Madrid

It's been so long I hardly know where to begin, so I'm going to jump straight in. I moved to Madrid, Spain with my family for 11 months the year before last. It was, (tentatively), supposed to be indefinite, but, from the get go I knew in the back of my mind that it wouldn't last long.

Madrid is stunning. The old, colourful buildings are beautiful, surrounding lively plazas housing locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the magnificent weather and the food and drink. One of the differences setting Europe apart from North America is the social scene. In Madrid and many other cities, people spill out onto the streets at eating times, whether it be breakfast, 12o'clock tapa and cana, lunch, dinner or tapas with friends. The plazas are full with everyone intent on enjoying life with food, drink and conversation. When pondering how people on relatively low wages can afford to constantly be at bars and restaurants, one friend commented that to them any little money acquired was best spent socialising.

On Sundays, especially, the city's residents ventured out to enjoy the scene. Parks were full of puppet shows, people walking and bands playing. Ancient, vibrant neighbourhoods hosted vintage and flea markets, the stalls spilling out into every side street and alleyway. People were enjoying tapas, one here, one there, onto the next, always with a small beer or vermouth while the sun beat relentlessly down. It was electrifying.

So, why didn't we stay? The heat, undoubtedly. The language barrier, definitely. The low wages, unfortunately. But, as all those things could eventually be improved upon, the truth is we were lonely. 'You'll make friends' people said, and we did, but not to the extent of socialising together. There were many invitations and suggestions that never materialised. After building strong relations in Vancouver for 14 years it dawned upon us that friends can't simply be swapped for new ones like toys. We missed the solid relationships we had fostered and I needed them back. Besides, Vancouver is also an incredible city, but that's for another time.

So, a small selection of images to illustrate our incredible time there. (I should call this part 1 as they are my husband's photos and his point of view. As soon as I have some space to upload my own I will present my memories which seem to be mostly centred around bars, restaurants and markets). 

Shortly after we arrived in the early Spring of 2017, Semana Santa, (Holy week) was held. Very solemn at times and joyful at others, it was celebrated with parades through the street and a four day holiday from work.

The Plaza Mayor. Easter Sunday drumming.

One of the many plazas with people enjoying life in the warm evening air.  

View from our rooftop deck. We rented a temporary apartment for one month, pushing the boat out and treating ourselves to a gorgeous little penthouse after 3 weeks in a very dreary hotel.

The barrio of  La Latina. One of my favourite neighbourhoods and one of the oldest in the city. Also home to Rastro flea market held every Sunday.  

The rose garden at Retiro park.

A very common and beautiful sight.

Food and music festival at Lavapies barrio, my absolute favourite neighbourhood.

We were there during the illegal Barcelona referendum and many people in Madrid began showing their Spanish patriotism with Spanish flags adorning buildings.

Plaza de Paja in La Latina. Even in areas that seemed to house old religious or fragile buildings there would be table and chairs set up by the local restaurants.  

Medieval festival in the neighbouring village of Alcala de Henares.

We were treated to a traditional Valencian rice dish, (not Paella), cooked for us by a Valencian friend. Rice, pork short ribs, morcilla, potatoes and more.