MAP Magazine RSS Feed http://www.mapmagazine.com Your daily dose of Madrid! Weekend Edition: San Isidro http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Weekend-Edition-San-Isidro/ And, of course, we have some more suggestions to coast you through the weekend. Since it’s the festival of San Isidro the city will be crawling with art from symphonies to rock ’n’ roll to puppet theater... Mad Hostel Madrid - hostels in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Mad-Hostel-Madrid-hostels-in-Madrid/ Mad hostel in Madrid, Spain is one of the best hostels in Madrid, offering a bar and flamenco shows! Cat's Hostel Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Cat-s-Hostel-Madrid/ Cat's Hostel in Madrid, Spain is one of the top ten hostels in Madrid and voted one of Europe's best hostels. Hostels In Madrid: Bull's Hostel Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels-In-Madrid-Bull-s-Hostel-Madrid/ Bull's Hostel in Madrid, Spain is a student and young folks hostel centrally located with its own bar!!! A very cool hostel in Madrid to stay and just hang out. Weekend Edition: The San Isidro Festival with (band) Líneas Albiés http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Weekend-Edition-The-San-Isidro-Festival-with-band-Lineas-Albies/ Whether you are into puppets, symponies or punk music, you'll be able to find something this weekend in Madrid. See review for more. Los Amigos Hostel Opera: Hostels In Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Los-Amigos-Hostel-Opera-Hostels-In-Madrid/ Los Amigos Hostel Opera is the sister hostel of Los Amigo's Hostel Sol. One important difference is that this hostel in Madrid has a washing machine! Festivals in Madrid - San Isidro http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Festivals-in-Madrid-San-Isidro/ This week in Madrid we celebrate the festival of San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid. The dates of the festival aren’t set in stone but the majority of the activities are concentrated between the 14th and 18th. Since its inception in 1948, the celebration has become enormous encompassing everything from music to theater, but at its core it’s the celebration of this peasant saint. Traditionally it’s a day to take the pilgrimage to the Ermita de San Isidro, an 18th century chapel, to drink of its healing waters. For the occasion, many Madrileños... The Iglesia de San Francisco in La Latina http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Iglesia-de-San-Francisco-in-La-Latina/ The historic Iglesia de San Francisco in La Latina. Photo by Quico Lopez. More Real Madrid Products than You Can Imagine! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/More-Real-Madrid-Products-than-You-Can-Imagine/ This store ups the ante on fanaticism. Real Madrid pacifiers for you baby, water bowls for you dog, underwear for the women in your life... It just doesn't end! See review for more details. The Real Madrid Store - For all Your Buying Needs http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Real-Madrid-Store-For-all-Your-Buying-Needs/ If there is any lingering doubt in your mind that Real Madrid qualifies for cult status, simply visit their store. I assure you; you’ll come away a changed person. From infant pacifiers to women's underwear, they have managed to brand every product on the planet. Although some items are available on line and others at the stadium, this is the most complete collection of Real Madrid paraphernalia in the known universe. Now, if you’re guessing that you can find t-shirts, polo shirts... Shopping in Madrid: Chido Guey - Get your Funk on! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-in-Madrid-Chido-Guey-Get-your-Funk-on/ Chido Guey offers Mexican urban chic here in Madrid. For more info, check out our review. Chido Güey's the Shop for the DF look here in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Chido-Guey-s-the-Shop-for-the-DF-look-here-in-Madrid/ Have you been painfully aware lately that your wardrobe lacks the edgy pop-cultural flair of DF (Mexico City)? OK, perhaps not, but this revelation will hit with full force once you set foot inside Chido Güey.
