Tag Archives: madrid

Madrid, an Olympic City?

Real Madrid CF Stadium Madrid, an Olympic City?

Real Madrid CF Stadium. CC Image by marcp_dmoz (Flickr).

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

Madrid is preparing for yet another Olympic bid, the 2020 Olympic Games. This is the third consecutive year the Spanish capital is a candidate to host the summer games, after their previous failed bids, which some consider unfair. Should they have had the games? Will they get them this time around?

The next Olympic Games host will be announced in September 2013. At the moment, the candidates are Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid. Madrid is hoping for a third time lucky experience, after their failed bids for the 2012 games, which went to London, and 2016, which went to Rio de Janeiro. However, many argue that Madrid should have gotten chosen as an Olympic city, since it had all the right attributes to host them. Are they right? Renting Madrid apartments and see the city on location give us the answer to that question.

The Spanish capital is a modern city, with an efficient public transport system, widespread Metro services that can get to any point in the city, and an extensive bus service. Thanks to its extremely rich cultural and historical heritage, its museums (such as the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía) and its emblematic buildings and constructions, such as the famous leaning KIO Towers or the Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid is familiar with tourism. So it’s perfectly adapted to receiving large amounts of people in just a few months.

Manzanares river Madrid, an Olympic City?

Río Manzanares/Manzanares River. CC Image by Turismo Madrid (Flickr).

The city also has a great sports infrastructure, with two football stadiums and one on its way, along with venues that stage sports events and large concerts, like the Caja Mágica or Madrid Arena. Also, the river Manzanares runs through the city, which would allow for the Olympic water sports to take place in the city itself, sports and activities that can also be carried out by tourists who are visiting the city.

In terms of security, an important factor in choosing an Olympic city, Madrid is one of the safest cities in Europe, and you won’t feel uneasy walking around the streets by yourself in the early hours of the morning. Since Madrid has a vibrant nightlife, most clubs close at 6 am, and people are getting home at that time, so streets won’t be completely empty at those times.

In recent years, Spain has gone through an economic recession, which has affected all the population and its services. Now is the best time to go to Spain and to its capital Madrid, because the prices will be lower than in previous years and the city is interested in maintaining its status as one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The people of Madrid are fully behind the Olympic candidacy. The number of voluntary workers for the Olympics rose to 25,000. This shows the willingness of the people to welcome visitors from all over the world.

Rent apartments in Madrid and visit this city which might win the race to be the Olympic city of 2020. Whether it’s for culture, history, food or modern infrastructures, Madrid is a great candidate. Consider visiting a few months before the announcement to see everything that’s going on!

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

Mariano José de Larra’s Romantic Madrid

Larra Mariano José de Larras Romantic Madrid

Mariano José de Larra.

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

Mariano José de Larra is one of Spain’s most emblematic romantic writers of the 19th century. Born and bred in Madrid, his works are a perfect picture of the city at that time, hilarious stories that show what life and society were like.

To understand the present, one must understand the past. There is no point in renting apartments in Madrid and staying in the Spanish capital if we don’t know the city’s history. It’s like looking at a random photograph and not knowing its background. Yes, it’s pretty but if we know the story behind it, not only will it be pretty but it will also be interesting. That’s the case with Madrid, a city that’s lived through times of glory and pain, who has seen some of the most important events in the history of the western world, and who has produced some of the most amazing artists that Europe and the world has ever seen.

I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t include the great Mariano José de Larra in this category. Yes, it can seem a biased choice but anyone who has studied Spanish literature can tell you that the romanticism period in Spain produced some great works by some great artists and writers, and Larra was one of them. He might not be as famous as Miguel de Cervantes or Camilo José Cela, the Nobel Prize winner, but he’s one of Spain’s greatest writers, whose style make his writings page-turning ones, because of the hilarity of the situations he writes about. All of these situations are true stories that happened to him during his life in Madrid, and the people and situations that he tells about are a perfect picture of 19th century Spanish society and the city, what it was like to live there and the philosophy of the government of the time and its people.

