Saturday, June 28 (Madrid, Spain) – In 2005 I visited Madrid for the first time with a friend from high school. Nearly a decade later (wow), I am back for round #2. While I did a bunch of the main attractions the first time, I wanted to revisit some while learning more about the history and culture of the city.
So I started my time in Madrid with a free walking tour through the company Sandeman’s New Europe, which offers free tours in 18 cities! The tour was particularly crowded (about 250 people) so multiple tour guides arrived and split us up into smaller, manageable groups. Throughout the tour I saw a lot of the key sites with the proper context, and I learned some interesting things...
So I started my time in Madrid with a free walking tour through the company Sandeman’s New Europe, which offers free tours in 18 cities! The tour was particularly crowded (about 250 people) so multiple tour guides arrived and split us up into smaller, manageable groups. Throughout the tour I saw a lot of the key sites with the proper context, and I learned some interesting things...
Madrid Fun Facts & Legends
Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world, Botin Restaurant, which opened in 1725 (fact)
Tapas were originated to prevent poor farm workers from getting too drunk during lunchtime to be productive in the field in the afternoon. Since they had little money, they couldn’t afford to eat and drink at lunch, so they often chose to drink… on an empty stomach. So a rule was set that each alcoholic beverage served must be accompanied by a small plate of food. (legend)
The name ‘tapa’ means cover and originated because people would cover their beers with their small plates of food so that the wind would not blow dust and sand into their beverage. (legend)
The symbol of Madrid – a bear leaning against a tree reaching for berries – was originated because bears used to roam the streets and eat the berries from this particular kind of tree (madroño tree). The berries would ferment in the bears’ bellies, and would ultimately make them very drunk.
Madrillenos – who love to drink wine – saw a bit of themselves in the bears, so decided to use the image in their coat of arms. (fact or legend?)
More Madrid highlights
I happened to walk by the world-famous art museum, the Reina Sofia, around 1:15 in the afternoon (on Sunday), and there was a bit of a crowd growing in the massive courtyard by the entrance. To my surprise, (TIP) the doors opened for FREE at 1:30 as they do each Sunday, saving adults eight Euro each! I was on my way to Retiro Park, but I had a change of heart and decided to go to the museum.
The Reina Sofia is famous for its collection of work from Picasso ("Guernica" in particular) and Salvador Dali, among many others. I started in one of the current exhibitions about Playgrounds. It was an interesting portrayal of the evolution of public play spaces as art. It also showcased the common struggle between the need for free time and the need to work - something I know many of us are faced with!
The Reina Sofia is famous for its collection of work from Picasso ("Guernica" in particular) and Salvador Dali, among many others. I started in one of the current exhibitions about Playgrounds. It was an interesting portrayal of the evolution of public play spaces as art. It also showcased the common struggle between the need for free time and the need to work - something I know many of us are faced with!
After being inspired by the Playgrounds exhibit, I resisted the urge to find a swing set and made my way to the museum's holy grail: Guernica. Although I am not an art buff by any means, I got really excited knowing I was approaching this extremely impactful and important piece of art. I even got the chills when I finally walked into the room and saw the 25ft painting against the wall. One of my favorite parts was actually the wall opposite Guernica, where a companion of Picasso's had taken photographs of the painting throughout its stages of being created. It was very cool to see how he worked and get the slightest glimpse of his process.
Ok, definitely saving the best for last. The main reason I decided to stop in Madrid on my way to the eastern coast of Spain was to visit Mr. Shaw (ok, I guess it is "Oliver" now). Oliver was my Spanish teacher in high school - 8th or 9th grade actually - and was one of the reasons I have become so obsessed with the language. He moved to Madrid about ten years ago, and I haven't seen him since. After reconnecting on Facebook, he graciously invited me to stay with him in Madrid, and it was such a great reunion! I had a blast with him and am so glad I was able to stay in a real home and neighborhood.
I was excited but nervous to speak Spanish in front of him, but I think (hope) he was proud of my skills over a decade after taking his class!?
I was excited but nervous to speak Spanish in front of him, but I think (hope) he was proud of my skills over a decade after taking his class!?
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