"Madrid: I will return..." Madrid by virtualpatrick

Madrid Travel Guide: 5,306 reviews and 10,727 photos

I've visited Spain 3 times and have always enjoyed using Madrid as the hub of my visits. Although better architecture can be found in other Spanish cities, nothing beats the museums, hustle and bustle, nightlife of Madrid. Kinda reminds me of the NYC area.

My Jan/Feb 2004 visit took me to Madrid to participate as a volunteer conversationalist in a week-long English immersion program run by Vaughan Systems see www.vausys.com

After the program, a handful of the volunteer "Anglos" stayed in Madrid to experience the nightlife with some of the Spaniards we have met.

Not knowing where to put a majority of the candid photos from the week, I just put them in the section called "Local Customs" travel tips down below (there are around 30 photos in there).

Other pictures I have from this recent trip can be found in my El Barco de Avila and Segovia pages.

For a nice, compact guide to the city, download the .pdf file for the major cities in Spain at Maribel's Guides.

NOTE about the Englishtown program: In 2006, the "Englishtown" concept has been split up into 2 separate competing companies. Pueblo Ingles (www.puebloingles.com) has spun off from Vaughan Systems and continues on with the program I attended. While Richard Vaughan starts fresh with VaughanTown (www.vaughantown.com).

I highly recommend English speaking people to partake and volunteer for either "Englishtown" program. I've met the staff running both programs and can assure you they are committed to bringing a rich cultural experience to their Spanish/Italian clients and English speaking volunteers. So check out both programs and see which one suits your taste.

La Marcha...

from one bar to the next for 4 nights of never-ending goodbyes to Madrid...

This photo was from O'Neils, an Irish pub.
Click on the picture to see the caption.

This group photo was from O'Connors, another Irish pub.

I've created a Gredos Slideshow of some of the candid photos from Barco de Avila and Madrid. It's set to a background music to a medley of Gipsy Kings songs to give a flavor to the good times had at the Vaughan Systems English immersion program. The music can be turned off by clicking on the "speaker" button at the lower right of the slideshow.

Last visit to Madrid: Feb 2004
Intro Updated Mar 6, 2007
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Reviews (56)

At Ducados Cafe ("basement" level) - Madrid

Cafe during the day, Club at night, Bar... Nightlife (4)

During the daytime, this is a trendy looking cafe and bar. But at night (after 10pm), the downstairs transforms from a... more travel advice

Our group at Cerveceria Naturbier - Madrid

Naturbier Nightlife (4)

This is the only microbrewery in Madrid and is located in the heart of Plaza Santa Ana. There serve and brew a variety... more travel advice

O' Neills Nightlife (4)

O' Neills in Madrid is the other Irish pub that's always great to hangout in. It's in the Puerta del Sol / Santa Ana... more travel advice

O'Connell St. Bar Nightlife (4)

Where ever you go, there's always a few Irish pubs you can find to hang out in or as a gathering place to meet up with... more travel advice

Transportation (4)
See All Plan Ahead and Save With Renfe Online
Hotels (5)
See All University housing option for budget...

Local Customs (31)
See All Candid photo from Ducados Cafe
Favorites (12)
See All Relaxing in Retiro Park

Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 26, 2004

5 photos

Ceramic Tile Walls of Los Gabrieles

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Comments (6)

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lostgabrieles Sep 27, 2009 at 11:28 AM

so grateful for Los Gabrieles pics (I was there sept 04) Did you know it's been closed for years now and it sounds like walls are bare? What a sin ... just thought I'd thank you for recording the beauty of the place
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boudie Apr 12, 2007 at 9:38 AM

o'connells bar is amazing!!english football, all sports on as many tvs as u could handle in the day and at nightime it fills up with mix english/spanish with lots of music and drinks.the staff are quality,danny,jasmin etc awesome!! this place is a must!!!
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rexvaughan Feb 25, 2007 at 2:20 PM

Glad to see how much you enjoy Madrid. Have you been back to VaughanTown lately? We loved it and will go again but not sure when.
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EDavis Feb 22, 2004 at 7:04 PM

Patrick, Maybe the flashes were from the Flaming Lambourghinni (bad, Mayte, bad!).
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kalimerahara Jan 27, 2004 at 9:47 AM

you mean this all hasn't been carefully filmed for your episode of "this is your life"? pity!
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virtualpatrick Jan 26, 2004 at 3:38 AM

Now, how can I take a picture of myself when I'm entertaining the group of Anglos and Spaniards. I do remember seeing flashes in front of me so I must seek them - or was it my life flashing in front of my eyes...