Almudena Cathedral Mariano José de Larras Romantic Madrid

Almudena Cathedral in Madrid.

Mariano José de Larra was born in Madrid in 1809 and died in the same city at the young age of 27 after committing suicide, like most romantic artists and writers did. He is considered one of Spain’s most important romantic writers, alongside the great Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, José de Espronceda and Rosalía de Castro, a true golden era for Spanish literature. He was not only a writer but also a journalist and a politician, hence the amount of situations and people he came across. He published a monthly paper called ‘El Duende’, The Elf, whose essays were a critique of the society of the time, which caused a lot of controversy. Larra was also an educated Spaniard and therefore he spoke French and was a lover of all things French, a country and a culture which he often compared and contrasted to his country’s own, usually depicting Spain in a bad light, although it was mostly an exaggeration.

Madrid was a very lively city during the 19th century, with important political, social and economic events taking place in it. This was a perfect situation for someone who was writing about it and Larra’s funny and vigorous prose mean that reading his works is a perfect prelude to your visit to Madrid. You wouldn’t think from reading him that he was a depressive character and that love drove him to shoot himself in the head, putting an early end to the career of one of Spain’s most prolific and genius writers. The city paid tribute to Larra by making a bust of the writer, which we can find on Calle Bailén, right in front of the Almudena Cathedral.

There’s no better way to prepare your trip to Madrid apartments than by reading Mariano José de Larra. His hilarious and entertaining situations will give you a great idea of the history of the city and its people, so that when you go there you will know plenty about it.

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

La Movida Madrileña in Madrid

Alaska y los Pegamoides La Movida Madrileña in Madrid

Alaska y los Pegamoides.

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

It’s 1975. General Franco has just died and Spain is on the verge of a new dawn. A country that was stuck in the past and based on tradition and conservativism is now ready to explode into a new era of freedom and inhibition. In Spain’s capital Madrid this new ideology came out very strongly, what is known today as ‘La Movida Madrileña’.

Spain hasn’t always been the open country that it is today. For the best part of 40 years, Spain was stuck under a fascist dictatorial regime. General Franco, after his coup d’état in 1936 and three years of Spanish Civil War, had taken over Spain and installed his political, social and religious views. Spain had become a highly conservative country with no freedom of expression, no freedom of religion, no freedom of culture (unless it was Spanish) and that was not moving along with the times. Franco’s police, known as los grises (the greys, due to the colour of the costume they wore), strongly oppressed and erased any slight type of social, political or cultural revolt and followed Franco’s instructions of keeping the country in line.

However, in 1975, General Franco died and Spain began to experience a transition, not just political but also cultural and social, which is only normal after so many years of dictatorship. Madrid, being the capital of Spain, was one of the places where this cultural transition came out the strongest and new icons began to surge in all cultural fields, such as music, film, art, fashion, literature and photography. However, it was in the first two especially where what became known as La Movida Madrileña (which would translate as ‘The Madrid Scene’) had its biggest impact.

As you can imagine, when someone is oppressed and is not allowed to do certain things, when that oppression disappears the first thing one will do is all the things one wasn’t allowed to do before. This is more or less what happened in Madrid, more specifically in the district of Malasaña, an excellent place to stay when you rent Madrid apartments. All the taboos under the dictatorship were broken, homosexuals started coming out and openly expressing their sexuality, recreational drugs became popular among the youth, and provocative fashion were worn by girls (under Franco, women were seen as housewifes who should take care of the family, be at the husband’s disposal, and in under no circumstances could be desirable or provocative figures, especially in the way they dressed). All of this encompassed a new identity for the youth of Spain after all those years of following the line in silence.

