Pictures by Christian Samuelson
Mad is Mad
With my previous post dedicated to France, it was only fair that I had a post dedicated to my hometown. Just writing this first sentence and thinking about all the amazing stuff I can talk about is putting the biggest grin on my face. Even sorting through the pictures, with their warm natural light, made me jump onto to Skyscanner to try and find a last minute deal (with no luck).
All this blabbing along and I have yet to tell you the name of my hometown. If you haven’t guessed it yet, mi casa, the city that is making me smile like an infatuated schoolgirl, is none other than Madrid.
Not born but raised in this amazing city, I feel privileged to have been able to enjoy its beauty and buzzing spirit for so many years. Anyway before this gets too soppy and starts resembling a soul baring “Dear Diary” entry, let’s move on to some tips on how to enjoy the city in summer.
The best way to do so is to talk you through a day in the Spanish Capital. I went back home about a month ago, and after a miserable Friday night losing 1-5 to the Netherlands, my Saturday was bound to be better.
First things first, you do everything late in Madrid, everything and that, thankfully, includes waking up.
2pm:
So after a late start to the day, first course of action – Shopping!
One life lesson I have learnt the hard way, since leaving home 8 years ago, is that Zara (and the whole Inditex family) is 20% more expensive abroad. The good thing is that it makes shopping trips when visiting Madrid all that more fun and efficient… it’s like a constant 20% off Zara sale!
4pm:
After a trip to Zara’s new flagship store on Calle Serrano, we grabbed some late lunch at Bar Tomate en Chamberí. When there I recommend trying out their different tapas, we opted for the Salmorejo and the Burrata , or else ordering a pizza, straight out of their amazing pizza oven.
Another cool spot we checked out that day, great for food tasting and socialising, is the brand new Platea in Colón, a truly awesome experience for your eyes and taste buds.
6pm:
After wandering around the streets of Madrid, taking some shots for the blog in and around Alonso Martínez, we had a mandatory ice cream break.The Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience in Callao was the perfect spot to get sweeping views of the capital while enjoy a gossip and gelato with bestie Daniela.
7pm
The transition from ice-cream to cocktails is always smooth when terrace hopping in Madrid. The city is renowned for its “terraza” culture, made better by the boom in recent years of rooftop bars. Our bar of choice this time around was the bar at Palacio de Cibeles, located on the last floor of the beautiful city hall building. A truly stunning view of the city, I especially recommend to enjoy a mojito while watching the sunset.
9.30pm
There are so many amazing restaurants in Madrid and the food is by far one of the best things the capital and the country have to offer. Whether it is enjoying tapas in a modern setting in one of the many Lateral restaurants; sharing some mouth watering rice in Restaurante Samm; or even dining surrounded by olive trees and candles; Madrid is the place to be for a 24/7 taste extravaganza.
DRESS – Asos; NECKLACE – old; SANDALS – old; SUNGLASSES – Carolina Herrera; RED BELT – old – beautiful designer ones here and here
Renata
July 31, 2014 at 1:23 pm (10 years ago)Mario! I loved that wall, so funny. Great place for a shoot indeed. Girl you look amazing, loved the dress and the belt. The colours matched perfectly. I’ve never been to Spain before but it seems such a beautiful place. It’s a destination that it’s in my top 5 for sure.
http://www.suchaflour.co
Ana
September 13, 2014 at 10:34 am (10 years ago)thank you. You should go. It’s amazing! 🙂
Melody
July 31, 2014 at 3:52 pm (10 years ago)What a beautiful post. I love the backdrops you used and the vibrant color of your dress!
xo, Melody
http://blingaholic88.com
Ana
September 13, 2014 at 10:35 am (10 years ago)thank you.Madrid has loads of amazing backdrops like that.
Hélène
July 31, 2014 at 4:12 pm (10 years ago)Dying to go to Madrid one day, it looks so beautiful! I LOVE your dress too 🙂
xx Hélène
http://www.FashionOverReason.com
Ana
September 13, 2014 at 10:36 am (10 years ago)You should go Hélène, they would welcome you and your awesomeness with open arms 🙂
Isadora
August 4, 2014 at 11:35 am (10 years ago)OMG!! love the pictures and your dress!!! Great job!!
http://www.sundays4you.com
Ana
September 13, 2014 at 10:37 am (10 years ago)Thank you
Virna Ogniricciouncapriccio
August 6, 2014 at 7:02 pm (10 years ago)Great photos and I love that blue dress!
Virna ♥
OGNIRICCIOUNCAPRICCIO
Ana
September 13, 2014 at 10:39 am (10 years ago)Thanks Virna
Jodi
August 7, 2014 at 7:56 am (10 years ago)I love this cobalt look. I’m obsessed with blue this season
http://www.highheelsandtutus.com
Ana
September 13, 2014 at 4:04 pm (10 years ago)thanks