Passing Through Madrid

"Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night." - Ernest Hemingway 

Although I have never lived in Madrid, I have spent a few summers on the outskirts and when I lived further afield (Extremadura) I would still have to pass through the capital on my way home. 

As such, I have visited Madrid more times than I can count. It may not be my favorite Spanish city but it is the thriving centre of the country and great for a weekend away. 

There is something very authentic and quaint about the winding streets of Madrid, many parts feel almost provincial. This bustling city feels lived in and well loved.  

Of course the Gran Via is more reminiscent of New York and its other large city counterparts. Great for shopping but certainly very touristy. 

My favorite thing to do in Madrid is to take the teleferico out to Casa del Campo. The views are breathtaking and it is a good relief from the intense summer heat. Taking you out to the spanish countryside with stunning views of both rural landscape and city, this cable car is also seriously interesting and educational. With stunning views of the Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace, a voice over the speakerphone gives you historical and cultural information throughout the ride. For roughly 5/6 euros return ticket, it's not only a different way to view Madrid, its also great value!

Missing the Spanish Coast

Now don't get me wrong, I love NYC and I love the city. But some days I miss the sea and I miss the spanish coast. 

Looking through my photos I came across a few that sum up the mountains and unspoiled shores of San Sebastian. 

Only two more months until I'm back to the rugged Northern Spanish coastline- its lush valleys and mountainous interior!

The Basque Country- lush and ancient land

"Everyone who has visited the Basque country longs to return; it is a blessed land." - Victor Hugo

The Basque Country is close to my heart, I have moved a lot throughout my life but for the last 8 years my family home has been there and I go back for the holidays. Nestled partly in South Western France and North Western Spain, this lush and green land has dual nationality and speaks three languages (like myself!). 

It is both mountainous and coastal. You can spend your days hiking or surfing, but wherever you go, the views are incredible.

St Jean de Luz- small French seaside town.

Hiking the Col d'Ibardin- one side of the mountain is France. The other is Spain! With wild ponies and stunning views, this hike is challenging but so worth the effort.

San Sebastian is a prosperous and beautiful coastal town on the Spanish side of the Basque Country. Fantastic for shopping and the culinary capital of the country, this is the perfect city for a day out!

The Basque language is said to be the oldest in the world with no tangible link to any other in the world. They have a rich heritage and a strong national identity. The Basques are hugely proud and rightly so- it is an ancient part of the world steeped in tradition and history.

La Fete de Bayonne (in Bayonne, naturally) celebrates Basque culture and is a five day street party in August with local music, drink, food and street party. Everyone dresses in white and red (colors of the city of Pamplona, also part of the Basque country) and enjoys the fireworks, fun fairs and party atmosphere. Even during the day it is pretty hectic, so at night it can get a little lairy! 

The Basque country belongs in part to France and in part to Spain, however, it is in reality very separate culturally and historically. There is so much beyond the few places I have mentioned that I hope to get round to writing about one day. Quaint rural villages and local traditions, it is a beautiful and truly unique part of the world. 

Segovia - Sunsets and Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle in Central Spain

"Many cities have certainly a greater right to call themselves 'Eternal' than Rome... Segovia is of this number" - The Illustrated Magazine of Art

Just outside Madrid lies Segovia tucked away up in the mountains.

I spent a summer here with a local family discovering the local area. 

This ancient city is steeped in history and myth. Legend has it that Hercules himself founded the city!

Famous for its aquaduct, the city has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Constructed by the romans in 1 AD, the aquaduct dwarfs the square it runs through and is a slightly scary if not hugely impressive thought that no cement holds this structure together!

The Alcazar was one of Walt Disney's inspirations for his Cinderella Castle in the centre of his theme parks. It was here that Queen Isabel agreed to fund Columbus' voyage to the New World.

Due to its mountainous position, it is cooler than the rest of the county. This makes it a fantastic place to visit in the summer as it tends not to suffer heat as sweltering as nearby Madrid. 

Against the backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the surrounding countryside is simply breathtaking. 

The cathedral, built in 1525, took almost 200 years to complete! Located in the Plaza Mayor, the Romanesque church overlooks the historic part of the city. Like the rest of Segovia, it is to be enjoyed leisurely. This is not a city to be rushed, lazy days and long lunches are what Segovia is all about.

Segovia is a picturesque city with pedestrian only streets. It is quaint and yet impressive. I would recommend staying a few days but even if you just make it a day trip from Madrid you will not be disappointed.