Destination: Madrid in 40 hours. Day two

Day two in our Madrid staying, we visited the Matadero culture center. Easily accessible by metro, we were very pleased as at that point there was a product design and typography exhibition (Type Directors Club!).

The area is spacious, and the architecture wonderful. Before an old and abandoned slaughterhouse, Nowadays offers all kind of cultural events, exhibitions and concerts. Well done Madrid.

 Kids were happy as it was a very safe space to run around and explore freely.

Leaving Matadero towards the river we enjoyed the views and the nice graffitis and wall art around the area. 

Next stop was the Retiro Gardens. There we took some picnic with us, and decide to take it easy and walk around.
The Gardens are just so welcoming, looks like is the place for people to spend the afternoons, do some jogging or meet for a coffee.

The Retiro has a building that I was eager to visit. The Crystal Palace. It was built in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna from the Philippines. The architect was Ricardo Velazquez and  is currently used for art exhibits. We didn't make it inside, as a new exhibition was been mounted at that point, but the surroundings were as wonderful as the building itself.

The well known Retiro pond was in our way out. It is nice to see the people in their boats and sit down for a while. In The Gardens there is also a very nice playground for children, very much recommended to visit. Just remember to buy your picnic from somewhere else than from the park.

The rest of the day we spent at the Chueca neighbourhood. Really charming area with lots of shopping possibilities and interesting architecture. There's also plenty of very good restaurants. We went to a family restaurant called El Bocaito. Very good with friendly owners and staff.
Madrid is really a city that has to be visited! We are looking forwards to go back and visit more of the spots that we missed, and maybe staying bit longer.

Until next post!

Destination: Madrid in 40 hours.Day one

Last October, in our way back to Helsinki from Valencia, we decided to make a day and a half stop in Madrid. As our plane was departing from there, we took the speed train Alvia, from Valencia (very comfortable, good price and in less than 2 hours we were already in Madrid).

The weather was still very nice, sunny and warm. So we started to walk our way into the center neighborhoods. From our Hostel in Puerta del Sol, was so easy to get anywhere around, by walking or metro. We went towards the barrio La Latina, and visit the lively market of San Miguel for a quick snack. A renovated old market, where  you can now enjoy the food straight from the shop counter to your plate. 

For "real" food, it is advised to avoid touristic areas, so we didn't eat here. 

The Plaza Mayor is near by. Beautiful buildings, lovely atmosphere, full of terraces and coffee places. 

 Our next destination was the Santa Ana square and surroundings for a late lunch. There you can find lovely restaurants that serve really good food. The walking in the city it felt so mellow, even walking with kids, nothing seemed too difficult. There is so much to see, and enjoy street after street.

Back towards the Puerta del Sol we pay a visit to the wonderful facade of the La Caixa building. There is a Vertical Garden that I wanted to visit for a while.  The contrast in the square is incredible. Metallic look of the Caixa Museum, towards the green alive facade in it opposite. Very special.

That Afternoon we went to visit some friends in the Malasaña barrio. Lovely area, really recommend to visit it.The 2 de Mayo Square is like the heart of this neighbourhood,  In our way there we pass the Center Streets of Madrid.

After a dinner in a family restaurant from Malasaña , Casa Julio, famous for their speciality: Croquetas, ( highly recommended). We headed to our Hostel, back to Puerta del Sol. The Hostel building was really nice and the family rooms really great, nice design, clean and spacious, at Toc Hostels.

To be continued...

Destination: Villarluengo, a beauty in the Maestrazgo.

At the heart of the Maestrazgo, province of Teruel, Spain, is standing right on the edge of a mountain a beautiful little town, full of charming and authentic atmosphere, Villarluengo. 

I have an special relationship with this place, as it is my grandmother's home town. Here still is living some of my relatives, I will say that they are almost the last ones keeping this town alive, as many have left to the big cities during the last 60 years. Right now there are around 180 people registered in this town, And during summer time and Festivities of San Marcos ( at the end of April) the population doubles. 

Land of farming, shepherds and rangers, I proudly introduce you to Villarluengo.

To get there from the coast, you have to take a road that always is full of exciting moments, wonderful views and nice spots to stop for a while, one of the most expected moment is the climbing up to Ares, The road is been fixed many years ago, but I still remember how was the old one, and how you almost wanted to jump out of the car and kiss the floor once reaching the top!.

Nowadays is really easy the trip, The roads have been fixed nicely, still, the last km until Villarluengo are mountains roads, bit narrow, but in my opinion very good. The best thing, the views.

After around 3 hours from Valencia, and with the mandatory coffee break, we reach the town. 

Rigth on top , looking at the wonderfull valley.

The " Lavadero" where the women used to gather together, clean the clothes and chat away, still has the original look.

The small chapel is located just in the outskirts of Villarluengo. Is close to visitors, but the surroundings are outstanding. Around the town there are 2 small hermitages, that can be visited, and open their doors during the festivities.

                                   
The views from " el balcón de los forasteros" .

The church is one of the few ones with two towers in the area. The town has a beautiful streets, narrow and built in the Aragon style, mixing textures, as stone, wood and iron. 

Most of the people live from the land or the farming, Sheeps, pigs, and bulls can be spotted all around. We even got fresh goat just milked in the morning.
Casa Josefina is definitely the place to stay overnight. Amazing organic food, from their own farm. and the most wonderful people!

From Villarluengo there are many different excursions to take. Visit the nearby towns, the " Hostal de la trucha" visit the Montoro organs, and walk all around the mountains from the routes that are suggested.

The mountains, rivers, sky that we enjoyed during this trip are just unforgettable. I strongly recommend  a weekend of peace, nature and just full treat for oneself.
More info here www.villarluengo.net.
Until next post!

Destination: Sagunt, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

October has been this year my month of going South, have quality time with family and friends and do a bit of tourism around my city, Valencia, Spain.

40 minute by car heading North from of Valencia, we find this one Town named Sagunto. Is one of the ancient towns in The Valencian County, and has very nice surprises while travelling with kids.

There we can find a Roman Theater, restored and still in use, A Medieval Castle, That can be visited during the whole week ( Sundays closed at 2 pm) , An Old Town full of nice narrow streets from the Jewish times, and a Gothic Cathedral.

We parked by the old town main square, and climb our way up to the Roman theater, and the Castle. From there, you have very nice views to the town, and easily go down though the mountain, to make it more fun.

In Sagunto We find rests of great civilizations, from the Greeks, to Romans and medieval era with the Jewish neighborhood and the Arab influences.

Sagunto Cathedral is beautiful in the outside. Details are everywhere. The inside is kind of overwhelming, Very dark and high walls, Mixed in Valencian Gothic style. The restoration work in the inside of the Cathedral is not finished yet, so some work is in process.

During Summer time the city is also receiving the visit of those who also want to enjoy the nice and clean waters of its coast. Pueto de Sagunto is the main beach there, and been know for its quality.
Until next post!