Madrid

"De Madrid al cielo, y en el cielo una ventanita desde donde verlo."

From Madrid to heaven, and in heaven a little window from which to see it. 

Madrid. Spain's none-stop, 24 hour capital, and in a former, and better life my home.  Originally called 'Mayrit' under the emir Muhammad's occupation of the Iberian peninsular, it became capital (again) and this time officially in 1978 upon the death of General Franco, and has since that day morphed into one of the world's great cosmopolitanism capitals, pulling the rest of Spain into the modern world behind it.

El oso y El Madrono - The bear and the strawberry tree, the official emblem of the city,  is immortalized with a famous statue in La Puerta del Sol. The story goes that 1000s of strawberry trees used to populate the land on which Madrid now stands - which in turn attracted vast amounts of bears. How true this is, I can't say, there are numerous other theories.

As a quick side note the history of Madrid can be told through how its coat of arms has changed through the years, and is an interesting read, if that's your sort of thing.

For many travel bloggers and tourists Madrid constantly lives in Barcelona's shadow, but not for me. Madrid stole my heart in my youth, and it's the one place on earth to where I will always return.  

La Plaza Mayor - The center of Madrid, and of Spain is encased by the imposing Plaza Mayor, apart from hosting an exquisite Christmas market this breathtaking venue has been used for bullfights, football matches, public executions and royal coronations. The grandeur and beauty is somewhat offset by rather large men dressed as superheros attempting to manhandle you into restaurants for which they supposedly work - just avoid them, or try not to look too much like a tourist. Or swear at them in Spanish (Google it).

*TOP TIP - Please, sit outside a cafe in Plaza Mayor, order a coffee and drink in your stunning surroundings, but for food walk just around the corner, and save yourself plenty of Euros. I often leave Madrid with a tear in my eye, and not always because of the emptiness of my wallet - you just need to avoid the tourist hot spots.

El Palacio Real de Madrid - the official residence of the Spanish Royal family, although currently only used for state occasions - the royal family currently choosing more modest accommodation on the outskirts of Madrid due to Spain's current financial crisis. I'm not quite sure how this is assisting Spain's youngsters through their crippling youth unemployment crisis, but I'm sure there's method in the madness. Nonetheless the recently abdicated Juan Carlos was a relatively popular monarch, it remains to be seen if his son Felipe VI enjoys the same reputation.

Gran Via - If Madrid is the heart of Spain then Gran Via (literally Great Way or Great Road) is the artery that keeps the blood flowing.  Comparable to Barcelona's La Rambla, only with less pickpockets, con-men, drug-dealers and sex workers (although you should still keep your money well secured or hidden). Gran Via is known, with some justification, as the 'street which never sleeps' and nowhere in Europe have I enjoyed a more vibrant nightlife. The laid back and social culture which prevails throughout Spain, without people ending up being sick on the pavement, is something from which the UK could learn a great deal. I was once told if you stood on Gran Via for 24 hours you would see the whole world without taking a step - the more I visit, the more I think my grandfather was onto something.

El Parque Retiro - Spain's answer to New York's Central Park is the endless Parque Retiro - I'm yet to visit without getting lost, both physically and in my own thoughts. There is a famous Spanish song concerning Madrid's lack of a beach (aqui no hay playa, playa, vaya vaya...),but that doesn't stop the young madrilenos from relaxing, reading, sunbathing and generally getting away from the pulsing heart of central Madrid. 

**TOP TIP Be careful of leaving bags and valuables unattended whilst sunbathing in the park, you wouldn't at home, so don't do it hear - pickpockets do operate in the park.

El Museo del Prado - probably 3rd to only the great Louvre of Paris and the Vatican of Rome as museums of art go. Art lover or not, you simply cannot visit this great city and not visit its very own treasure trove. All of the Spanish greats are housed here - El Greco, Valazquez, Goya and Murillo. As well as over 9000 paintings, 5000 drawings and 2000 prints from all the greats of history.  They say you haven't visited Madrid until you've visited the Prado. All of history, in a single building.

I was going to mention Madrid's love affair with the beautiful game, but that really is a post in itself, and not only because of the Galacticos of Real Madrid, but Madrid's plethora of other vibrant and interesting clubs, I urge any of you, who spend any time in Madrid, to go and watch a game of football. 

Until next time,

Adios.