Lets hop over to MADRID

El capitol of Espana, Madridejos!! For those who have been to Madrid, might just see it as just another city where it is too industrialized for your liking. Behind all that, lies an upbeat city with delicious food, a vibrant night life, fabulous galleries, remarkable architecture and not to mention the efficiency of the underground subway.

If you're arriving by plane and happen to land in terminal 4, your architour will start here. This beautiful terminal was designed by British architect Richard Rogers where he is known for his grand yet transparent buildings with a bright and light filled layout. This might be jargen to a lot of you, but if that doesn't really interest you, then just look at the pretty synchronized colours on the outside of the airport, one minute its green, the next minute its red!

Where do we begin??
All situated in the centre, the museums lie in lined to each other, but which to choose? If you are looking for 12th century European art, then go to the Prado museum. If you are after modern comtemp art, and my personal favourites, go to Reina Sofia or Caxia Forum. With Caxia Forum recently opened, the exhibition is still free for you to enjoy the collection. Not only the collection, but architects Herzog & De Meuron have also created a piece which shows that art and engineering do make a good mix! I'll let you be the judge.
P.S Don't forget to check out the cafe on the top floor, the exquisite laser cut windows let you escape reality and enter a new found respect to creativity, well...that's what I felt anyways.
**Insiders tip, if you are in Madrid for the weekend, admission is free after 2pm, free is always good**


Next on the list is FOOD!!
Nothing is better then having tapas in the country where tapas originated from. First on the list is Alumbrah, located on calle de la Victoria 9 is a definite MUST! Order the mix platter of jamon (spanish ham), chorizo (spanish sausage), paella and the abondigas (spanish meatballs). I have also been told by an insider that jamon is like prosciutto, only 100 times better, I second that!! One last thing, if you ever come across LOMO DE BUEY on the menu, do not say no!!! it is beef tenderloin cooked to perfection.

If you're after a more intimate setting then head on over to Bazaar restaurant, C/Libertad, 21. The prices are affordable at 10E and under per meal, where the warm chocolate cake for dessert is too good to pass up!

After finishing your dinner at 11pm (true spanish style), Madrid opens up and reveals its secret, ITS NIGHTLIFE!! The Spaniards really know how to enjoy life, there is no such phrase as 'we'll go there on the weekend,' everyday is a weekend! The bars situated around La Musa latina and Cheuca are definietly worth checking out. La latina is a multicultural area where if you were up for a good meal, live entertainment, salsa dancing and a killer mojito, it could only be in La latina. Opposite the Irish pub O'Connels, you will see La Negra Tomasa, located at C/Espoz y Mina, 9, a Cuban restaurant that provides all the entertainment mentioned above all in one night!

If your after more of a quite, yet pleasant night, Ojala (pronounced OHALA) provides you with sublime cocktails, a movie projected on the wall and an indoor beach at your convenience! Located at C/San Andrés 1, the ambiance is what brings character to this cute and stylish cafe. The last and most important point, especially to all the crackberries and iphone addicts, Ojala provides free wireless access! WE'RE SAVED!!

Last but not least, Puerta America hotel, Avenida de América, 41, at the metro stop Cartagena, a hotel that was proven to be possible. The 5 star hotel was designed by 13 farchitechts (famous architects) where each architect and designer was given a floor to design. As you can imagine, 13 different concepts, 13 floors, in one building is too much, but surprisingly enough, it actually worked!! If you end up visiting, please keep in mind that you can't actually go into each floor unless your staying in one of the suites, although if you take the lift to the top floor where the bar is located, you are able to have a small sneak preview into each floor. So, if your willing to pay 3euros for a shitty hot chocolate but appreciate the concept of this hotel, it's worth the visit.
On an end note, the cafe downstairs is designed by our very own Australian designer Marc Newson, why not check it out?!

Last minute tips:
When walking on Gran Via (the main street in Madrid and covered with tourists), especially at night, it's not the safest place to be walking whilst being drunk nor is it the best place to piss off the prostitutes. They know that you are a tourist, and if you are drunk, your a prime target yet again of being pick pocketed, they are cleverer than you think!

Chueca is the gay district of Madrid, hence the impeccable taste in shops, cafes and bars. Just on an end note, boys who are there without the mrs, just don't be shocked if someone gives you a bit of a tweak on the bum :)

As you can tell, Madrid is one of my favourite cities in the world. It is full of character and displays it with style. If you are lucky like me and had an exceptional tour guide with immaculate taste, you will love Madrid as much as I did.

Adios y hasta luego!!