Sunday 26 October 2014

Madrid, Autumn 2014.

Back to Madrid. So what has changed?

Not a lot. I still really enjoy this city. There is a new city electric bike scheme. Seems to be very popular. The secret Chinese secreted below the fountain at the top end of Plaza de EspaƱa is as popular as ever. Healthy eating for just €5 to takeaway. The huge monolithic Telefonica building has gone. The entire plaza is much better off for it. Talking of buildings; Madrid knocks spots off Barcelona architecturally for me. It is a fabulous mix. Talking of buildings take 2; The British Embassy (now consulate) is located at the top of one of Spain's tallest (if not the tallest) buildings. Effectively the Fourth tower of Los Cuatro Torres it is a very prestigious spot. Fabulous views. Great space. Bit of a trek out of town (I have done it both ways Twice now out of necessity rather than joy, but it was worth it - much to see in Madrid away from the tourist centre). It must cost a fortune to maintain. So, what do they do there, and how many people are employed there? One person and a security guy! I reckon the space is costing somewhere in the region of €200,000 a year. All that for nothing really. Not much they can offer British Citizens in Spain these days. An emergency travel document for a 40% premium over the cost of a full 10 year passport is about it. They have a computer you can use. I'll moan about the British Embassy website another day - it is absolutely fucking shite. The ex-embassy remains as a glorious badge representing the very worst of Capitalism today. Just a BIG FAT LIE basically.

That is it today no? Everything is a lie. People are buying into lies. This is the end of the Capitalist road. How many times can you sell empty promises and lies?

On the plus side, it seems everybody is beautiful today. You can buy into the stereotype and photograph yourself so easily. Beauty has never been so accessible. I wish that wasn't just another lie!

Ugly git signing off. Madrid is being very kind again. Keep the work coming please. I am still a long way from replacing everything that was stolen in Barcelona. New Two year itinery will be posted within a week. In the meantime I am enjoying Madrid. All enquiries welcome...

Tlf: 689 744 929
johncolley@hotmail.com

Or, find me in the usual places. Plaza de Oriente. Palacio Real. Gran Via opposite Metropolis.


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