Madrid
Madrid , The centre of Spain. It has such a laid back vibe for a large European city. We arrived mid afternoon and checked into our boutique hotel called 60 Balconies.
I had a very clear vision of where I wanted us to stay which was in a cool area so we could sit in a cafe and people watch. I wanted an apartment with tall iron doors and windows in a narrow laneway overlooking other apartments so I could feel the energy of the city and connect with the locals and 60 Balconcies Urban Stay gave us just that .They are serviced apartments in the Cheuca area which I can highly recommend.
Everyone kept telling me Cheuca is the ‘ Soho of Madrid ‘ and it really was. Really cool unassuming bars on every corner, interesting boutiques of handmade Jewlery and fashion. I was in my absolute element !
The Madrilienians take their food VERY seriously . As a family travelling were a little out of sync with the locals when it came to mealtimes and we wanted to eat early but because we also wanted to fit in with the locals we paced our times of eating to fit in with theirs. The locals tend to eat their main meal at lunch time around 2pm - 3.30pm then tapas after 8pm til late. This was my kinda place . The emphasis is on the food and good company. You can see they absolutely cherish the company they keep and their friendships and see eating and drinking as part of their strong culture.
One night I recond we dug out the best bar in Madrid . Its a Piano Bar called Toni 2 where the locals hang out. The concept of the place is a Pianist can play any tune and anyone can sing but you have to know all the words by heart and everyone has a sing-a- long. By the end of the night you feel like you are with old friends in their living room. It was such a great place to experience a night out with locals . As most places in Madrid you walk through a small door and then BOOM its like the Great Gatsby .. with old school waiters ( the traditional classic type ) and people of all ages having a sing a long with no pretense , Anyone could get up and sing but some people were so good people were in tears !! The emotions of the locals when they sung really showed me great depth in the Madrilienians.
Surrounded by museums and culture from the famous Prado Museum to Plaza Major and beautiful parks between each landmark. You can just simply walk everywhere or hire a scooter or bike. We tend to stay away from the most touristy spots and try and dig out local places or smaller museums that only the locals tell you about.
We were there in the winter so I can imagine summer in Madrid is absolutely buzzing in their roof top bars, resturants , cafes , bars, musuems there is so much to do and see.
With Madrids interesting architecture , amazing food , culture , shopping and musuems it should be on everyones bucket list once in their lives to visit even if just for a short break !
Amor a todos !