Pupil: What's the waste system like in the UK?
Me: ummm ...
Spanglish and Franglais
21.3.15
11.3.15
The Reina Sofia Museum
On the Saturday evening of my weekend in Madrid (which was weeks ago now), the gang and I took advantage of free entry to the Reina Sofia museum: a contemporary and modern art museum named after the Queen. Apart from Tuesdays when the museum is closed for the day, the Reina Sofia offers free access to all as long as it is between the hours of 7 and 9pm - 2 hours before closing.
I must say that I wasn't expecting to gain too much out of it. After all, whilst I had heard of then name, I had never heard too much about it. But I couldn't have been more wrong - I loved it.
Of course, it is not to everyone's taste - just like the Prado was not to mine. I do not think that everyone will have the same experience as me. I had a great one.
I admit that I did not "get" all of the artwork, but, in general, I think that it has a fantastic collection of modern art: some of which are both weird and wonderful. In particular, it has a great deal of political art: a subject that I am especially interested in. I find it amazing that through simple means like using a pen or a paintbrush you can highlight issues in society, or even try to take out dictators!
I felt that the guides and explanations were very informative although I enjoyed trying to interpret the art piece before finding out the context.
That said, I would imagine that if you do not have an previous knowledge of Spanish history or politics, you might actually find a lack of basic information.
On that note, I heard some people complaining about the layout of the museum and the exhibitions for they found themselves wandering in circles. Personally, I had no problems with this using the maps readily available, as well as the floor plans found in and around the lifts.
My only qualm is that when we got there, we discovered that the 4th floor was closed. I can't complain too much having entered for free but it was slightly disappointing. I would recommend looking at the website in advance to see if anything will be closed for a change over or refurbishment.
Anyway, the artwork completely made up for this slight problem. With mainly Spanish artists you can enjoy the unique works of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso amongst others - needless to say, the Guernica is a must see! There are few international artists so, imagine my delight when I found myself, a film buff, watching a short movie that I recognised to be an early film of the Lumiere Brothers (who fascinate me to no end). It was great and the film was located quite near the end of our tour, so it was a lovely way to finish off the trip.
Whilst we rounded off our evening with Thai food, if you visit the museum during the day you might want to follow it up with a trip to Retiro park - a favourite of mine.
Not only is it a really lovely place, it is perhaps only a 20 minutes walk away. There are metro stations too but I think with the walk that you would have to make from Atocha or Lavapiesao, it would barely be worth it. Of course, you can wander around and enjoy the different buskers and performers, but there is also the Crystal Palace and the Velasquez Palace as well. You might want to check the closing times of these however, as I am pretty sure that they shut at different hours. They are also linked to the Reina Sofia, so you can buy tickets at the Sabitini venue (the main venue).
Overall, I would suggest that if you are a big fan of modern art you must must must visit the Reina Sofia. Otherwise, I'm not sure it is worth it. The architecture, as always, is grand but having been built upon an old hospital, it hardly leaves you in awe - I think the interior is much more impressive!
In fact, I wish I could have spent some more time there, but oh well - I have another excuse to return to Madrid I guess.
Hasta luego
I must say that I wasn't expecting to gain too much out of it. After all, whilst I had heard of then name, I had never heard too much about it. But I couldn't have been more wrong - I loved it.
Of course, it is not to everyone's taste - just like the Prado was not to mine. I do not think that everyone will have the same experience as me. I had a great one.
I admit that I did not "get" all of the artwork, but, in general, I think that it has a fantastic collection of modern art: some of which are both weird and wonderful. In particular, it has a great deal of political art: a subject that I am especially interested in. I find it amazing that through simple means like using a pen or a paintbrush you can highlight issues in society, or even try to take out dictators!
I felt that the guides and explanations were very informative although I enjoyed trying to interpret the art piece before finding out the context.
That said, I would imagine that if you do not have an previous knowledge of Spanish history or politics, you might actually find a lack of basic information.
On that note, I heard some people complaining about the layout of the museum and the exhibitions for they found themselves wandering in circles. Personally, I had no problems with this using the maps readily available, as well as the floor plans found in and around the lifts.
My only qualm is that when we got there, we discovered that the 4th floor was closed. I can't complain too much having entered for free but it was slightly disappointing. I would recommend looking at the website in advance to see if anything will be closed for a change over or refurbishment.
Anyway, the artwork completely made up for this slight problem. With mainly Spanish artists you can enjoy the unique works of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso amongst others - needless to say, the Guernica is a must see! There are few international artists so, imagine my delight when I found myself, a film buff, watching a short movie that I recognised to be an early film of the Lumiere Brothers (who fascinate me to no end). It was great and the film was located quite near the end of our tour, so it was a lovely way to finish off the trip.