Hidden on a typical stretch of inner-city Madrid streets among fruterias, pollerias and locutorias, this little shop... English-Language Movies in Madird - Lars and the Real Girl http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Movies-in-Madird-Lars-and-the-Real-Girl/ Can a man falling in love with a blow-up sex doll qualify as a love story? And, as importantly, can those of us with non-inflatable proclivities be drawn into this world? Lars and The Real Girl, written... Lars and the Real Girl http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Lars-and-the-Real-Girl/ Although it isn't uncommon these days to find your soul-mate on the Internet, when she happens to be an life-size inflatable doll, it raises eyebrows to say the least. This is the point of departure in "Lars and the Real Girl" - for more info , see the review . Gay Bars Madrid: LL the Place to Start Your Weekend! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Gay-Bars-Madrid-LL-the-Place-to-Start-Your-Weekend/ Midnight: what may be the bewitching hour back home -sending crystal-shod princesses scurrying for their carriages- means something very different in Spain. At this hour, many a Madrileño will be just finishing a leisurely... Luxury Hotels in Madird - Meliá Madrid Princesa http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Luxury-Hotels-in-Madird-Melia-Madrid-Princesa/ by Justine Bayod Espoz
Another first-class Melía hotel in Madrid is the Princesa, which is more centrally located than the Melía Castilla. On the periphery of the historic center, the Princesa is very close to the Oeste Park and Plaza España. Plus a nice bonus in the area for foreigners is the complex... Reflecting on La Latina http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Reflecting-on-La-Latina/ La Latina is great by day or night, week or weekend. Fill your days with cafés, your nights with trendy clubs, your weeks with quiet streets and your weekend with the Rastro, the biggest flea market the world has ever seen. Photo by Quico López . Art at the Villa Real Hotel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Art-at-the-Villa-Real-Hotel/ At the Vlla Real Hotel you don't have to leave the premise in order to see great art. The in-house collection includes everything from Ancient Roman sculpture to Modern Warhol Portraits. See review for more. Five Star Hotels in Madrid: The Villa Real Hotel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Five-Star-Hotels-in-Madrid-The-Villa-Real-Hotel/ by Justine Bayod Espoz
The Villa Real Hotel is located in prime tourist area, just steps away from the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza art museums and a few blocks from Puerta del Sol. A guest at this hotel will not have to rely on public transportation to see... The Streets of Malasaña http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Streets-of-Malasana/ From modern cell phones to historic statues Malasaña ranges the gamut. Wander around and find out why it's the favorite neighborhood of Madrid's 20-somethings. Hotels in Madrid: Gran Melía Fénix http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-in-Madrid-Gran-Melia-Fenix/ Justine Bayod Espoza
The most centrally located and luxurious of Melía’s hotels in Madrid is the Gran Melía Fénix. Situated to one side of Plaza Colon, the Gran Melía Fénix sits on the doorstep of both the exclusive Barrio de Salamanca and Paseo de Recoletos.... English-Language Movies in Madrid - Elegy with Penelope Cruz http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Movies-in-Madrid-Elegy-with-Penelope-Cruz/ by Andrew Poole
Far from the “Roses are Red, Violets are blue” simplicity of most “love stories”, Elegy... English-Language Movies in Madrid at Cine Ideal http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Movies-in-Madrid-at-Cine-Ideal/ Penelope Cruz and Ben Kingsley star in Elegy, the adaptation of Philip Roth's short novel, "The Dying Animal". See today's review for more. English Language Movies in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Movies-in-Madrid/ Check out the Oscar-Award-winning The Counterfeiters. See review for more info. English Language Movies in Madrid - The Counterfeiters http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Movies-in-Madrid-The-Counterfeiters/ Anna Bogutskaia
What do you live for? What would you die for? These are questions that The Countefeiters... The Streets of Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Streets-of-Madrid/ Madrid is the city of extremes. Before it was too cold, soon it will be too hot - enjoy it while you can. Photo by Quico Lopez. See more of his photos here. Gay Madrid - Sleazy Madrid Party http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Gay-Madrid-Sleazy-Madrid-Party/ Lex Evanson
Getting sleazier has never been easier! If leather, rubber or bear flesh are your thing, then Sleazy Madrid is the place for you this weekend. This annual event is the Spanish Capital’s rapidly growing fetish weekend... Goya's Dos de Mayo http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Goya-s-Dos-de-Mayo/ Goya captures the uprising that took place on May 2, 1808 when the Spanish rebelled against the French occupation. Spanish Holidays and History - Dos de Mayo http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Spanish-Holidays-and-History-Dos-de-Mayo/ Dos de Mayo (the Second of May) coupled with the May Day (International workers day, the first of May) forms a two-day festival in Madrid that is sometimes a Puente (literally bridge or long weekend) depending on how the dates... Shopping in Madrid - BLESS Offers Fashion Salvation http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-in-Madrid-BLESS-Offers-Fashion-Salvation/ by Cynthia Blair Kane
