Things I Learned from Travelling Part 2 - Madrid

The Stadium

In February I went on one of the best trip of my life. I went for a week in Madrid as a Business School Trip. The trip was organised by the ASCS committee which they did such an amazing job!
In week's time I visited so many places and every day was an experience on it's own.

Some of the things I suggest doing when going to Madrid is

1. Going to a Live Flamenco Show
The Spanish are amazing dancers. They are so passionate in their dancing and boy are they loud! It really is a joy to watch .

2. Visit a Stadium
This is a must for any sports or football fan out there! We visited the Real Madrid stadium, and all the boys just kept starting and taking pictures with the trophy's.

3. Visit Madrid's Fun Park.

Taking a selfie with a peacock

The park was especially enjoyable, since February was it's low season we didn't have to wait in queue , so you can ride and attraction you want as many times as you want and not have to wait in line.

4. Go ride the Cable Car
You will freeze your fingers off taking pictures but boy isn't the view amazing!

5. Visit Madrid's Zoo
One of the best zoo's ever. They have such a variety of animals and it's a dream for all animals out there! The animals where super cheerful and funny too!

6.Go to Madrid's Snow Zone
As a person who lives in a place that never snows this place was amazing! So cold but skiing was so much fun! I fell so many times but I didn't care! Winter wonderland!

7. Go have Tapas
Tapas are basically small appetizers for those who didn't know! These are especially popular in Madrid. Very good, cheap and filling! You cannot fully experience Madrid without them.

8. Try the Paella

Paella

I tried two paella one from a fast food shop and one from a god restaurant and I would definitely spend a little more as the restaurant paella was so good an amazing I wanted to cry.

Keep in Mind

While Spanish people are super nice and helpful it was a challenge communicating with them since many of them only speak Spanish. On the other hand Spanish is easy to pick up so I was able to make head's or tails of what they where saying.

Clubbing is expensive. One drink costs 6-8 euro. While I don't know the norm in every country In Malta it's usually 2.50 for a drink.

Snowzone

The Metro is super quick and efficient, make use of it if it's too far too walk!

The Tax system in Spain is a bit strange. In a restaurant they list the basic price without including the tax so if it says it costs 10 euro you actually have to pay 10.50 something.


Hope you found this helpful! Ella x

 Tags - Spain, Madrid, Zoo, Tapas, Paella, Snow Zone, Travel, Stadium, Tips

Things I Learned from Travelling Part 1 - London Edition

This year has been definitely one of the most exciting, interesting, eye opening  and all in  in all the  best start to the year I could have ever have hoped for. These past months I have traveled to London and Madrid. Which they where only a month apart. Seeing they where so close together it was very easy to compare them with each other.

The London trip was the first one which I went with three of my very good friends. We spent over a year planning the trip which in my opinion is the first mistake we did. While planning is important, so much in advance something is bound to go wrong.

Don't get me wrong it was a lovely trip which I absolutely loved but a lot of things could have been avoided.

For example 

1. Do schedule your time and have a plan, but do not be disappointed if something comes up and plans have to be changed or scheduled. This could be either due to delays from the airport which is very common in the winter months due to bad weather.

Also one of your companions could get sick. Which is very unfortunate as if you don't know how the health system in that particular country works, it gets very worrisome and you are bound to panic.

2. DO NOT OVER PACK
This was something I was very guilty in doing. Keep in mind that you do not need 5 different types of lipsticks neither do you need 10 outfits for a 4 day trip in which you scheduled in shopping time adding to your clothing load.

3. DO NOT schedule a whole day for shopping
While admittedly Oxford street is a beautiful sight for all shoppers. Only stay for a maximum of 3 hours. Pick out the stores you want to visit and keep it to that. Shopping is very trying and you are bound to get cranky and tired with all the bags your carrying.

A mix of sightseeing and shopping in a day is better. This also gives a spontaneous feeling which everyone loves and keeps spirits high.

4. Do keep in mind the currency difference
While a jacket does seem cheap at 25 pounds its actual value in euro is 33 not 27 or 28 which I was convinced of at that time. Wish I kept that in mind while shopping.

5. GO TO PRIMARK FIRST DO NOT LEAVE AT THE VERY LAST
Primark is amazing. There is such a wide variety of stuff to choose from and all of which are so very cheap. Your are bound to regret some of your previous buys if you leave it for last.

6. When buying souvenirs and present for everyone keep in mind how much they weigh. If your torn for a present for your mother go for a nice sweater not a snow globe.

Also keep in mind when buying a jacket that these roughly weigh around .8kg to 1.2 kg. So do try to buy only one or two.

 Remember the weight limit on a plane is not a goal!

7. If your hotel or hostel offers breakfast do take it. Nothing is more annoying when your sight seeing having to remember to pop to Tesco's for a meal to have in the morning, or remembering that you have to buy water.

8. London is a wonderful place if it is a your first time visiting DO  spend at least 5-7 days. You'll feel much better when their's no rush.

9. DO visit the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Madame Tussaud, London Zoo and the Big Ben.

10. Go watch a musical. I highly recommend Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Amazing cast which all gave a magnificent performance.

11. Ask the receptionist for tips.
Their job is to help you and guide you and make your life easier. A special mention is also deserved for the staff of the YHA London Central Hostel which where absolutely a delight to talk too and helped us out in which ever way they can.

12. Be cautious about the London Tube
While it is a lifesaver when you are far from your hostel or if it is night time if you can walk, do walk. You are saving almost 5 pounds per trip and at the same time you are learning the streets and sight seeing at the same time.

13. Keep in mind the London weather
London or England in general is known to have rainy dark weather especially in the winter time. Which a person coming from sunny Malta is quite a shock. It is quite normal for us to have rainy gloomy day but not day after day of not seeing the sun.

That it for my London trip! Stay tuned for Part 2! The Madrid edition.

Ella x

Keywords London, Flights, Tips, Weight Limit, Shopping, Oxford Street, YHA, London Zoo, Big Ben, Luggage, Musical, London Weather, Receptionist, Primark, Packing, Planning

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