Madrid. Land of history, beauty, wealth, modernity, and fashionistas. Let us explain...
History.
Madrid is the center of all (literally) of Spain´s past and continues to lead the country in its progress. Home of the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Plaza de Toros (bullfighting), and lots of cathedrals.
Beauty.
Madrid is full of tons of huge parks, green trees, and historical buildings and monuments. People are constantly cleaning the streets and the metro system is the best we´ve ever experienced. Fast, color-coded, cheap.
Wealth.
Things are expensive here, but they are nice too. For example, because the trains are so great here, ends up we have to pay 10 extra Euros just to make a reservation to ride it... even though we have a Eurail pass, which is supposed to get us anywhere, anytime, unlimited usage, and "free." Ha. Also, the people really look the "wealth" part here- always dressed to impress. This is no third-world barrio, we can even drink the water out of the tap!
Modernity.
Madrid is, as some say, "always connected." Everyone has an iPhone and is talking or texting on it constantly. They are an intelligent too. They read on the Metro, have an awesome museum of modern art (Reyna Sophia) and take a siesta every afternoon. Finally, inside all the history and old buildings are the hippest trends from fashion to my favorite, wine and tapas bars.
Fashionista(o)s
All the girls are wearing what we have come to call L.C.s (pronounced Elsie's), which look like the "Hammer pants" or "Parachute pants" of the `90s (it all comes back :) yet of course, at a whole new level. These pants are tight around the hips, then baloon out in the legs and have the longest crotch you´ve ever seen. We found this one chica whose crotch was down to her ankles!
The guys, as has been custom in Europe for some time, are all wearing Chants (male extra-long capris but not quite pants). Chants here come in the form of jean, khaki, and even overalls (termed: chantalls). Usually topped with a cutoff tank.
Since Madrid is so mod, perhaps we are going to be wearing the LCs and chants soon? Oh gosh!
So we are having a blast, staying safe, and heading to Toledo now. Ciao!!!!
Oh how fun! I wish I was there. I will probably keep saying that on every post you guys make. It sounds incredible and I am glad to know that you guys are there safe and having such a good time. I will email soon.
ReplyDeletePlease bring me back a pair of Hammer pants. And please post some pictures or I won't read this anymore.
ReplyDeleteHi Sounds great! Wish I were there with you. All is well here with the heat wave ending. Ants have taken over the entire town of Vista. I spray about every half hour. Don't even care if it is toxic. Thats the new news. YOur travels are much more exciting. Love you both, Mom
ReplyDeleteSpain sounds great. Are you enjoying a little Sangria along the way? Hope your packs aren't getting too heavy. Good thing the Hammer pants are light that you'll bring home to the family for XMAS.
ReplyDeleteYour car is all fixed up Amers... so it's ready to cruise to SF. I met several people in MS who own Apts. in SF... so I'll pass their info along later. Miss you. We'll need to have a Swenson/Gammelgard Reunion with everyone to see all of your pics and hear your stories.
Love you,
DAD