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| Page Views: 307 Last Visit to Madrid: July, 2008 | MAGIC times in Madrid! by suvanki - last update: Jul 19, 2008 |
UPDATE - JUST BACK FROM 2 NIGHTS IN MADRID- AGAIN GOT TO SEE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (AND MORE OF MADRID)
Growing Up, Madrid had been on my list of 'Must See' places. When I found out that Bruce Springsteen was appearing there, November 07, on his 'Magic' tour, and that Ryanair had flights for that date for 1p, I was booked and readily planning my weekend! A bargain hotel offer near the venue, where the bands are, was a bonus (A Brucie Bonus!)
I quickly unpacked, then, out in the streets, to the nearby Metro, purchased a 2 day tourist ticket, and set off for Sol, as I had reason to believe this would be a good place to start exploring Madrid.
Sol was buzzing- it was a month before Christmas, and there was a large Christmas tree in front of me, workmen were busy installing lights. The first thing I noticed was the Tio Pepe sign, standing out in front of an empty(blue) sky. After taking pics of the bear and tree statue, I wandered off the square, down Calle de Alcala, where I was stunned by the architecture of the buildings here. After taking loads of photos, I ended up at Pl de Cibeles
To be continued.... |
| Nils Lofgren - E Street Band Westin Palace Madrid |
|  | Day 2 in Madrid My first plan was to find the Palacio de Desportes, where Springsteen would be playing that night. Not too difficult, from my hotel. There was a small crowd already gathering. I found out the price of tickets, and the time the doors opened. I then set off to enjoy a day exploring Madrid.
After watching a disabled basketball match in the Plazza Salvador Dali, behind the venue, I jumped onto the metro and headed for Lavapies, as it looked an interesting place - Plenty of restaurants/ cafes etc with cuisine from all around the world. I couldn't make up my mind which to chose, so carried on walking. I intended to head to Plazza Mayor. I eventually decided on a place on Calle Huertas (see my restaurant tips) Leaving, I soon realised I was heading in the wrong direction for Pz. Mayor when I landed near the Prada museum. So, I took a wrong turn and just kept going - passing a hotel, I saw a crowd outside -and couldn't resist asking who they were waiting for - expecting it to be a Spanish celeb. I couldn't believe it when I was told - Bruce Springsteen!! Woah! A chance to see my hero! I joined the crowd and TV crews (The sight seeing could wait!) This was a once in a lifetime moment.
Well - I got to see the E-Street band up close - I even ended up holding the door of their mini bus open, so Charlie, Nils (and his guitar) could get in. A local TV reporter arrived, who was a bit of a character!-keeping the crowd entertained -especially by embarrassing bemused guests entering and exiting the hotel, including an important looking Japanese delegation.
I got a bit cold-and braver-so decided to try to get into the hotel. I stood in the foyer and came face to face with Clarence Clemons!!- Blimey-He's huge!! and then Steve Van Zandt - He's quite a prescence too!
After another wait, the man himself appeared!! I'd got a prime spot, ready with my phone camera videoing him, I was too late to get a good pic on my other camera though. Blimey-Couldn't believe I'd been so close!
Back to my hotel in a happy daze for a quick shower, before heading to the venue, to try and get a ticket for the concert.
Well, it took me a bit longer than expected, and it cost me a bit more than I'd intended, but - I was in my seat, with a good view of the stage :-0
Wow! what an atmosphere! - A Great show, which flew by.
Back to my hotel, switched on the TV, and found there was an interview on a local chanel with Bruce - and in English too!! So finally got to sleep after 0200hrs |
Day 3 in Madrid My last day in Madrid, but my flight wasn't til late afternoon, so I packed, left my case in the hotels store, and headed for the Metro for Sol, to cram in as much sightseeing as I could.
Stopped off at a newspaper kiosk, to buy the local newspapers, which had reports and pics of the concert - including pics of the Spanish Royal family, doing the Mexican Wave! - not as self consciously as our Royals!
I had my breakfast in La Mallorquina -in Sol, then headed to Plaza Mayor, the place I'd intended visiting yesterday. There were stalls being set up, possibly for a Christmas market. I found the surrounding streets off the square to be more interesting - some interesting shops, cafes, and interesting architecture. I tried the culinary speciality of this area - a calamari boccadillo in a small, busy cafe. Stopping to listen to a young street musician, I headed back for a last look at Sol, before getting the Metro back to my hotel, to retrieve my case. I hadn't expected the trains to be so crowded - forgot about it being siesta time!
All to soon, I was back at the airport, and boarding my plane back home.
Well, I'd had a great time in Madrid - I hadn't seen as much as I'd intended, but I'd seen Bruce Springsteen!
Hoping to return to this great city soon
UPDATE- BOOKED MY FLIGHT FOR MY 2 NIGHT STAY - HOPING TO SEE YOU KNOW WHO AGAIN! | | |
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| Pros: | "Great atmosphere Plenty to see and do" | | Cons: | "I didn't have enough time here!" |
suvanki's Madrid Travel Tips
 Comments for suvanki about Madrid | | | | |
angiebabe Sat Mar 8, 2008 22:29 UTC
Excellent page Sue, and excellent read of you story of your upfront experience with the Bruce and the E street guys! | SWFC_Fan Wed Jan 2, 2008 21:39 UTC
Happy New Year, Sue! :-) Wonderful Madrid tips - looks like a great place to spend a long weekend seeing the sights and enjoying the culinary delights! I'd probably try to see Real Madrid too...to see if they can match SWFC's performances! ;-) |
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