MADRID - the life of Riley

Nothing makes me happier than buying a flight ticket for my adventure (aventuras, avventura, abenteuer or przygoda – call it however you wish).

It is well known that travelling makes you braver, opens up your eyes and makes your experience life out of your comfort zone.

Yes, travelling challenges you. And it gives you cool stories in return.

Yes, travelling changes your perspective and does blow your mind. It changes your point of view in 180 degrees, and that is one of the reasons why I love it.

And yes, travelling helps you to find out who you are.

Gives you time to wonder about everything and anything.

If you already know me, you should know that I do not need to be asked twice, if a plan involves adventures, I do not hesitate to take the risk. So, how could I refuse a very unexpected proposition of going to Madrid for a few days?

MY FIRST VISIT TO MADRID.

I have visited Madrid in June 2018 and the capital city of Spain has unpredictably stolen my entire heart. I only had a chance of staying there for 2 days as it was a layover while I was travelling across the ocean. (I did get into small trouble at the Spanish boarder and I was about to stay in Spain for 4 weeks instead of 3 days... but after a rough adventure I luckily could continue my trip as it was planned, however staying in Spain would not have been the end of the world !!)

In the past few years I have visited a few Spanish cities for instance: Barcelona, Seville or Malaga, so initially, I wasn’t planning to visit another big city at this moment or for a while. However, as people say you can't judge a book by its cover I decided to give it a go, so as a result I have started my solo trip to the city known for the world’s best footballer and the biggest Zara in the world.

As a traveller I associate a word ‘travelling’ with three things:

mile-long walks between tiny alleys, sleepless nights AND everything what’s local – handmade products, local food, local alcohol and just hang out with locals in general.

That is my own recipe for a fulfilling trip.

If you ever travel to a city with such a rich history, I would strongly recommend going for a walking tour with a local guide to anyone who got time limitations and is looking to explore Madrid in more interesting way than seeing 2-3 museums a day.

In my opinion, it is absolutely the best (and the easiest) way to get to know the city from the back office, see some extra little hidden gems around the city, hear the curiosities and fun facts about the country and what’s more important, get special recommendations where to eat/ drink without touristic traps. Also, it is a great opportunity get to know others (especially if you are travelling solo 😊 )

THE BEST WALKING TOUR IN MADRID:

Super informative and knowledgeable guide with great sense of humour! Saludo Carlos!

The walking tour starts at Puerta Del Sol and takes you around most important places in Madrid such as Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace and Plaza Del Oriente.

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What makes Spain so unique in my eyes?

(Despite of fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine)

Spirit:

Every single time I travel to Spain, I end up falling in love with the people’s kindness, the relaxed lifestyle and warm hospitality. Welcoming atmosphere and positive vibes feel in the air. You will be never left alone when you ask for help.

Passion:

Not all Spaniards are passionate about all the typical things such as football, bullfights or flamenco, but we can not deny that it is just pure beauty to see passionate people in action. I am totally consumed by Flamenco. It is an intense and emotional art form made up of three parts dance, song and guitar.

Spanish siestas, fiestas and nightlife.

Beware, nightlife in Spain makes you addictive to long nights out and returns at dawn. You will see a bar on every street corner full of elderly people mingle with teenagers in lively way and how happy they are. Siesta simply means an afternoon rest time or nap and fiestas is a colourful explosion of happiness in form of festivals. I am going to do my best to fulfil my childhood dream and be present at Tomatina festival in Valencia.

Spanish Cuisine:

It is one of the main reasons why I would not be able to be a vegan. A lot of quality meat, fresh seafood, real vegetables. I will be coming back to Spain to hang out at a local bar located at Cava Baja and enjoy refreshing glass of tinto de Verano; to spend a long evening feast with a jug of sangria (or most likely two) and delicious variety of tapas. Just thinking of Jamón Iberico, Solomillo al Whisky or crunchy croquetas makes my mouth watering.

/if you join for a walking tour with Carlos you will find out more about history of tapas🥠 /

The language:

Surprisingly or not, Spanish is the second talked language on Earth after Mandarin. It is a very adorable, melodious and even more sexy language, so why not learn how to speak Spanish? Bien, vamos a ver como va esto.

Referring to my question:

How could I have refused the proposition of going to one of my favourite cities which never sleeps; where there is always something happening; the city full of authentic, energetic vibe mix with Spanish temper, topped up with best sangria and delicious food? The answer is straight forward, I couldn’t.

I’m off to the airport now.

PS: If you are interested in recommendation where to sleep/eat/party – Stay tuned 😊 .