Is opening your closet an act of daily damnation? Do you ask, “Has a clothing curse been placed upon me?” Do you see people on Fuencarral wearing your outfits and desperately pray for something... Tio Pepe a Madrid Original http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Tio-Pepe-a-Madrid-Original/ Tio Pepe - a historic landmark in Madrid! The Sky is Fowling http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Sky-is-Fowling/ Although La Latina is a festival of bars and clubs on weekend nights and a circus of flea market activity on Sunday morning (the Rastro), it also has it's quiet side - don't forget to check it out by day. Hotels in Madrid: Melía Castilla http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-in-Madrid-Melia-Castilla/ Justine Bayod Espoz
Nestled in the heart of Madrid’s primary financial district, the Melía Castilla is an excellent choice for business travelers. Although it is not in the historic center of the city, it is in an area with lots of restaurants and... Madrid Hotels: Wellington Hotel - Accomodation of the Rich and Famous http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Hotels-Wellington-Hotel-Accomodation-of-the-Rich-and-Famous/ by Justine Bayod Espoz
Located in the same... Madrid Neighborhoods: La Latina http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Neighborhoods-La-Latina/ La Latina is affordable, artistic and fun. By day it's a lovely barrio for a stroll, in the evenings a great place for nightlife, and on Sunday it erupts in to the "Rastro" one of the biggest flea markets in all of Europe. Photo by Quico López. The Adler Hotel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Adler-Hotel/ The Adler Hotel is the located within walking distance from such stores as Prada, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera and more. If you are on a shopping safari, this is "big game" territory. See review for details. Madrid Hotels: The Adler Hotel - Let the Shopping Begin http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Hotels-The-Adler-Hotel-Let-the-Shopping-Begin/ by Justine Bayod Espoz
The Adler Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Madrid’s prestigious Barrio de Salamanca, Madrid’s most exclusive neighborhood. Prada, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera and other designer shops and first-class restaurants can all be... The Mirasierra Hotel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Mirasierra-Hotel/ The Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid are are great complement to the action-packed days and nights in this 24-hour city. Hotels in Madrid: Mirasierra Suites Hotel - Affordable Luxury Near the Airport http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-in-Madrid-Mirasierra-Suites-Hotel-Affordable-Luxury-Near-the-Airport/ by Justine Bayod Espoz
The Mirasierra Suites is one of Madrid’s top business... Trendy Tube is the Way to Avoid Noxious Shopping in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Trendy-Tube-is-the-Way-to-Avoid-Noxious-Shopping-in-Madrid/ Trendy Tube is your connection to affordable London Fashion here in Madrid. The owner is bilingual making shopping in English even easier. The Triball zone, in which the shop is located, is known for it's seediness, but that's part of it's charm. London Fashion in Madrid: Trendy Tube - Be a Step Ahead http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/London-Fashion-in-Madrid-Trendy-Tube-Be-a-Step-Ahead/ by Heather Hart
Hey girls - love designer clothes but can’t handle the designer price tags? Looking for something truly unique? Make your way over to Trendy Tube, Triball’s highly... Shopping Madrid: Kling Downtown - The Spanish SoHo http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-Madrid-Kling-Downtown-The-Spanish-SoHo/ by Heather Hart
With summer rapidly approaching, it may be time to invest in some new breezy wear for those long lazy... The Alternatives to the Madrid Mainstream http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Alternatives-to-the-Madrid-Mainstream/ The newly reclaimed Triball zone in Madrid, just behind Grand Via, offers alternative perspectives on fashion. Curretnly, the new stores in this area number just under 15, but more are being added daily and there is an immediate potential for fifty plus shops. Swing by and say you were there first. Preparing for the Feria http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Preparing-for-the-Feria/ Preparing for La Feria de Sevilla - dance, drink, food, horses and more. See for more article info. Photo and story by Sean McNamara. Travel in Spain: The Feria de Sevilla (Seville) http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Travel-in-Spain-The-Feria-de-Sevilla-Seville-/ by Sean McNamara
The six-hour southbound bus ride passed quickly, as my anticipation for Sevilla’s famous spring Feria (Fair) grew and the monumental silhouettes of Andalusian bulls floated over the hills. Socibus, the company that shuttles travelers... Hotels in Madrid: AC Santo Mauro Hotel - The Little French Palace http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-in-Madrid-AC-Santo-Mauro-Hotel-The-Little-French-Palace/ by Justine Bayod Espoz
