Notes on Travel: Spain

I have all kinds of lists: lists of the movies I want to see, list of things I want to do, list of books I want to read, list of cafes I want to dine in, wish list, to-do list, promise-list (yes, yes "promise-list"), and so on. Even though I do not consider myself a very organised and plan-oriented person, I still like making lists, because the feeling of accomplishment I get while creating them keeps me motivated for some time!

But there is one list that never looses its value and I always look forward to crossing over items on that list - it is my Travel List. And recently I put a tick on another country in my list - Spain. I spent amazing 8 days in two cities of Spain - Madrid and Barcelona and want to share with you some of my "must-do"s :

Madrid only for now

1. Reserve a table at World's oldest restaurant in Madrid, Sobrino de Botín

This restaurant has incredible atmosphere - you will feel like some magic time-machine has taken you back to 18th century. With its extraordinary design, delicious lamb roasted in an old Castillian way, and the most amazing Sangria this places deserves to top Forbes "10 Classic Restaurant of all Times" list, as well as to be nominated as a Travellers Choice 2012. And isn't it just awesome to know that sometime back in old days Hemingway or Goya was sitting around the same table and sipping sangria just like you in this restaurant?

2. Watch some hot Flamenco show

Did I say "hot"? Sorry, I ment "smoky hot". The passion, colours, fire, arrogance, pride, love, tenderness, beauty - all can be found and felt throughout this amazing performance.

This is maybe one of those rare chances when you can see real Gitanos - gypsies singing and dancing with a specific gestures and expression and of course sense of pride and display of courtesy. And I assure you - it is the same as seen on movies and videos, even better and livelier.

And one last piece of advise - try not to get too captivated and especially avoid falling in love with a gypsy guy :)

3. Explore beautiful Retiro Park

The first thought that came to my mind while touring through Madrid was "Gosh, the city is so green". And Park Retiro proved my observations.

It is a large magnificent park full of beautiful sculpture and monuments, galleries, and lake. It is a place for everyone; if you jog or run, go out for a coffee or ice-cream, feel like listening to some amazing live music, want to get your picture painted, or want to take your kid to open-air theatre, then Retiro Park is a right place to be.

Put some comfy shoes on and be ready to spend around 3 hours in this beautiful park.

4. Taste Spanish cuisine

As a huge movie fan one thing that caught my attention while watching Almodavar's "Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown" some years ago was special drink titled "Gazpacho" that characters keep offering to each other throughout the movie. The drink was on my "must try" list ever since and I was glad to have a chance to try it in Madrid even though I would never order it again :)

If you are sea-food lover, Spain is a heaven for you. Try some tapas, paella, tortilla espanola, and escabeche.

Food lovers also should consider going to Mercado de San Miguel (San Migel's Bazaar), Madrid's oldest market. It is perfect place to hit up between sightseeing. You can get beer, wine, tapas, sushi, sweets and pasties - there is something for everyone here.

These places and experiences were very unique for me, among other countless of places I visited which included Prado Museum (not a big fan of museums unfortunately), Plaza Mayor, Puerto Alcala, Plaza de Cibeles, Pueto de Sol, King's Palace, Gran Via and many more.