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Visiting Madrid, Intelligently

Visiting Madrid, Intelligently

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I will admit to a secret. Despite living the past year and a half on a budget (for good reason of course) it hasn’t meant a sacrifice in comforts when we’ve traveled. As the most avid web surfers and bargain hunters know, you don’t have to be rich to find excellent deals – just savy. So I wanted to point you in the direction of finding luxury travel.

I came across Travel Intelligence recently when booking a hotel in Marrakech, Morocco. At the time I knew the neighborhood I wanted to stay in and I am always partial to boutique hotels. However, even if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, or if you have desires even more specific – you’re covered.

Outside of locating the perfect hotel room I love looking for what relates to Madrid (always to sell the traveler), I have come across some travel posts on Travel Intelligence and other websites that would do Madrileños proud. Sometimes, unfortunately, you just need to be reminded what an incredible city and country you live in, especially when that city is so strong culturally.

I am recommending for those venturing on a visit to Madrid as well as those already living in Madrid.  Obviously, I am not in need of a hotel room here but everyone knows there is never a shortage of things going on, especially at night, in Madrid. Some of the coolest places to stop for a drink at night are high end hotels, such as Room Mate Hotel, so check out options for great bars.  Or say if you’re like Jodie, and are a foodie, then you might enjoy finding out which hotels appease foodies in Madrid…and then of course go test them out.

We are embarking on the holiday season now, it’s time to live it up a little. You have your source now….get out there.

In Madrid and not sure what to order?

In Madrid and not sure what to order?

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My husband and I still laugh at the fact that we’ve been living in Madrid for more than a year now, have learned some decent Spanish and yet the menus (cartas) at restaurants still baffle us sometimes.

Perhaps you’ve visited Argentina and ordered many a lomo (beef tenderloin) and were a little surprised when a pork loin is laid in front of you in Madrid (or maybe not… Pork? This is Spain after all). Or maybe you were feeling adventurous and ordered Mollejas without knowing what they were – well unless sweet breads are your thing…stay away from these suckers. Or you’re confused between Lechazo and Lechal…

The thing is the term “Spanish cooking” does not really exist. Just as the typical Spaniard will first identify themselves by region [ie, Basque] before claiming Spain, food is divided by region too. A true way to really experience Spanish cuisine is to tackle it by region, ideally in said region while understanding the terrain and history which have so greatly influenced their famed culinary delights. Also you might be pleased to know that it is often the region that dictates the foods names – so don’t be alarmed when your Castilian skills seem less than stellar.  What’s really lacking is your regional dialect…and I think we can let that slide for now.

In Madrid here are a few regional restuarants to try:

La Sidreria Vasca Sagaretxe – To experience Basque cooking at its most delicious in Madrid.

O’Caldiño – For the best Galician food in Madrid!  I LOVE their Pulpo Gallego.

Casa Carola – Hungover? Best way to cure that is with Madrid’s Cocido!

La Paella de la Reina – For that proper Valencian lunch of Paella.

…for more regional speciality places see here.

Before heading out on any side trip I reference this website on gastronomy around Spain to learn a bit about those local dishes I should try.

And to avoid any mishaps I would suggest to read up  on food terminology before simply going out to dinner in Madrid [or else where].

Happy dining!

You, too, can live it cheap in Madrid!

You, too, can live it cheap in Madrid!

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Since beginning Guiri Guide [actually I admit, because of Guiri Guide] we have been introduced to some amazing things and people in Madrid. Honestly, the best part of this venture for many of us has been the fact that in our quest to find the best, easiest and most enjoyable things in Madrid to make the move and settling as pleasurable as possible, we have had to get out there and ‘discover’ a bit more than we would normally do in our day to day lives.

I don’t know why it took so long but it doesn’t matter, we’ve now found The Cheap in Madrid’s Blog and we’re not looking back.

The idea of Cheap in Madrid is simple, to provide you ways to experience the pulse of the city on the cheap…or even free! The author, Sarah from South Africa, has been living in Madrid for 4 years and enjoys, to its full extent, the buzz of the city – both indoors and outdoors. Best of all, Sarah is sharing with the rest of us!

Madrid isn’t the most expensive city in Europe but on the other hand all you need to do is take a side trip to say, Salamanca to quickly realize that we pay a lot for things…too much really. And if you recall – we’re the partners of ‘starving’ students, so we could stand to go cheap some [well most] of the time here.

I went last weekend, as per the recommendation of The Cheap in Madrid’s Blog, to the Caixa Forum to see PhotoExpo: Infancy by Isabel Muñoz. An exceptional exhibit. The way the photos were positioned around the room – almost uncomfortably close – and the wonderfully written description of each photo, truly made the exhibit powerful.

Sign up for the email updates so that you’re totally in the know and you’ll quickly find out how much more of amazing Madrid you can experience – cheaply.

www.cheapinmadrid.com

Madrid websites that I dig

Madrid websites that I dig

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I know I introduced myself as someone who seemed to find no resources on moving to and living in Madrid or even Spain for that matter.  Yes, I found a few resources but none captured in entirety what I needed – and that was a personalized voice giving me the down and dirty on the logistics of moving and settling.  Today Guiri Guide is able to supply you with all sorts of information after its been tested.  But even we needed a bit of a kick start and other than word of mouth – these were our sources.

For the Expat

Just Landed Madrid – This site has the best information in terms of no frills logistical information and contact information.

Spain Expat – Truthfully, this site doesn’t do much for me but you might find it useful.

Easy Expat – Probably best for job searches/postings.

Anglo Info – Great for information once you’re settled into ‘life’ info on House Improvements, Legal, Financial, Cars, Health…etc.

For the latest in ‘What’s Happening’

AIL Madrid Blog– This blog has info on all major festivals, expat holidays here in Madrid (St Patty’s, 4th of July, etc), as well as articles about learning Spanish and cultural traditions in Spain. They even have Spanish recipies!

esMADRID – This site is great for major city events/concerts/festivals/exhibitions…etc.

InMadrid – This is my go-to site (and monthly newspaper) for all things Madrid…especially those things that people my age may enjoy.  The writing style is humorous and they typically have quirky facts about the city that are interesting.

For Madrid/Spain General information

Madrid Insider – Good for the tourist planning a short stop over in Madrid

Spain Tourism – Best for planning a substantial Spain trip