From the same hotel group that owns the Palacio del Retiro, Madrid has yet another luxury hotel, the Santo Mauro. This 51-room hotel is housed in... Shopping Day http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-Day/ Has the recent weather left you a bit blue? If it's a bit cold for terrazas or a walk in the park, don't forget your shopping options. Bathing a la Lichtenstein http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Bathing-a-la-Lichtenstein/ The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum containing work from Gothic Italian to American Pop Art is just minutes away from the AC Palacio del Retiro Hotel. Don't miss the hotel's Turkish baths! See review for details. Hotels in Madrid: AC Palacio del Retiro Hotel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-in-Madrid-AC-Palacio-del-Retiro-Hotel/ Opened in September 2004, the Palacio del Retiro is one of Madrid’s newest luxury hotels. It is located in a stunning building right off of the Retiro Park, just steps away from Cibeles Fountain and the Puerta de Alcalá, two... Hotels in Madrid: Puerta de America Hotel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-in-Madrid-Puerta-de-America-Hotel/ Five star hotels in Madrid are many, but none stand out as much as the Puerta de America Hotel Madrid. With a facade that could be classified as an art installation piece, and rooms so cool they should charge an entrance... Madrid Hotels: Book a room in the Puerta de América Hotel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Hotels-Book-a-room-in-the-Puerta-de-America-Hotel/ Book a room at the Puerta de América Hotel in Madrid, Spain! Preparing for the Shopping Masses http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Preparing-for-the-Shopping-Masses/ Merchants busily prepare as the Triball area converts itself from near-ghetto to alternative shopping area. See story for details. Shopping in Madrid: Triball - The Next Shopping District? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-in-Madrid-Triball-The-Next-Shopping-District/ What exactly is the “Triball” project? Is it related to the modern primitive movement? Does it require indigenous tattoos? Ritual scarification? No, no, and no. “Triball” has no relation to “tribal” at all; in fact, the project is 100 per cent shopping-focused... Plaza de Chueca http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Plaza-de-Chueca/ Plaza de Chueca serves up everything from coffee to cocktails - a great place to start your Madrid explorations of gay Spanish life. Centrally located, the plaza is a walk away from all bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. Chueca Neighborhood: The Gay Barrio - cafes, bars and clubs http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Chueca-Neighborhood-The-Gay-Barrio-cafes-bars-and-clubs/ If you take line five to Chueca you will happily pop up smack-dab in the center of the Plaza de Chueca – arguably the epicenter of all things gay, not only in Madrid, but in all of Spain. Argumosa, the Street of Many Cafés http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Argumosa-the-Street-of-Many-Cafes/ Calle Argumosa is lined with terrazas cafes serving juice, coffee, beer, wine and sangria. A couple of hours on this magical street will cure whatever ails you. Terrazas in Madrid: Argumosa, "Café Street" http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Terrazas-in-Madrid-Argumosa-Cafe-Street-/ In Madrid, when does spring officially begin? For optimists it’s the budding of delicate leaves, for pessimists it’s the banging of annual construction. For the vast majority, however, spring is the beginning of terrazas (sidewalk cafes)... The Intercultural Spring Market in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Intercultural-Spring-Market-in-Madrid/ Roberto Wonka and the Chocolate Facory? Yes, that is a fountain of chocolate you are looking at. If you're seeking a quick lunchtime or evening escape in Madrid, try the current market in the Plaza de la Luna just off Gran Via. Roberto and his molten chocolate are waiting for you. For more information on Roberto's company, Chocolate Fondue (weddings, parties, conferences...), call 619 928 242. Shopping and Food: Intercultural Spring Market in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-and-Food-Intercultural-Spring-Market-in-Madrid/ If jostling through the crowds on Gran Via has lost its charm and you are feeling a bit on edge, before you do something drastic, take a “time out”. Just behind this tourist trodden avenue is a little secret, Plaza Luna, a square that has... Atocha Station in Madrid: Trains, Buses, Subways and... Turtles http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Atocha-Station-in-Madrid-Trains-Buses-Subways-and-Turtles/ Next time you’re headed off on a day trip from the Atocha train station make sure you arrive early enough in order to enjoy all that this historic Madrid landmark has to offer. Yes, really... Atocha Station http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Atocha-Station/ Atocha Station in Madrid comes complete with a... tropical forest inside. The rare mix of French architecture, swaying palms, cafes, candy shops and, yes, even night clubs ought to keep you entertained while you wait for your next train. See review for details. Photo by Kike - also see his websites 1 & 2. Cinemas in Madrid, Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Cinemas-in-Madrid-Spain/ English-language cinemas in Madrid, Spain are few and far between, but luckily we have the lowdown on the best English-language movie theaters in Madrid! Check out our review. Shopping in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-in-Madrid/ Shopping in Madrid? Check out our comprehensive guide to stores and shopping in Madrid, Spain. We cover fashion clothing, boutiques, specialty stores, and much more to make shopping in Madrid easy and fun. El Truco Lesbian Bar in Madrid: Friendly, Cheap and Fun http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/El-Truco-Lesbian-Bar-in-Madrid-Friendly-Cheap-and-Fun/ This girl bar on the corner of La Plaza de Chueca rates remarkably high on the friendly factor. Truco (trick) has craftily avoided the typical pitfalls of gay culture--don’t bristle, darling, all cultures have their downsides—that is, the... Business in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Business-in-Madrid/ Business in Madrid is thriving. The Spanish capital is the hub of many global headquarters and important location for many international conferences and fairs. Our comprehensive guide to business centers, fair locations, accommodation options, and things to do is the perfect aide for any business traveler to Madrid. The Truco of the Trade http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Truco-of-the-Trade/ Gay scene: at Truco (trick), you'll find friendly girls, cheap drinks and energetic music. Located on the Plaza de Chueca, you can't find a more central venue to kick off the evening or kick back and enjoy the night. See review for details. Cafes in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Cafes-in-Madrid/ Cafes in Madrid are the perfect place to unwind and take in a ¨caña¨or vino tinto.