|
Travelling Madrid
These Boots Were Definitely Made For Walking..
My Madrid holiday was literally a 24-hour run, but in a way it was enough as I managed to cover all the basics. Although it did take a lot of stamina – and coffee- to cram everything in under a day. If I had the time, I would definitely have opted for a guided tour.
 Oh Boy Did I Shop!
Luckily I happened to be there on a weekend. I set off early for El Rastro flea market- the largest in the world. It was fascinating, branching off into different sections with clothing and accessories dominating one area and others offering everything from old coins, leather goods, meat and foodstuff, even livestock, much like a 16th century gypsy market.
El Rastro is perfect for getting quaint souvenirs - uniquely embroidered handbags, leather coin purses besides the usual tourist’s bric-a-brac. Honestly, I went wild! Plus, photographs turn out beautifully against such a colourful setting.
Ole!
I wanted most to see a bullfight and flamenco- a trip to Spain would be incomplete otherwise. So after taking my fill of the market I took the metro to
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Spain’s largest bullring.
In my ignorance, I took for granted how popular bullfighting really is in Spain. Luckily there were still seats available despite my rather last-minute purchase so I bought a ticket for the late afternoon session and headed back to town for a quick run of the city.
Of KM 0 And A Brown Bear....
 First stop- Madrid’s very heart, the crescent-shaped Puerta del Sol
(Gate of the Sun). The typical tourist will always take at least one photo exactly on the KM 0 point marking the starting point for measuring distances between Madrid and the rest of Spain. The clock tower’s New Year countdown is broadcast live each year while people around Spain try to eat 12 grapes in 12 seconds at the stroke of 12.
Other attractions in Puerta del Sol are a statue of Carlos III of Spain on horseback as well as the emblem of Madrid, El Oso y El Madroño- The Bear and The Madroño (loosely translated as Strawberry) Tree – in the same vicinity. All in all the Sol area is busy, with a constant stream of people passing through, shopping or meeting up.
From Puerta del Sol I walked to the elegant Plaza Mayor, a 15th century market square which is now the city’s main square. Enclosed on all sides by buildings with over 200 balconies facing inwards, it has seen everything from markets to bull fights- even public executions and autos de fe- the trial and punishment of heretics during the Spanish Inquisition.
A statue of Philip III on horseback, dating from 1616, has graced the centre of the square since the 19th century. Plaza Mayor is popular among tourists for its architectural beauty, as well as its numerous cafes, street artists and little shops. Murals decorate one section of the square- the Casa de la Panaderia (Bakery House)- located in the centre of its north side.
... Gardens, Matadors and Dancers...
I was on a flamenco mission. Although I found out there were bars where one could go for a drink and show, nobody could direct me to such a place. Finally, though, I stumbled upon a tourist information centre in Plaza Mayor which gave the name of a bar, show schedule and directions.
Next I walked to the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace). By chance, my trip coincided with the Crown Prince’s wedding and the previous evening I had glimpsed the bride being driven in a limousine to the Almudena Cathedral.
I walked to the palace but didn’t go inside as I was pressed for time. However I did stroll in the Sabatini Gardens. Beautifully landscaped, immaculately groomed, it was filled with statues, fountains and a pool. After the hustle and bustle of the streets, its serenity was extremely welcome.
 By then it was nearly 4 pm- bullfighting time! I hopped back on the metro and headed for the
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Later that night, I finally got to catch the flamenco show.
My tour of Madrid was complete! There are no words to describe the beauty of these two ‘dances’. I was absolutely fascinated by how they combined such strength, grace and passion. I – and my boots- were totally worn out by the end of the trip.
Sadly, there was a lot that I missed due to lack of time. There is a strong cultural side to Madrid, with shopping, theatre, opera, and the like, which I would have loved to explore. No one in their right mind can do a proper tour in just one day- so don’t! Take the time to relax and bask in the passion and beauty of Madrid.
Book Madrid Hotels
here |
