic city!!!
Madrid was everything that I expected and so much more.The traditional barrios have such a wonderful ambience.I have never seen so many cafes and bars in one city!
Madrid has so much culture and world-class art.It was quite overwhelming at times.Picasso's "Guernica" was incredible.I also enjoyed the Prado's collection of Spanish paintings(esp Velazquez and Goya).
The heat was quite intense,at first,but I soon got used to it.I had a siesta every day in the Retiro Park.It was also a good excuse to visit many of the wonderful 17th c tile bars!
The Plaza Mayor was my favourite place.Not only is it architecturally beautiful but there is always something going on there(eg live music and entertainment).
Some of the waiters were a bit grumpy,though.My sister had quite a few heated exchanges with several of them(try to imagine a female Gordon Ramsey!!!).
We couldn't find enough decent vegetarian and salad restaurants.Perhaps if our stay had been longer,we would have.
We had a very unsatisfactory experience in one of the VIP restaurants(more about that in the appropriate section!)
Conversely,on our last evening,we did manage to find an Italian style restaurant on the Calle de Correo,that served quality vegetables,salad and potatoes!
We were hoping to visit 'La Solea' for some authentic flamenco but unfortunately,it was was closed every evening.Has it closed permanently?
We stayed at the hostal Santa Cruz in the old quarter.Our balcony overlooked the square.Not only was it relaxing but we were serenaded from our hotel room every night by accordian players and other musicians.We even threw some money down from our balcony!
Madrid felt much safer than Barcelona(some of the the dark alleyways in Barcelona made me feel quite edgy).Although,we didn't venture into the modern part of the city or the suburbs.
My main problem now ,is deciding whether to move to Barcelona or Madrid!That is going to require some serious thought.
I have taken some photos of our trip and will try and post them on the site soon.
Just returned from Madrid.What a fantastic city!!!
Madrid was everything that I expected and so much more.The traditional barrios have such a wonderful ambience.I have never seen so many cafes and bars in one city!
Madrid has so much culture and world-class art.It was quite overwhelming at times.Picasso's "Guernica" was incredible.I also enjoyed the Prado's collection of Spanish paintings(esp Velazquez and Goya).
The heat was quite intense,at first,but I soon got used to it.I had a siesta every day in the Retiro Park.It was also a good excuse to visit many of the wonderful 17th c tile bars!
The Plaza Mayor was my favourite place.Not only is it architecturally beautiful but there is always something going on there(eg live music and entertainment).
Some of the waiters were a bit grumpy,though.My sister had quite a few heated exchanges with several of them(try to imagine a female Gordon Ramsey!!!).
We couldn't find enough decent vegetarian and salad restaurants.Perhaps if our stay had been longer,we would have.
We had a very unsatisfactory experience in one of the VIP restaurants(more about that in the appropriate section!)
Conversely,on our last evening,we did manage to find an Italian style restaurant on the Calle de Correo,that served quality vegetables,salad and potatoes!
We were hoping to visit 'La Solea' for some authentic flamenco but unfortunately,it was was closed every evening.Has it closed permanently?
We stayed at the hostal Santa Cruz in the old quarter.Our balcony overlooked the square.Not only was it relaxing but we were serenaded from our hotel room every night by accordian players and other musicians.We even threw some money down from our balcony!
Madrid felt much safer than Barcelona(some of the the dark alleyways in Barcelona made me feel quite edgy).Although,we didn't venture into the modern part of the city or the suburbs.
My main problem now ,is deciding whether to move to Barcelona or Madrid!That is going to require some serious thought.
I have taken some photos of our trip and will try and post them on the site soon.