‘A Christmas Carol’ is coming..!

November 28, 2016 guiriguide Comments 0 Comment

This family favorite opens in MadKick off the festive season by going to Face 2 Face Theatre’s production of the Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol! rid at SMedia’s Teatro Fígaro and will run from Saturday 3rd, until Sunday, 18th of December, with Saturday performances scheduled at 1630hrs, and Sunday performances at 1230hrs. This means that there are just 6 shows this Christmas so don’t miss out! (Reserve your tickets by following this link). Since Charles Dickens first released this classic story in 1843, it has become so popular that it would be hard to imagine Christmas without it!

This production, suitable for the whole family, is aimed at English speaking audiences however even if your English isn’t perfect, you’ll still certainly enjoy it! It’s catchy and evocative songs, clever improvisations and hilarious gags make this the perfect holiday treat for the family!

Set in London in the Victorian times, this story about a miserly and detatched man speaks to people of all ages. Ebenezer Scrooge, unsympathetic and cold hearted due to his tragic childhood and a long lost love, would prefer to live in a world in which Christmas didn’t exist so that he could remain his stingy, money-grabbing self. This however all changes one Christmas when he receives a number of wake-up calls from the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Face 2 Face’s Production brilliantly captures the love and magic of the story as well as creating scenes of absolute hilarity which will have you in creases!

It really is a show that’s worth taking the family to this Christmas – such a wonderful and memorable way to get in the festive mood!

Madrid’s Fascinating Museums

October 27, 2016 guiriguide Comments 0 Comment

Museo del Prado

The Museo del Prado holds the most complete collection of Spanish art in the world. It is famous for its wonderful collection of Goya (“Los fusilamientos de 3 de Mayo”), Velázquez (”Las Meninas”) as well as many other paintings and sculptures by influential artists. It houses one of the world’s finest collections of European art which at the moment adds up to around 8600 paintings and 700 sculptures. Well worth a visit.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

A museum of contemporary Spanish and international art dating from the end of the 19th century to current times. It is famous for the painting “Guernica” by Picasso, in addition to a number of works from Dalí, Juan Gris, and Miró.

Museo Thyssen

A museum of both ancient and modern art dating from the Middle Ages all the way through to Pop Art from the 1980’s! It boasts a wide variety of styles: Italian primitive, German Renaissance, American painting from the 19th century, impressionism, German expressionism, Russian constructivism and many more!

Museo Arqueológico Nacional

Learn about objects and artifacts that have come from different Spanish towns as well as from Mediterranean countries. These artifacts date back to ancient times and with help from rigorous, attractive, interesting and critical information, you can learn about the meaning behind them all. It is a great way to learn and understand more about the rich history of Spain and the Mediterranean.

Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

A perfect museum for kids as well as adults that proudly demonstrates the world’s natural heritage with a huge collection of specimens. Here are just a few examples: minerals, seaweeds, plants, animals as well as utensils and weapons from a number of different cultures and times. There are more than 6 million specimens in the museum!

Exciting October Events in Madrid!

September 28, 2016 guiriguide Comments 0 Comment

Although the summer is now ‘officially’ over, Madrid remains as lively and exciting as ever. If you are in Madrid in October, here is just a taste of what you’re in for.

‘Drockula’ – 29, 30 and 31 October at Teatros Luchana

Everyone has seen or read Dracula, one of the greatest horrors of all time haven’t they? But the real question is whether you’ve have plans to go and see the brilliant ‘Drockula’. Obviously it’s based on the classic Bram Stoker work and the actors do an incredible job of portraying this magical world of fantastical terror. A plot summary is sure to convince you to go and watch this spectacle, produced for English speakers, so here goes:
Count Dracula, a retired rock star, lives a solitary existence in his castle in Pennsylvania. He craves to be back amongst the rock and roll lifestyle of being in a band and being loved, adored and worshipped by his fans. He also misses his wife, and singer, Elisabetta, who was tragically killed by Eddie Van Helsing. This all changes when Lucy and Mina, two young singers full of energy and talent come to the castle…
Cleverly influenced on the one hand by the likes of Mr Bean, Monty Python and Buster Keaton, and on the other by the great work of Bram Stoker, this is a show that you must not miss!

The Villamanuela Festival – 7th & 8th October

Having been blown away by this amazing spectacle, you’ll need to be brought back down to earth. Head to Malasaña and Conde Duque and enjoy all that the Villamanuela festival has to offer. It not only has a jam-packed music schedule but also a wide variety of both art and food have to be discovered! Bands and artists come from all over the world to this relatively new and trendy festival which promises to offer a great evening for family and friends.

The Adelita Market – third Saturday each month (15th October)

Admittedly, even if you have the Spanish stamina, you’ll need to rest and recuperate having experienced both ‘Drockula’ and the Villamanuela festival! Unwind by heading to the Adelita Market – it’s an initiative in which anyone can participate by selling their unwanted possessions. Don’t throw out that jacket or sweater for which you have no need any more – get down to the Adelita Market and make a profit!

MadrEAT – 14, 15 and 16 October at Plaza Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Azca

I bet you’re hungry by now? If so, head to MadrEAT! It’s a monthly event that accommodates food trucks from all four corners of the world. It is an open-minded food market that attracts exceptional global gastronomy. If you’re lucky enough to be in Madrid while MadrEAT is happening, do not miss out on this absolute feast.

Othello – 2nd & 3rd October

With the music by Guiseppe Verdi and the director David Alden, this show is not to be missed. The Teatro Real Choir and the Children’s Choir belonging to the Community of Madrid’s Young Choir and Orchestra come together to produce this distinguished production of William Shakespeare’s great lyrical drama. A must see!
Make the most of Madrid this October!

