Rooftops V

Círculo de Bellas Artes - My new favourite roof (a steal at euro a visit). Best views of the city I've seen so far and a photo exhibition with a hilariously bizarre image (see below)

Cerrado por vacaciones

I'm the only person in Madrid working this month... the city is on holidays.

Top 5 things I won’t miss about Madrid

Today is my 2 year anniversary in Madrid, how time flies! Unfortunately time is also flying me away from here pretty soon and, depressed as I am, I decided to make a list of the things I won’t miss to cheer myself up. Generally this blog is overwhelming positive so please excuse the quick sashay into the world of the negative. Promise to post a top 5 of things I will miss soon.

So here goes, The top 5 things I won’t miss about Madrid

Shop Assistants

Nuff said really, but just to elaborate in case you haven’t experienced Spanish customer service, it can be boiled down to one word – Shit.

People who can’t walk in a straight line

I’ve never heard anyone else complain about this but it seems to me that people here can’t walk in a straight line. The pavements are an obstacle of slow moving, careening human traffic. Pick a side and stick to it, jeez. Should I ever rise to power in Spanish politics (improbable) I will be implementing a 4 lane system on the pavements – 2 lanes per direction with a dedicated fast lane on both sides.

When they turn the escalator off in La Latina.

Worst. Climb. Ever.

People staring at me in metro

Though ironically, one of my favourite things in the metro is looking at the people around me as I am occasionally the tallest person in the metro. Amazing considering my statuesque height of 5,4. That said, though I enjoy a good gawp, I cannot stand people staring at me in metro. Yes, I have milk bottle skin, blond hair and blue eyes and I can see how that might be weird for you but seriously, have you seen the dwarves all around us?!

Oh My God / Hissing

Random groups of men who say ‘oh my god’ or hiss at me as I walk past. Yes, that’s how you will get my attention and friendship sirs. Jerks.

Get up, stand up...

Nope not an indignados post. More of a transport related rant.

One thing I don't understand about Madrid is people’s (read Madrileños’s) unwillingness to give up their seats to elderly people or pregnant women. I’ve often been the only one on the bus or metro to offer my seat up and it surprises me that no one, not even the men, seems to think anything of it. Not cool folks, not cool. Granted the percentage of the population over the age of 65 is like 20% (note: this is a made up statistic but genuinely is around the 15 – 20% mark) so if you offer a seat up to every one who deserves it you’ll never sit down but that’s how it should be so cop on.

Ok, rant over :)

Dear RENFE

HIRE A DECENT TRANSLATOR!
That is all. (see also - This week's bout of Spanglish is sponsored by Renfe)

Man toilets and woman toilets?? Whatever happened to Ladies and Gents? Or simply Women and Men?

La Tabacalera de Lavapiés

La Tabacalera de Lavapiés is an old tobacco factory in Madrid which has been converted into a social centre. After reading about in the English language paper In Madrid I wandered down to check it out. It’s a gigantic building most of which is closed off to the public, but what’s open comprises of a cafeteria, garden, exhibition spaces, classrooms... During the week it hosts classes and the cafeteria has a cool chilled out vibe as well as exceptionally cheap prices. Plus I saw le Cool Madrid recommending their sushi evening last week. Pop in and check out the wall art (amazing) and the hilarious notice board wall.

 

 

 

 

Rooftops IV

Spent a Saturday afternoon at the Reina Sofia museum. (free after 14.30) Not my favourite museum in Madrid I have to say. For me, Picasso’s Guernica is the only stand out piece and the Dali’s on display are disappointing (guess all the best stuff is in Figueres??). However, if you walk... and walk and walk... you’ll find their terrace. Unfortunately it’s cunningly located so as to force you to view all exhibitions first (philistine I know :P) but it’s worth it.