In music, bands such as Alaska y los Pegamoides, Radio Futura, Mecano, La Unión and Loquillo were the front runners in the industry with techno-pop with heavy synth sounds, rock n’ roll and pop being the new sounds of a country experiencing a rapid change in habits. It was a considerable change for a society who was used to listening to Julio Iglesias. In film, the movida saw the surge of film director Pedro Almodóvar, his films pretty much broke every taboo that Spain used to have. In fashion, Ágata Ruiz de la Prada created her famous and strange designs. Madrid had begun to change, and it was on course for a huge cultural revolution.

Rent apartments in Madrid and re-live all those moments that shaped Spanish culture into what it is today.

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

Travel Through Europe This Spring

A suggested route for a European trip. When you pass through Prague on your trip, consider one the many Prague apartments to rent.

view from eiffel tower Travel Through Europe This Spring

View from the Eiffel Tower.

Europe offers one of the most intense travel experiences in the world, with a diversity of cultures and customs packed into a relatively small geographical area, meaning that visitors can really make the most of a visit of any length to get a real feel for the area.

One of the best ways to approach the planning of a European tour is to take in as many capital cities as possible, as plotting such a route through the continent offers many more exciting experiences along the way.

London

For many travelers, one of the highlights of a European visit will be London. The UK capital has long been an influential city on the global scene, from the swinging sixties when it led the world in fashion and music to the present day as it prepares to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

For this reason, those looking to head to Europe on their travels would benefit to start by finding cheap flights to London and using this as their jumping off point for the rest of their journey. On arrival attractions in London include the London Eye – the biggest “big wheel” in the world – and Westminster Abbey, which will host the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Paris

From London it is just a short hop across the channel to France as travelers head for Paris – the City of Light. A world away from its near neighbour, the French capital epitomizes all that many outsiders consider Europe to be with its wonderful wide boulevards and breathtaking architecture. Must see sights include the iconic Eiffel Tower – a structure that has stood as a symbol of the city for more than a century. Other areas to visit include artistic Montmartre, home to the Sacre Coeur cathedral, and world renowned shopping street of the Champs Elysees.

Spain

From Paris, visitors can choose to head south to Spain, where both the capital Madrid and beautiful Barcelona are cities not to be missed, with the opportunity to head for the country’s famous costas for some beach based rest and relaxation.

Central Europe

Alternatively, visit Germany, Switzerland, or Austria, where central European culture begins to make its mark offering an experience that is a world away from the mellow Mediterranean mood of some neighboring nations.

Italy

Heading onward to Italy, visitors can immerse themselves in the remnants of the ancient Roman culture at Rome’s Colosseum, or soak up the country’s history and heritage by viewing some amazing art and architecture. Other Italian cities not to be missed include Venice with its intricate network of canals, and Florence whose renaissance past is still apparent on every street. History buffs should head for the Neapolitan Riviera to combine stunning scenery with the Roman ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

Prague

prague old square Travel Through Europe This SpringA trip to modern Europe is not complete without venturing into the East, with many former communist countries now serving a lively tourist trade. Top of the pops in terms of eastern European capitals is Prague, whose rich history sits alongside a recently emerged cosmopolitan café culture making it a great place to round off a European tour.

Walk the well known Wenceslas Square and head for the Narodni Muzeum (national museum) for an insight into this culturally rich country, or relax al fresco on the Old Town Square, from where a range of exciting trips and tours can be joined, including those to the original Jewish ghetto or the city castles that once housed the kings of Bohemia.

