DESTINATION : MADRID, SPAIN
Travel period : 04-05.05.2013
after bidding farewell to Italy, we arrived at de largest city of Spain and also its capital called Madrid. Madrid is also known as de third largest city in de European Union after London and Berlin.
i) Hostal Gala Madrid.
with free Wifi
we had an apartment and thankfully it was clean and equipped with plenty of facilities, including de kitchen. in terms of location, de hotel is conveniently located near to Callao station (only about 5 mins walk). this is probably de best stay throughout our Europe tour. de only downside for it was that de hotel signage might be too small to notice. we had a little difficulty trying to get into de building itself due to de lack of instructions.
our "London themed" apartment at €170 per night.
I know you found it.
ii) Madrid city walk.
Puerta del Sol ("Gate of the Sun")
knowing as de busiest place in Madrid, this place is also de centre (kilometre zero) of de radial network of Spanish roads. tried to walk it, feel it, look around, and enjoy. unlike in Malaysia, beware of those throat slashers mascots here because they will ask you for money after a picture. they made you grumpy.
Casa de Correos (The House of The Post Office) | Puerta del Sol.
it is currently a municipal office, although it was originally a Post Office building. in front of de Casa de Correos is de kilómetro cero plaque, serving as a symbolic centre of Spain.
Bear and the Madroño Tree (Strawberry Tree) | symbol of Madrid.
no one seems to know exactly why bear and strawberry tree. one explanation is that it used to be a lot of bears inhabit de forest around Madrid, and de strawberry tree is a representative of de fruit trees growing within de forest that closely resembles strawberries. others have claimed that de female bear symbolizes fertile soil of Madrid whereas de tree symbolizes aristocracy.
Plaza de España.
ice-cream in de city.
in Spain, there is always a need of shopping for Zara (things definitely are cheaper here). simply take Metro train to Callao station if you're kinda lazy to walk along Grand Via. you'll see a 3-level Zara building right in front of you.
Metropolis | Alcalá street.
just an ordinary office with beautiful architecture and eye-catching sculptures, giving an iconic skyline of Madrid.
City Hall | Plaza de Cibeles.
together with her fountain, they have become symbolic monuments in de city centre. de place is also a busy street with cars.
cute graphics depicting Madrid's attractions on a city tour bus.
W.A.N.T.O. B.U.Y. but I couldn't find it on postcard?!
El Rastro flea market | La Latifa on Sunday morning (only once a week).
Madrid policia.
food and drinks were only mediocre. I could barely remember anything except that food turned cold pretty fast as we were sitting at outdoor with stubborn beggars asking for money at certain times.
our pretty forgettable meal.
craving for a good paella totally not satisfied. their toast with tomato definitely was not my favourite. in fact, they were quite weak in preparing a good English breakfast. boo...!
burger was probably de best of all.
unfortunately.
iv) dinner @ Cafe Vergara, Calle de Vergara.
(located next to Opera House)
surprisingly, it was not so crowded during our visit hence we were able to sit back and enjoy our dinner. de restaurant has a cozy ambiance and unique interior but food is nothing too amazing.
enjoying a taste of Spain.
personally, I find "hot" tapas more palatable. warm food always serves tummy better especially in a cold weather.
Seafood Paella.
better than Café & Té but it was still lacking something. ohmy green peas in abundance.
v) Royal Palace Madrid (Palacio Real).
this place is reachable at about few minutes walk from de Metro station at Opera. walking leisurely around de Royal Palace was simply impressive especially after dinner.
a beautiful night stroll.
also de largest (by floor area) royal palace in Europe.
also de largest (by floor area) royal palace in Europe.
one of de world's most famous football venues.
we just saw it from de outside as it was quite late when we arrived. I knew he is hoping to return one day to visit de stadium from de inside. toss a coin, quick! =P
camera performing at its best.
vii) Chocolaterias Valor, Calle Postigo de San Martin. ---recommended
this place is located just nearby our hotel and it has de best churros we have ever had. you would probably never find this in Malaysia. churros is something similar to our You Tiao (油条) back home but here they use chocolate instead of coffee.
Churros (4 units).
dipping de churros bit by bit in a cup of divine hot melted dark chocolate. it is so delicious and it shall be a must-do for travellers who visit Spain. remember, a must-do!
viii) Restaurante Cerveceria Dona Juana, Calle Postigo de San Martin. ---recommended (located next to Chocolaterias Valor)
I guess it was not too late to say that most yummy restaurants were actually just nearby our hotel.
Spanish Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms.
at last, some yummy tapas before leaving to our next destination. these usually have to be taken with bread as they were strongly flavoured. it was just too salty on alone.
Shrimp with Garlic and Olive Oil.
END
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