Bad Tourist in Madrid

Madrid

So, I went to Madrid…

It was just a couple of days, in mid-October. I’ve been really busy with work, so it has taken me forever to get this post sorted. But here it is now: my grand tour of Madrid. 

No, not really. Grand tour, I mean. But what can you actually see in two days? Do I know Madrid better now, after this trip, than I did before? Because this wasn’t my first time in Madrid. The first time was ages ago: I was attending a conference, and I didn’t see anything.

This time it was hubby who had to attend a conference, and I did some sightseeing on my own. Which means that I went shopping, and spent an hour or so in the underground, going back and forth, trying to get to a museum (Museo Reina Sofia). One of the lines was partially closed, and I had to take quite a detour. But I’m proud to say I did manage to get to the museum, finally, and I saw an interesting exhibition, and Guernica by Picasso. Well, I saw the top half of the painting; the bottom half was blocked by a group of teenagers on some sort of a school field trip.

And what else did I see? Well, let’s call these ‘snapshots by a lazy tourist’:

Madrid

Yes, some architectural details again. I’m so predictable. It’s just that I find architecture (both old and modern) fascinating. But I tend to ignore the so-called typical tourist attractions; I prefer to photograph everyday scenes and ordinary buildings. That’s the real essence of a place; not the high-profile, fancy stuff that’s supposed to impress you.

Madrid architecture

It’s the details that tell you what the place is like: the colours, the ornaments, the signs of people inhabiting the buildings.

Madrid

Madrid architecture

facade

And then there’s always something sweet and cosy. Or unexpected. This is apparently a cat café/shelter (I googled it), with all sorts of interesting courses and services related to cats: cat health, cat psychology… Unfortunately, it was closed when I passed it. Maybe that was for the better, given that I’m allergic to cats…

Madrid

I hope you enjoyed the (not so grand) tour.

Tiina

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6 Comments

  1. Nancy's Fashion Style
    5 November 2016 / 8:16 am

    I have never been to Madrid. It looks so clean! Or perhaps the Netherlands are so sorry…shame shame enjoy your weekend!

    • Tiina L
      10 November 2016 / 6:10 pm

      It was interesting, for sure. Clean? Maybe…

  2. Natural Medley
    5 November 2016 / 11:19 am

    I love your architecture posts! Madrid, like most of Europe, looks beautiful.Xo Jazzy Jack

    • Tiina L
      10 November 2016 / 6:12 pm

      Thanks! I love architecture, both modern and old. There were fabulous modern buildings on the way to the airport, but I only saw them from the taxi and couldn't take photos!

  3. Sheela Goh
    6 November 2016 / 6:08 am

    I've only been to Madrid once and that was a long time ago, in 2005. I'm certain much has changed since then 🙂 and I'll be the first to say that I prefer these real-life pictures you took, giving me the nitty gritty of what's actually happening on the streets, rather than the postcard perfect scenes tourism promotion boards choose to share. So thank you :)And thank you also for always supporting my Project Sister Act Link-Up, I do so hope to see you back again next Friday xoxo

    • Tiina L
      10 November 2016 / 6:13 pm

      Thanks, Sheela. Madrid was interesting, but I think my heart still belongs to Barcelona…

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