¨ Many cafes in Madrid have star-studded histories claiming writers such as Earnest Hemingway and other celebrities from around the world as famous patrons. Check out our comprehensive guide to cafes in Madrid! Neighborhoods in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Neighborhoods-in-Madrid/ Neighborhoods in Madrid, Spain are diverse and unique. Check our comprehensive guide to Madrid neighborhoods covering the follow neighborhoods in Madrid: Malasaña, Chueca, Lavapiés, Huertas, Opera, La Latina, and more. Community Groups Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Community-Groups-Madrid/ Expat groups in Madrid, Spain are are great way to meet new people and lessen the culture shock of living in a new country. Check out our listing of sports groups, art groups, and many more expat community groups in Madrid, Spain! Sports in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Sports-in-Madrid/ You´ll find no lack of Sports in Madrid. From major football teams to local community sporting events, our comprehensive guide to sports in Madrid covers everything that fans as well as athletes need to know about sports in Madrid. Gay madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Gay-madrid/ Gay pride in Madrid is at its peak with Madrid´s Chueca neighborhood boasting one of Europe´s most vibrant and international gay communities. Check out our comprehensive guide to Gay Madrid! Museums & Exhibitions Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Museums-Exhibitions-Madrid/ Museums in Madrid are some of the best in the world. Whether you want to check out Spanish classics at El Prado Museum, contemporary art at the Reina Sofía Museum, or a bit of both worlds at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, our comprehensive guide to museums in Madrid will give you an informative overview. Jardines de Sabatini http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Jardines-de-Sabatini/ The Jardines Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens) on the grounds of the Royal Palace with labyrith hedges and restful fountains are just minutes away from the subway stops Opera and Sol, as well as Los Amigos Hostel. See review for more details. Hostels Madrid: Los Amigos Hostel in the Center of the Center http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels-Madrid-Los-Amigos-Hostel-in-the-Center-of-the-Center/ Los Amigos is another of Madrid’s backpacker friendly hostels, equipped solely with dormitories. Located mere steps from Puerta del Sol, Los Amigos Sol is about as central as it gets in this city. Not only do you have access to three... Relaxing at the Madrid Terrazas http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Relaxing-at-the-Madrid-Terrazas/ Relaxing at a terraza on Calle de Moratin. Tapas and Raciones: La Poza http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Tapas-and-Raciones-La-Poza/ When you're roaming the streets of Madrid late at night and looking for some cheap bar food, kebabs are often your only option. Well, not anymore, my fellow MAPistas! A drunken staple of the... Hotels In Madrid: The Westin Palace Hotel Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-In-Madrid-The-Westin-Palace-Hotel-Madrid/ The Westin Palace Hotel sits directly across from Madrid’s Ritz Hotel, just on the other side of the Neptune fountain. Even... Salvador Dalí http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Salvador-Dali/ Just minutes away from the Westin Palace Hotel is the world-famous Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza featuring works by all the European masters. Don't miss Dali's beautifully intriguing and lengthily titled, "Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate Minutes before Waking." Whether Salvador woke on the "right" or "wrong" side of the bed that particular morning is still disputed; however, all can agree it was definitely the "surreal" side. Plaza Mayor from Bullfighting to Royal Weddings http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Plaza-Mayor-from-Bullfighting-to-Royal-Weddings/ Artists in Plaza Mayor capture Spanish life on canvass. Photo by Kike - also see his websites 1 & 2. Taxis in Madrid, Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Taxis-in-Madrid-Spain/ Taxis in Madrid are plentiful, clean, easy-to-spot, and efficient. Check out this article to get all the info you will need to get a taxi in Madrid, Spain. Monuments in Madrid: Plaza Mayor http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Monuments-in-Madrid-Plaza-Mayor/ Pick up any Madrid guidebook and you’ll find Plaza Mayor listed as one of the “must see” historical sites. No doubt the article will be accompanied... Regional buses in Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Regional-buses-in-Spain/ Regional buses in Spain can take you to many cities. In this article you will find comprehensive information on bus companies in Spain and the cities they serve. Hotels In Madrid: Hotel Ritz Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels-In-Madrid-Hotel-Ritz-Madrid/ Its world famous name and outstanding location make Madrid’s Ritz Hotel the number one luxury hotel in the city. Located in a breathtaking building on the Paseo del Prado and