A friend and coworker of mine just got back from a tour through Spain and France. As soon as I got over the hurdle of my raging jealousy, I started to reminisce about my semester studying in Madrid. Since it’s Travelin’ Thursday today, I thought I’d post about the city. Since it’s Meri-Goes-Round, you oughtta know by know that that means a LIST!

Meri is Mad for Madrid (a few of my can’t miss favorites of the city)

1. Retiro Park(aka El Parque del Buen Retiro). This massive urban park sits at the edge of the cultural center of the city. It is over 350 acres and has gardens, a lake with rowboats, and this awesome crystal palace. Though a friend and I had a surreal and “memorable” experience with a flasher in this very park, I remember it fondly nonetheless for my many positive experiences studying, watching street performers, lazing in the sun, and going for walks.

   

2. El Rastro. This is a flee market extraordinaire and cultural experience wrapped in one. Art, jewelry, clothing, antiques, and unique wares from hundreds of vendors converge in central Madrid each Sunday (and other assigned days on occasion). My all time favorite pair of earrings was purchased at the Rastro for a mere 2 Euro.
3. El Corte Ingles. Department store. Grocery Store. Furniture. Clothing. Gourmet goods, meats, and liquors. Think Harrods but with tons of duplicates around the city (and country). I can’t put my finger on why I love this landmark so very much, but I miss it all of the time. Runners Up: Zara, Mango
4. Nightlife. Nobody, nobody, nobody loves a good time more than the Spanish. Between discos and irish pubs, underground flamenco shows or “los heavy” music, clubs open all night and chocolaterias open even later… Madrid never sleeps. Never did I feel more like myself than in this city for night owls. Dining at 10:30, tapas after that, and heading out for the night at midnight… I don’t regret a single sleepless night spent in Madrid.
5. Flamenco. The music… the passion… the rhythms and costumes. I love absolutely everything about this art; from the syncopations of the guitar to the flirtations and nuances of the dance itself.

   

I can’t overwhelm you (and myself) with all of my favorites in one sitting, and so I’ll follow up with more on a Travelin’ Thursday in the near future! Stay tuned!

Have you ever been to Madrid? What was your favorite part? What are some of your beloved parts of your own city that you share with visitors?

Meri