Taking Time For Madrid

las meninas Taking Time For Madrid

By JAMES GOODING

Travelling throughout Europe can sometimes be a helter-skelter affair, a sort of five international capitals in five days, dosing up on a lifetime’s supply of artworks, churches, and locally-produced wines in a time period of just under a week. But if you’re coming from America, Australia, or Asia, then this is often a logical “taster trip”, a first-timer’s voyage to sample some of the delights of the European continent, and one that provides the fuel and inspiration for any further European travels.

diego velazquez Taking Time For Madrid

Diego Velázquez © Asier Barrio

Yet with more time on your hands, it’s well-advised to spent a bit of time getting to know a place, whether it be the rhythms of city life, or the flows of a more regional existence. This is the real “time out” solution; take a break from the regular hustle and bustle of everyday life to have a moment to simply observe or engage till your heart’s content. Take Madrid, for example, the alluring Spanish capital, known world-wide for not only its nightlife, but also for the daytime pursuits in the city’s numerous museums and historical centre.

For a taste of life in Madrid lived to the fullest, try and get out to city’s main market, El Rastro, on a Sunday morning. By mid-afternoon all the madness has wound up, but there is an entertaining morning to be had, jostling with the crowds and trying to make a particular purchase. Keep an eye on your handbag and other possessions, but otherwise prepare to let yourself go, caught up in the stream of pedestrian traffic. Be sure to leave the afternoon free for an impromptu coffee date or aperitif, otherwise make your way out to any of Madrid’s many parks and gardens to kick back and relax with the rest of the city on an enjoyable weekend afternoon.

Of course, as Madrid has been blessed with more than its fair share of mind-blowing art galleries, it’s worthwhile to check out what’s on in any available street press or tourist information stands at hotels in Madrid. The two must-see galleries are the Museo del Prado and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. While the former ranks amongst the world’s most elite art collections of 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, the latter focuses on modern art of mainly Spanish origins. Admire the Prado’s Goya collection on the first floor, marvel at the Velázquez masterpieces, or stand for a while in awe at the depiction of the horrors of war in Picasso’s inimitable Guernica.

Is it possible to squeeze all this into a day? Certainly, but it’s recommended to take your time and absorb it all at a relaxed pace, in true Madrid style!

Enjoy Madrid With a Different Point of View

By DIANA PÉREZ

apartment Enjoy Madrid With a Different Point of ViewAbout the City

Madrid, Spain’s capital city is one of the most vibrant, energetic and beautiful European cities, full of colours and friendly people. From Chueca (the best-known gay area in Spain), Sol and the Gran Vía boulevard (full of nice shops) to Plaza España or Malasaña (famous for its bars and nightlife), there is almost no corner in the city you should miss. The problem is picking and choosing what to do, because of the city’s wide range of cultural, artistic and leisure activities. There are many famous museums like Prado, Reina Sofía, or Thysen with permanent collections, other cultural and art galleries, theatres, music festivals, cinemas… Madrid’s outdoor terrace bars are really a must during summertime and a wonderful way to spend the warm summer evenings. It is the perfect city to spend your holidays!

terrace Enjoy Madrid With a Different Point of ViewAccommodation

Now you know what a wonderful city Madrid is, you need to decide what kind of accommodation suits you best. If you are looking for a perfect, impeccable accommodation, to feel as comfortable as home and with all the advantages that you have in a hotel including privacy, your better choice would be an apartment. Only-Apartments has a wide range of apartments all around Madrid.

The Perfect Apartment

Book your ideal short-term apartment in Madrid for you, your family and your friends at the best rate available and experiment the benefits that provide spending your holidays in an apartment instead of in a hotel. Only-Apartments offers a wide variety of rent fully equipped apartments to enjoy a quality time in an attractive place and to get the comfort and privacy you need in order to have a pleasant stay. If you rent a central apartment in the city you would enjoy the conveniences of a prime location plus the benefits of a good hotel. Don’t share the services with other people!

bedroom Enjoy Madrid With a Different Point of ViewBenefits

Private homes offer excellent flexibility. The biggest advantage of staying in an apartment is the freedom that it gives to you. You don’t have to adjust to a timetable like in a hotel; so, you feel less limited. The costs are lower: hotels are always more expensive than apartments.

Give yourself the genuine experience of getting an apartment for rent in Madrid. It will be unforgettable! Enjoy the city with a different point of view.