right in front of the Neptune fountain, the Ritz leaves patrons walking distance from Madrid’s art... Exhibitions in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Exhibitions-in-Madrid/ Igor Mitoraj continues to display his sculpture along Paseo del Prado just down the street from the Madrid Ritz - near Atocha Station at the entrance to Retiro. Sponsored by Caixa Forum. Madrid Barajas Airport General Information http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Barajas-Airport-General-Information/ Madrid Barajas Airport is Spain's busiest airport and a major international hub. Check our comprehensive and practical overview of the airport. Metro Madrid: Madrid's subway system http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Metro-Madrid-Madrid-s-subway-system/ Metro Madrid is Madrid's easy-to-use and color-coded subway system. Check out our comprehensive guide on getting around Madrid, Spain using the Madrid Metro system! Madrid city buses http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-city-buses/ Madrid buses are easy and fun to use. They are clean, air-conditioned, and provide a great way to see the city while traveling around town. This article is a comprehensive guide to getting around Madrid, Spain by bus. Bicycle riding in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Bicycle-riding-in-Madrid/ Bicycling in Madrid is getting much easier with government as well as private organizational support. This article is a comprehensive guide to bicycling in Madrid. A Holiday in Tenerife is an Investment not a Purchase http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/A-Holiday-in-Tenerife-is-an-Investment-not-a-Purchase/ A Holiday in Tenerife is an Investment not a Purchase http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/A-Holiday-in-Tenerife-is-an-Investment-not-a-Purchase/ From black-sand beaches to crashing waves and luscious palms, Tenerife is sure to be an enriching experience. Story and photo by Laurie Smolenski. Tenerife - A Holiday Paradise http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Tenerife-A-Holiday-Paradise/ by Laurie Smolenski
Endless banana plantations that stretch like seas of elevated green palms, black sand beaches populated by happy nude families, perilous narrow unnamed mountain roads…This is Tenerife. It’s drinking cold, cheap Dorada beer in a ramshackle... History of Madrid's Most Famous Avenue, Gran Via http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/History-of-Madrid-s-Most-Famous-Avenue-Gran-Via/ by Andre Nakazawa
Anything with the word “grand” in its name had better live up to this lofty title. The main thoroughfare of Madrid, Gran Via, does just that. Conceived in the mid 19th century... Gran Via in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Gran-Via-in-Madrid/ For more infomation on Gran Via, its history and its monumental architecture, see our article. Photo by Kike also see his websites 1 & 2. Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Royal-Botanical-Gardens-in-Madrid/ The Real Jardín Botánico is in full bloom and waiting for your visit. Everyone Needs a Day in Madrid's Botanical Gardens http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Everyone-Needs-a-Day-in-Madrid-s-Botanical-Gardens/ Although the Real Jardín Botánico (Royal Botanic Gardens) may sound like a destination for those who travel by horse-drawn carriage and not sleek, modern jet, it shouldn’t be overlooked when... Terraza Time http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Terraza-Time/ Inès and Audrey enjoying Saturday afternoon at the Jazz Bar Terraza. Jazz Bar: A Terraza AND Cocktails with a Dose of Magical Realism! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Jazz-Bar-A-Terraza-AND-Cocktails-with-a-Dose-of-Magical-Realism/ by Andrew Poole
It's only natural that my experience in Jazz Bar starts off on a great note, “Wow, 5.50 for a cocktail! Que Bueno!” “That’s not all,” continues the bartender, “Since I’m from Colombia, I mix every... More Tapas and Raciones http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/More-Tapas-and-Raciones/ Every night is Saturday night at Palentino in Madrid's famed Malasaña district. Palentino - In U2 & Manu Chao's Favorite Madrid Barrio - Cheap Food and Drink http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Palentino-In-U2-Manu-Chao-s-Favorite-Madrid-Barrio-Cheap-Food-and-Drink/ “You’re in for another type of experience,” says Ana. These were the last words I heard before I entered the mythic Bar El Palentino . Ana is... Shopping for Kisses with Desigual http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Shopping-for-Kisses-with-Desigual/ Desigual , one of the most distinctive brands on the market, hosted an intriguing event last night - a kissing party. Participants received a free t-shirt and permission to kiss whomever they wanted, however they wanted - assuming the feeling was mutual, of course. The notion of people from all walks of life coming together to "kiss away" their differences "smacks" of a Benetton campaign, but a kiss is a kiss - plaigarized or not. The three women above had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences. These Boots Were Made for Rockin' - The Best 80s store in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/These-Boots-Were-Made-for-Rockin--The-Best-80s-store-in-Madrid/ Remember when "retro" clothing meant styles from the 50s, 60s, and 70s? Well, prepare to feel old my fellow Generations Xers–the 80s... Check Out All Events in March http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Check-Out-All-Events-in-March/ March was a busy month full of tapas bars, restaurants and flamenco.
For a peek into the real flamenco scene, see our feature, Flamenco 101- A Lesson in Life . For suggestions on where to catch a bit of flamenco action, see our flamenco page.
