We have already been to many places in Spain, but never to the capital Madrid. Do we like it more than Barcelona? Yes. No. It’s different. Where’s the sea?
Madrid is a vibrant city with great food, sangria, a nice atmosphere, lots of trees, nice parks, gardens with fragrant flowers, elegant boulevards, intimate squares & big squares, flamenco, beautiful museums, a partnership with Brussels [Belgium] and of course; Jamon!
Since we like strolling around to soak up the atmosphere of the city we never took the metro. We stayed at Room Mate Alba next to Plaza de Santa Ana, which is actually very central and ideal for exploring the city in all the wind directions. On that square is the statue of the prominent Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. He was executed by Franco’s soldiers at the age of 38 probably because of his homosexuality and leftist political views.
En la bandera de la libertad bordé el amor más grande de mi vida.
Federico García Lorca
On the flag of freedom, I embroidered the greatest love of my life.
First night in Madrid and we booked ourselves a night out with sangria and flamenco at Tablao Flamenco 1911.
It was a sensory experience. Stomping feet, swirling dresses, elegant wrist movements, heads held high with pride, passion and fervour all accompanied by live music. Their statement: ‘ There are places that offer flamenco. We are the place where flamenco made its home’.
Was it worth it? Definitely. Although it felt a little bit like a tourist business deal.
