Madrid In The Summertime

Aupair Wardrobe Barcelona

The outfits which I have planned for Barcelona are more suitable for the beach and have a chilled, laid back feel. I have had to be careful when choosing bikinis as they can't be too skimpy as I will be looking after kids all day!

Madrid Aupair Outfit 5

Madrid Aupair Outfit 4

Madrid Aupair Outfit 3

Madrid Aupair Outfit 2

El Campo de Cebada

Taken by Giselle Helene Elizabeth Boxer and Mia Georgevic 

A MUST SEE IN THE LA LATINA DISTRICT!

In 1861, this area used to home one of Madrid's largest outdoor and indoor markets. In the 20th century, the government had plans to rebuild this area, but plans fell through due to the Spanish economic crisis and lack of investment. However, in 2011, the residents of La Latina grouped together to create plans for the unused space. It is now a public area for social gatherings and outdoor activities. If you go on the website, http://elcampodecebada.org, you can see the listings of debates, theatre performances and musical gatherings which are held here.

The space was quickly cleaned up and equipped with basic equipment, and basketball and football pitches were installed. The grey of the cement was soon replaced by colours and graffiti produced by volunteer painters and local artists. The concrete ground provides children with a safe area for skating and riding their bicycles. Street furniture was created out of recycled materials and this activity then gave rise to “handmade temporary urban design” workshops. In the summer there is even a huge inflatable pool for public use! 

Instead of being left as an indefinitely abandoned, inaccessible empty space, it is now a modern, urban area which promotes freedom of expression. For the local residents, “El Campo de Cebada” is a way of speaking out against indifference, proving that it is possible to shape a city together, and that there is life beyond urban planning. 

The area is just outside La Latina station, but is rather hidden. If you look through the peep holes in the wall, you won't believe what is in front of your eyes!

Madrid Farmers Market

Madrid’s Cámera Agraria located in the stunning area of Casa del Campo is held on the first weekend of every month, and shouldn't be missed! There are many vendors selling fresh, delicious produce from the region. 

It was a glorious summers day, and despite the sore heads and icky tummies (we were hungover again…only on your year abroad once though ey!) we ventured to Lago metro stop in search of the June Farmers Market. The area was beautiful, so green and peaceful, despite only being 20 minutes from the centre of the capital. We were greeted with a stand that allowed us to buy vouchers in exchange for multiple glasses of wine from the local vineyards. IDEAL! The only thing to get rid of a sore head is to drink more! We walked round each stand, sampling cheese, meats, fruits, pastries, liquors, honey and some other bits and bobs which I had never tried before. I'm a bit of a fussy eater, but since being in Madrid, I have really opened up my horizons to new foods. Everything was so yummy, apart from the anchovies on toast. (YUK!) There are also stands selling the best quality meat and vegetables from the local farms. It's a real shame that I didn't visit the market before, because I would have loved to create some dishes with these ingredients. 

Definitely worth a visit if you are in Madrid. One tip, get down early if you are greedy like me and want to make the most of the samples! 

Thank You Madrid...

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

Thank you for providing me with the craziest, strangest, best nights out ever.

Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Thank you for igniting in me a huge interest in travelling.

Thank you for forcing me to become independent.

Thank you for your amazing vintage clothes.

Thank you for Fro Yo.

Thank you for the friendships I have made here.

Thank you for inspiring me.

Thank you for your beautiful architecture.

Thank you for making me try Beef Carpaccio.

Thank you for your terraces and afternoon Gin and Tonics.

Thank you for your eclectic mix of people.

Thank you for your beautiful squares, perfect for people watching.

Thank you for making it acceptable to meet people in the street, and then becoming close friends with them days after.

Thank you for making me laugh for 99% of my time here.

Thank you for all the hilarious dogs I have seen.

Thank you for your beautiful sunshine.

Summer Vibes Reggae Tunes

Pato Banton - Groovin

Cañaman - Dejate llevar 

What Is/Is Not Socially Acceptable In Madrid?

What Is Socially Acceptable in Madrid?

1. Wearing sunglasses indoors, especially on the metro. The Spanish are all about creating that mysterious, too cool for school look... I just do it when I'm looking rough. 

2. Staring, especially on the Metro. Cast your eyes on someone on the Metro, look at them up and down, check out what they are wearing, stare into their eyes, and don't worry if they spot you… keep looking and don't get scared. 

3. Being late. In Madrid you should never be on time for anything. Being on time is just not cool here. 

4. Kissing twice on the cheek when you greet someone. This is the cause of many awkward moments when someone only goes for one kiss, and you are left hovering in their personal space with your lips pursed ready for another one. 

5. Being slow. Everyone in Madrid, whether young or old, walks at the pace of a tortoise. In England everyone always seems to be in a rush, but in Spain, the pace of life is extremely slow. I have places to be, people to see, and I just want to kick them up the hiney and tell them to move out of the way!

What is NOT Socially Acceptable in Madrid?

1. Non-Spanish Clothing. Women, don't wear anything else but jeans and parka coats, no matter what time of year it is. Even in the blistering heat, it's just not socially acceptable to get your pins/cleavage out. If you dare try, I promise you will spend your whole day trying to cover up your skin as you receive disapproving looks off old women, and unwanted attention from men. Unless you like that greasy, slimey, tracksuit wearing fella who is desperately trying to chat you up. 

2. Being polite. Spanish people are not polite, and they don't do queues. Every man is out for themselves. Since moving here I've realised that English people are incredibly polite, and I love that. The English are forever saying sorry, queueing patiently and giving up their seat on public transport. The Spanish on the other hand, are quite the opposite. 

3. Going out early. You shouldn't be going to a club in Madrid until at least 3am. PRO - The Metro will be open when you leave the club. CON - You will have been drinking from 11pm until 7am, and by this time, you probably won't even know what a Metro is...

Beach Party!

Taken at Laydown in Valencia by Caroline Marzano