Whilst we rounded off our evening with Thai food, if you visit the museum during the day you might want to follow it up with a trip to Retiro park - a favourite of mine.
Not only is it a really lovely place, it is perhaps only a 20 minutes walk away. There are metro stations too but I think with the walk that you would have to make from Atocha or Lavapiesao, it would barely be worth it. Of course, you can wander around and enjoy the different buskers and performers, but there is also the Crystal Palace and the Velasquez Palace as well. You might want to check the closing times of these however, as I am pretty sure that they shut at different hours. They are also linked to the Reina Sofia, so you can buy tickets at the Sabitini venue (the main venue).
Overall, I would suggest that if you are a big fan of modern art you must must must visit the Reina Sofia. Otherwise, I'm not sure it is worth it. The architecture, as always, is grand but having been built upon an old hospital, it hardly leaves you in awe - I think the interior is much more impressive!
In fact, I wish I could have spent some more time there, but oh well - I have another excuse to return to Madrid I guess.
Hasta luego
2.3.15
26.2.15
The Prado Museum, Madrid
Since its
grand opening to the public in 1819, the Prado museum has been celebrated for
its fantastic collection of Spanish art. Over the years the royal collection
has expanded greatly to include many other pieces from artist all around the
world. However, it still remains as the best museum for Spanish art with the
works of Goya, Velazqeuz and El Greco, to name but a few, on display.
I must admit
that I am an art person, and so, I was always looking forward to visiting this
world famous museum. That said, I will tell straight off, that it was not my
favourite – as someone who is more interested in more modern art, I personally
preferred the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia. For me, it was still
pretty good though.
The majority
of the artwork at the Prado tends to be very traditional with a lot of religious
imagery. For some people (who are not into that style of art), you might even
find that you keep seeing the same painting, when in actual fact they are
different but share a lot of similarities. It does not help that due to the layout
of the museum, you might find yourself wandering into a gallery that you have
already visited. Then again, this is easily resolved: simply make sure you take
a map from the front desk to avoid repeating yourself!
The museum if
very large but this can also be a great advantage. Because of the spacious
rooms and the high ceilings, you can look at the very big canvasses without
being overly close. You can observe them from a distance, and take the entire
thing in.
In my
opinion, each gallery is very interesting, especially as they all have a
particular theme. Each painting or sculpture is interesting to observe and you
gain a lot from the tour guide (in the form of a headset) which explains
certain symbols and the history of some pieces. I am also interested in history
and so, in some cases, the history of the painting was more interesting than
the art itself. On this note, you can get a headset, available in several
languages from the front desk – there is even a headset specifically for
children, where the language and explanations are put in simpler terms. I would
recommend it as it can be a great aid.
My favourite
piece is The Garden of Earthly Delight by Hieronymus Bosch which is, and has
been, subject to many interpretations. Judging from what I have heard and read,
I believe that it is a painting with the intent to warn people about the
temptations in life. Moreover, it demonstrates the potential consequences to
giving into such temptations – remember that this was painted in an era when
Christianity has great influence.
As I said, a
lot of the artwork involves Christianity in some way but noticing the different
symbols, or in which light the faith is presented is what marks the difference.
If you are
passionate about art, I reckon you spend a full day in this museum. Otherwise,
I would put 1-3 hours aside you wander around the galleries. I would recommend
a visit to the Prado to anyone – even if you are disinterested in art. The
Prado is a must-do whilst you are in Madrid. But, perhaps in this case, you
might want to spend as little money as possible.
A standard
ticket is 14 euros and a reduced ticket is 7 (although I am not sure what gives
you this discount). However, if you are student between the ages of 18-25, you
can get in free. You do have to show your student card, but I had no problems
using my uni card from the UK. Furthermore, the museum is free for all should
you visit during the last 2 hours before closing on any day. This might work
nicely for anyone who wants to go, simply in order to say that they have been.
Although, do
bear in mind that it gets very busy on the weekends. Likewise, it is also quite
crowded during the holidays so might want to prepare for a queue. You can
always buy tickets online in advance to skip the queues, but if you would like
a keepsake (like I do) and get a pretty ticket, head to the front desk.
It is easy
enough to get to. Walking from the city centre is a perfectly reasonable idea
(maybe 20 minutes from Puerta Del Sol) and in doing so you get to enjoy the
wonders of the city. But if you are further out, the closest metro stations are
Atocha and Banco de Espana.
You’ll know
it when you see it: not only is it well sign-posted, there are normally some
very big crowds (just follow them). And the architecture is just amazing! I
would say just look for the stunning building but there are too many of these
in Madrid to count.
Another thing
to note is that if you have a particularly big bag, you must check it in to the
cloakroom. This is not really a problem but once you have just entered the
museum having waited in line for some time, it is kind of frustrating when you
discover that you have to wait in line to check in a bag. They give you a card
and when you hand it back you can retrieve your things. It is actually much
nicer walking around with little baggage so I would suggest do this even if you
do not have huge bag.
