Madrid

I''m not usually one for revisiting somewhere so soon after I've been (with the exception of Paris, where you can take me anytime). I usually prefer to explore new places and add to the increasingly long list of 'Places I have been'. I like the unknown- those moments when you arrive at a bus station/train station/airport without a map/local currency, etc. It makes it all the more worthwhile when you find your feet and start experiencing the place for yourself. Last summer I visited Madrid, Spain's capital for 4 days- the start of 2 brilliant weeks Interrailing around Spain. Almost a year to the day, I was back to visit Jackie (American flatmate from France) who is working there this summer as an au-pair.

The benefits of being (relatively) unemployed is the fact that you can pack up and do whatever you want. I decided on a whim to go to Madrid (booked on the Monday, went on the Thursday, in true Peter Kay 'Packed it, booked it, fucked off' style). Naturally I chose the 50€ return bus ride rather than the 75€ train, so spent 5 and a bit hours staring out at Spain's dry landscape.

A few hours later and I'd checked into my hostel and was off exploring. I love the fact that Madrid's centre is small and easy to walk round, so did just that, stopping to watch protesters in Sol, meeting point and central hub of Spain. After meeting up with the wife, we ate a LOT of cake, had some cider and headed to a small bar in the Lavapies district, the traditional immigrant area where alcohol is generally a lot cheaper. Win!

Things I did in Madrid

• Met up with friends from both Nancy and Newcastle. Had a great time catching up and swapping stories.
• Ate a LOT of ice cream. Would have been rude not to in the 32 degree heat.
• Wandered around Plaza Mayor, Sol and the beautiful Retiro park
• Swam in the pool in Jackie's complex. She's a lucky one.
• Ate a LOT of tapas. Found a great little bar where you get a free plate of tapas with every drink.
• Discovered Mojitos. I'd never really liked them before but this trip changed all that. Brilliant news!
• Went to a quiz in an English bookshop. Lost. Felt dumb (how am I supposed to know who the last King of Albania was??)
• Went to an indie club! Danced like no one was watching (although everyone probably was seen as NO ONE was dancing).
• Sat in parks, watched little yappy dogs yapping around. Saw a lot of protests. Sat down and listened. Spain is angry.

Protests in Sol.

Why Madrid is better than Barcelona

• Fewer tourists. Yes, there are still a lot but in Barcelona it's just ridiculous. Result- stuff is cheaper.
• Easier to explore the city centre on foot. You can easily walk from the Retiro on the east side to the Palace on the west.
• Better tapas.
• Safer. Not once did I feel uncomfortable or feel like I had to watch my bag.

Needless to say I'm glad I returned to Madrid. This is a young city that has a lot of offer in terms of culture/nightlife and I could see myself living there quite happily. It's a shame it is sometimes overlooked by its Catalan sibling and neglected by tourists. Then again, maybe that's a good thing..