... The Boys of Summer http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Boys-of-Summer/ It looks like "sunglass" weather is finally here. Whip out those shades and get goofy 'cause summer is coming.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Las Fallas Shine in Valencia http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Las-Fallas-Shine-in-Valencia/ One of the many large-scale "ninots" (puppets) created to be destroyed by fire in Valencia's "Las Fallas" celebration. See story for details. Las Fallas in Spain: Valencia's Spring Break Fire Festival http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Las-Fallas-in-Spain-Valencia-s-Spring-Break-Fire-Festival/ by Andre Nakazawa
Although it is known for its hardy paella and milky tiger-nut drink, horchata, once a year, for five crazy nights, pyromaniacs and fiesta-lovers from all over the world descend on the... Madrid's Lavapiés - Site of Massive Murder Mystery Game http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-s-Lavapies-Site-of-Massive-Murder-Mystery-Game/ Within the next six months at least 58 people will be assassinated in a massive Lavapiés murder mystery game . You can join the mayhem by being a victim, a witness or even a suspect... Modigliani http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Modigliani/ "Modigliani and His Times" traces the work of this this Italian artist from his 1906 arrival in Paris until his death in 1920. On display until the 18th of May at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Concerts in Madrid: Amelia is a Ray of Light on the Music Scene http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Concerts-in-Madrid-Amelia-is-a-Ray-of-Light-on-the-Music-Scene/ By Laurie Smolenski
Tonight, I appreciate the absence of the things familiar... Concerts in Madrid - Amelia Ray http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Concerts-in-Madrid-Amelia-Ray/ Amelia Ray has a CD release concert coming up on April 23rd at the Juglar in Lavapiés. See story for details. Photo by Laura Merayo. Another Madrid Secret: Casa Tortilla, Unlimited tapas and drinks for 12 Euros!!! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Another-Madrid-Secret-Casa-Tortilla-Unlimited-tapas-and-drinks-for-12-Euros/ by Andrew Poole
Believe it or not, tackiness is actually an admirable quality at Casa Tortilla. In a world... The Cheapest Tapas in Town at Casa Tortilla http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Cheapest-Tapas-in-Town-at-Casa-Tortilla/ Casa Tortilla, with it's unlimited food and alcohol, is a magnet for merry-makers like those pictured. After sufficient sangria, you too might be inspired to reappropriate that checked table cloth and use it as a fashionable headband. See review. Madrid Museums - Take a Tour of the Historic Underground! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Museums-Take-a-Tour-of-the-Historic-Underground/ by Jolijn van der Zanden
Perhaps you remember that last year MAP Magazine tried to encourage you to smudge the windows of metro line 1 to see the remains of the Chamberí... Spanish Church http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Spanish-Church/ Photo by Kike. Basque-ing in the Glory of Spanish Cuisine http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Basque-ing-in-the-Glory-of-Spanish-Cuisine/ by Ben Dornan
Sometimes Madrid can get you down a little. Sometimes you think what the hell am I doing in this locura of a city where the stress and the daily grind seem so familiar from back home but being an expat and dealing with it all is just that little bit more... Peek Experience http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Peek-Experience/ Photo by Kike. Sweeping Is Such A Drag http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Sweeping-Is-Such-A-Drag/ In between Sol and Tirso de Molina in Plaza Jacinto Benavente, the old street sweep finally gets a change of clothes after decades of the same old uniform.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Pepe Botella: King of the Drunks - God of Coffee http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Pepe-Botella-King-of-the-Drunks-God-of-Coffee/ by Phil Stark
The Pepe Botella café takes its name from Napoleon’s alcoholic brother, José Bonaparte, who was King of Spain during the French Occupation. Nicknamed “Pepe Botella” by the Spanish... Salamanca: The World’s Favorite City http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Salamanca-The-Worlds-Favorite-City/ by Andre Nakazawa
For a city most well-known for its historical university, Salamanca offers surprisingly more than parchment and scholarship. From breath-taking plazas to renaissance architecture and bumpin’ discos, this city offers something for everyone... Salamanca by Night http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Salamanca-by-Night/ Salamanca is a city that boasts a world-famous 13th-century university, Cathedrals, and Roman architecture - not to mention huge tapas and great discos. How can you resist? See review. Photo by Andre Nakazawa. The Kings of Leon http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Kings-of-Leon/ Uff! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Uff/ Most make it look effortless, but shouldering the weight of Semana Santa isn't easy. Photo by Kike. Drum & Bass is back - Unity! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Drum-Bass-is-back-Unity/ If you are on the lookout for yet more Drum & Bass, we’ve got you covered. Unity is back – bigger and better than ever. The Unity crew is sponsoring a Dj competition on April 19th that goes from dusk till dawn. Hosted in the new Sala Soko space with a capacity for 1000 people and a kickin’ 30,000 watts of sound – it will leave your head spinning... From the Long Blondes to the Sex Pistols, Summercase Keeps you Rockin'! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/From-the-Long-Blondes-to-the-Sex-Pistols-Summercase-Keeps-you-Rockin-/ by Kamila Darling
Summertime is here again, and that means it's time for the Summer Case Festival! This year's festival will take place at the Boadilla del Monte in Madrid and the Parc del Forum in Barcelona. As always, the entertainers set to perform do not disappoint. Indie newcomers the Long Blondes will make an appearance, as well as cult favorites, the Raveonettes and the always exciting Kings of Leon. The electronica set can look forward to the Japanese avant-garde blips and bleeps of Cornelius as well as club hero Tiga, M.I.A. and CSS's brand of electro-rock. And all of you original punk rockers: ever expected to see the Sex Pistols or the Stranglers live onstage again? Well... it's summer, anything's possible. Lavapiés Kids Club http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Lavapies-Kids-Club/ Don’t mind the hype. A barrio’s reputation as being safe or unsafe isn’t always deserved. Few think twice about going into Huertas, but that’s where two hoodlums grabbed my bag (not a successful mugging). Everyone walks through Sol, but in the shadowy streets an aggressive, transvestite prostitute had to be physically removed from my arm. And down in Lavapiés? That mythically dangerous barrio of racial tensions and drug-addled loiterers? Saturday night (Sunday morning) at five o’clock a group of ten merry-makers was singing an emotive version of “Stand By Me” while dancing in the plaza. When the guitarist finished the unofficial set and someone offered him a joint, he simply said, “Thanks, but I don’t smoke pot.”