Food Trucks in Madrid

September 19, 2016 guiriguide Comments 0 Comment

As we all know, Madrid is one of, if not the best city in the world for eating and drinking until your heart’s content. If you think this is purely down to the plethora of tapas bars and typical Spanish restaurants, you are mistaken. The concept of food trucks and mobile food carts has hopped across the pond from the United States and is fast seeping into this magnificent city!

The History of Food Trucks

The concept of the food truck was born in the United States in the mid-19th Century. A food vendor decided to cut windows out of a wagon, park it on the street outside a newspaper shop and sell sandwiches and coffee to journalists. They were also widely used during both World Wars to feed the soldiers. This concept has since spread across the globe and food trucks have become places from where respectable chefs can launch their careers. It is now even possible to track your favorite food trucks via social media! In the US, food truck rallies are also growing in popularity – they provide a great way of bringing cultures together and allow you to discover your favorite cuisine!
So, these food trucks provide a fast, easy and reasonably priced alternative to other casual restaurants. However, compared to other countries like England and Belgium, it has been hard for the concept of a food truck to break into Spain. Why, if there are so many restaurants and tapas bars selling affordable small eats, would you take the risk of going to a food truck where you have to eat on the street standing up?

Where can you find Food Trucks in Madrid?

It’s true that the idea hasn’t spread across Spain as quickly as other countries but in Madrid you won’t have any trouble finding a food truck! To whet your appetite, here are a few food trucks that you can find in Madrid:

1. Salchichen – German street food that brings authentic sausages and burgers to the streets of Madrid. Here you are guaranteed good quality, traditional German food.

2. MadrEAT – this event aims to bring top quality street food to Madrid on a monthly basis. MadrEAT is a celebration of “exceptional gastronomy” and the variety of food trucks has to be seen to be believed – you’ll find Japanese food, Peruvian food and Greek food just to name a few! Do not miss out! The upcoming dates are as follows: September – 23, 24 and 25. November – 4, 5 and 6. October – 14, 15 and 16 at Plaza Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Azca.

3. Peggy Sue’s – an American style food truck where you can enjoy typical hot dogs, burgers and fries.

And you’ll find many more food trucks in these popular places:
4. Matadero Madrid – this is a very trendy, modern place in Madrid and you’ll be sure to find food trucks from all over the world.
5. Stock! Feria Outlet Madrid – escape from the hustling, bustling centre of Madrid and enjoy a day out with your family. In and amongst all the shopping and live music, explore the wide variety of food trucks on offer. Make sure you’re there on 14, 15, 16 October.

The best places to go swimming in Madrid

July 12, 2016 guiriguide Comments 0 Comment

Everyone knows here how hard can be summer in Madrid therefore which is why there’s nothing better than relaxing in fresh water: thankfully, the city offers many opportunities to do just that! First of all, in the center of the Spanish capital, you will find plenty of swimming pools of all types (private, municipal). Nevertheless, a breath of fresh air out of the bustling capital can make you forget the hot summer routine, if only for a short while. So, to enjoy a sweeter summer and appreciate the strong Madrid sunrays, we’ve selected the top 5 spots to get all wet in Madrid: Happy Summer!!!

_The 5 best municipal swimming pools

1-The swimming pool of Complutense University

The perfect way to enjoy an incredible student atmosphere: situated in the Campus of a famous Madrid University, la Complutense, it is the meeting point of all young people who want to gather to swim together. Your student ID will be required but no worry because you can also enter as a +1!

• Address: Avenida Obispo Trejo 28040 Madrid
• Metro: Moncloa
• Opening hours: 11h-20h
/!\ Children aren’t accepted

2-The swimming pool of Centro Deportivo Municipal Casa de Campo

The popularity of this swimming pool speaks volumes: the number of sports facilities and room for hobbies of all types makes for a great day! Located fairly near the center of Madrid, with easy access via public transportation.

• Address: Paseo Puerta del Angel, 7 28011 Madrid
• Metro: El Lago/Puerta del Angel
• Opening hours: 11h-21h

3-The swimming pool of Centro Deportivo Municipal Francos Rodríguez

These 11,500 m2 of aquatic paradise create the perfect space to spend your time off this summer. Another swimming spot in Moncloa where also everyone is welcomed to enjoy summer and have fun in the water!

• Address: Calle Numancia, 11 28040 Madrid
• Metro: Francos Rodriguez
• Opening hours: 11h-21h

_The best rooftop option

4-The swimming pool of Hotel Oscar Roommate

Probably one of the most amazing swimming spots in the Spanish capital! This pool is located on the top of the Oscar Roomate hotel! Spend a hot Saturday afternoon surrounded by the Madrid elite and drinking some delicious cocktails in a bright, chill atmosphere accompanied by low key music. What more could we ask for?

• Adress: Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, 12
• Metro: Gran Via, Chueca
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday=11h-17h/Friday to Sunday: 11h30-18h

_The best natural swimming pools

5-Las Presillas (Rascafría)

This very natural and awesome area provides a wide range of natural swimming pools. This is an ideal place to lunch with your family or friends . More, it contains a magnificent landscape and trials ideal for peaceful walks.

• Adress: Diseminado Cr C 604, 8, 28741 Rascafría
• Bus: 194, plaza de castilla
• Opening hours: 9h-22h

Guiri Guide to Madrid

Honest Advice from Expats Living in the Spanish Capital

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