Madrid was the first city I set off to explore while living in Spain. My purpose behind this trip was to meet a friend from the States who was flying in to travel with me for a week. Arriving a day early to get a feel for the city I quickly hit the streets in search of a place to sleep for the night. I had decided not to plan anything in advance and assumed I would be a brave traveler staying in a hostel for the first time. After leaving the 6th hostel with no luck finding a free room I began to panic. Naive American traveler that I was did not anticipate the hordes of people traveling for Semana Santa (Holy Week).
I had emailed a few people on Couch Surfing a few days prior to see if I could stay at their apartment, but I had received no responses before arriving. Couch surfing is based on the concept that people offer travelers a place to stay for free as well as a bit of a personal introduction to the local way of life if the host has time. During this moment of panic I began considering other options if I didn't find a place to sleep such as spending the night on a bench in the airport, staying out all night, or going to the 1 store in Madrid that stayed open for 24hrs.
There was a guy on Couch Surfing who had listed his number in the event of an emergency. I came to the conclusion that it was officially a state of an emergency, so I sent him a text message. He eventually messaged me back and assured me I was welcome to stay at his apartment. After a moment of weighing the pros and cons I decided I wanted an adventure, to save money, and to see Madrid from a local's perspective. And that I did.
My first Couch Surfing experience was fantastic, magical even. Miguel rescued me at a moment's notice and shared as much as the city with me as was possible in one night: tourist spots, food, coffee, authentic flamenco, disco, R&B, underground salsa (behind a closed metal door in an empty alley at 4am no less), and great conversation. I was so thankful I had opted to seek out adventure. After an hour of sleep I set out for the airport to greet my friend. The pinnacle of my adventure had occurred, and I knew nothing could ever hold me back.
Symbol of Madrid
Almundena Cathedral- attended mass here on Easter Sunday
One of the most unique cathedrals I have ever been in. Love the colors.
Royal Palace
mid day snack- cafe con leche and torrijas (a traditional Easter pastry)
had to fight through this to enjoy that
It is said all roads in Spain originate from this point.
Plaza Mayor
ham ham and more ham
Flamenco in a dimly lit room filled with smoke & good spirits. Interesting and oddly personal.
Puerta de Alcala
top image via
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