Finally, as
every good museum should have, the café in the Prado is excellent. It has a
very pleasant atmosphere and offers a variety of food and beverages – although
these are at museum prices. It is a nice area though to sit for a little,
either before or after your tour. I would suggest maybe have a cup of tea (like
a true Englishman) beforehand, so you can use the time to plan where you’d like
to go.
But, still
it’s up to you. Hope this have been useful, if you have visited the Prado/going
to the Prado, let me know what you think of it.
Hasta luego.
24.2.15
23.2.15
TOC Hostels - Madrid
Finding the right hotel or hostel is a challenge for anyone:
it means hours of searching the internet, reading reviews and using google maps
to judge if the location is good with regards to travelling around. But when
you are a lonely traveller, the challenge becomes even more difficult. You have
to scope out a potential places paying close attention, especially to security
as you will be by yourself and chances are, you are a backpacker with your
entire belongings in one bag.
My advice is to be sensible, of course, but don’t be put off
by hostels with dorms. If anything I think these are the best places for lonely
travellers. Generally, you get to meet others who are in the same boat. And, if
the place understands its market, the security should be great.
At least this was the case for me. I have stayed in several
hostels (and fortunately, I have no horror stories) but I have to particularly
recommend TOC Hostels: where I stayed in Madrid.
Firstly, their security is great. There is no curfew,
meaning you can come and go whenever you like, but there is always someone on
the front desk so you already feel safe. Moreover, keys and key cards are a
thing of the past. This hostel takes your finger print when you check in, and
that is all you need to enter your room. There is a scanner on the door and
only those whose fingerprints correspond to those staying in the room are
allowed in. Needless to say, this made me feel very safe. Not just because only
certain people could enter but also because I did not have to worry about
losing a key when I was out and about.
Moreover, concerning your luggage, each room/dorm has a
locker for each bed. And the lockers are very spacious being big enough for a
backpacker’s bag and then some.
There is also some space in your bunk to keep the things you
want to be closest to you. Here, there is also a light and a plug socket just
for you – although if you are from abroad, do remember an adaptor!
The bunk itself is very comfy with a basic pillow and duvet.
But most importantly, it is very clean. In fact, the whole place is very clean
and hygienic – even in the bathroom!
The showers were good, although I would say that the water
is either very hot or very cold (at least during my stay).
One thing to note is
that on arrival you have to put down a 10euro cash deposit for the sheets to
make up your bed – which are obligatory to have. This wasn’t really a problem
for me, as you do receive the money back when you return the sheets but I hadn’t
realised, and luckily I had cash on me, otherwise I might have had to trawl the
streets for an ATM.
That said the staff are very friendly and accommodating. The
guy on the front desk was very pleasant and I know he spoke perfect English as
I heard him speaking to other guests. But that didn’t stop him from speaking to
me in Spanish – which I loved. Quite often, when people realise you are
English-speaking, they immediately switch to English, which I appreciate but do
not want. I am trying to learn Spanish and it can be quite difficult when
people insist on talking to you in English because they can. I think this guy
understood, and every time we passed, he would always chat in Casetllano with
me.
The front-desk also offer a number of things that you might
want to rent e.g. towels, hairdryers etc. You have to put down a deposit of
some amount, but you do not have to pay for them.
Similarly, you can pay for breakfast if you want but it is
not necessary. I paid the 4euros for the breakfast buffet a couple of times,
and that was great too. Basic but with lots of variety: cold meats, fruits and
pastries. And there is a kitchen, with microwave, oven, and large fridges for
you to store and cook your own food if you want.
The kitchen/common area is very clean and spacious. There is
a pool table and a bar which is open in the evening. Furthermore, the décor is very stylish and
modern making you feel completely at ease. The bar area is a nice place to sit quietly,
or to chat with people, especially if you want to kill a bit of time.
The location is excellent as well. The hostel is located
just off Puerta del Sol and is in easy walking distance of many attractions
such as the Royal Palace, the Cathedral and the Avenue of Art. If you are planning
to go somewhere further out, the metro station is just a few minutes walk away.
Finally, the price was not bad. Especially for the quality
of the hostel: I paid 50 euros for 4 nights, in a mixed 6-bed dorm. There are
private rooms that you can pay more for, but I would say that these are more
like hotel prices. The cost also varies depending on the time of year, and I don’t
like to think what the prices would be like in peak season.
Overall, this hostel was a great stay and would I
would certainly stay there again. In fact I am – I liked it so much that I
booked the hostel in Barcelona for a few weeks time. I hope it is just as nice
there as it is in Madrid.
Here is a link to the TOC Hostel website if you fancy
looking at it: http://tochostels.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)