Destinations: A visitors guide to Madrid, Spain – Part 1

This fall was my first visit to the country of Spain, in particular the capitol city Madrid. Before visiting this city, I had spent ten days in Gran Canaria, an Island governed by Spain and closer to Africa than Europe. After experiencing the resort-like atmosphere of an island, I looked forward to being in the hustle and bustle of a big city where there would be culture and history.

It was exactly just that. Arriving later in the evening by taxi, my senses took in all the sights and sounds of the city. Large avenues, plenty of traffic, and the feel that this was indeed a great western European capitol. After settling in our “hostel” which was really more like a modest hotel, I was very pleased with our accomadations. For the reasonable price of 60 euros a night, we had a double bed, our own bathroom and it was very nicely furnished. One kitchy and cute decorating touch were many framed puzzles of great paintings. At first I didn’t notice, but after passing a few, sure enough they were puzzles. Not only was the room great, but the service was excellent. Our rooms were cleaned everyday and the reception was helpful, although their English was hardly passable. To top it off, we stepped out right into the heart of the city, with many tapas bars and restaurants to chose from.

Madrid like many of its European city cousins has distinguishing factors that makes it great. For instance, the architure is old and beautiful, the gardens and parks large and majestic and the museums and cultural activities abundant. A few notable differences from say, Paris or London was that it was a bit dirtier and less kept up. The Parisiens are known for their immaculate “pelouse” (lawn) which is all for show and no one dare sit or stand on it or a park policier will yell at you. That isn’t really a turn off because the culture is so bohemian and relaxed that it is much more friendlier than the chauvanistic, indifferent French tend to be to visitors. My ultimate highlight of my two day stay in Madrid was the tapas bar experience. There is no better way to get a real feel for the culture than amongst locals eating and drinking. Dinner is typically around 9 or 10pm and every restaurant and bar is packed. The lull of conversation is inviting as the most delicious food and wine is served.

You will not regret a city trip to Madrid. It is helpful to know some survival Spanish, but either way you will get by.

Hoteles En Lima, Lovely Lodgings

As all South American capital, Lima is home to the political and economic life of the country. Besides, Lima has historical places for visiting and charming beaches to spend a sun day. Hoteles en Lima has a large list of attractions that you should not miss. These are some of them, take note. Barranco is a traditional neighborhood with excellent locations such as: The Puente de los Suspiros or the Main Square. Barranco is considered the most romantic and bohemian district in Peru. It also is known for its museums, bars, discos and nightclubs.



There are some places known as Peñas where you can hear Peruvian music and eat typical dishes, Barranco is full of them. Every Sunday this district organized food festivals in front of the Main Square. If you want to eat a delicious food, you ought to go to Barranco on Sunday for eating a Peruvian dish, we recommends the following dishes: Lomo saltado, aji de gallina, anticuchos, causa rellena, carapulcra, cau cau, chupe de camarones, etc. Don’t be late, or you will miss your table.



The best service and the best staff are located in any Hoteles en Lima, book your room here. One of the worst things in Lima is the public transport and the traffic jam, it is better to take a taxi or hire your own vehicle. If you come from Europe, don’t forget changing your Euros to Nuevo Sol, the local currency, one euro equals 4 Nuevos Soles. Spanish is the official language.



Peru as all country in South America likes soccer. Lima is home of the main soccer teams: Sporting Cristal, Alianza Lima and Universitario though these two last years, a new team, San Martin won the championships. Visit the National Stadium; it is close to Hoteles en Lima.