Photo by Andrew Poole TEFL Lesson Plan - Don't Get Tense about Tenses! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Plan-Don-t-Get-Tense-about-Tenses/ Does the mention of the "Future Perfect Continuous" send your students into a downward spiral of panic? It's time to get past this irrational fear - today’s TEFL Monday debunks the anxiety that surrounds the tense system. From explanatory text to verb charts to work sheets to readings, we've provided everything you need to allow your students to finally relax... Devil Dogs and Bitter Belgian Beer - Are You up for the Challenge? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Devil-Dogs-and-Bitter-Belgian-Beer-Are-You-up-for-the-Challenge/ by Ben Dornan
Tucked away behind the imposing Plaza Mayor on calle Cuchilleros you can find the Belgian Beer Café. If you're a fan of the arts of the Flemish master brewers then this place has to be a regular stopping-off point. They have an excellent selection of beers on tap and in bottles... A Rainy day to Reign http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/A-Rainy-day-to-Reign/ Ordinarily the hallowed statues of Semana Santa are the centerpiece of the city; however, this year due to rain they have been more inhibited than exhibited. Wrapped in plastic, they've been shown, but in a much less grandiose manner. Better luck next year.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Foreigners and Flamenco http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Foreigners-and-Flamenco/ Nicole Pearson, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, rehearses flamenco at Amor de Dios. Photo by Quico Lopez. Flamenco 101: A Lesson in Life http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Flamenco-101-A-Lesson-in-Life/ by Virginia Gil
Most are acquainted with the idea of traversing huge bodies of water in search of political liberty, economic opportunity, or religious freedom. But what happens when the same journey is made to pursue a life-long passion? The latter accounts for many of Madrid’s most dedicated and proficient flamenco dancers – immigrants of a different sort. For those unfamiliar with the art of flamenco this might seem a bit extreme considering how small the world has become. Nowadays you can find a country-western bar in the middle of Siberia as readily as you may find a tablao in middle-America. Yet, it still holds true that Americans are known for flamenco as much as... Up Close and Personal with Picasso http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Up-Close-and-Personal-with-Picasso/ by Sydney Kunz-McCarthy
Naked people, crying people, minotaurs, guitars, his women and himself: the 400+ piece Picasso exhibit at the Reina Sofia gives a fascinating perspective of the artist as he saw himself. The works... Celestina http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Celestina/ "Celestina" is currently on exhibit as part of the Reina Sofia's Picasso exhibit. The exhibit presents over 200 pieces from the Paris collection as well as pieces from the Reina Sofia's permanent collection. For more infomation see review. Cavalia in Madrid - get tickets now http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Cavalia-in-Madrid-get-tickets-now/ Rocket Festival Takes Off http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Rocket-Festival-Takes-Off/ The Rocket Festival just outside sunny Granada is the place to be this summer. See story for details. Count Down to Launch of Rocket Fest - Get Tickets Now! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Count-Down-to-Launch-of-Rocket-Fest-Get-Tickets-Now/ by Shaquina Blake
The summer season is approaching at light speed and it’s time for the outdoor music festivals to begin!... Accommodation in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Accommodation-in-Madrid/ Luxury Apartments in Madrid, Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Luxury-Apartments-in-Madrid-Spain/ Student apartments in Madrid, Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Student-apartments-in-Madrid-Spain/ Obama Takes Politics to the Next Level http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Obama-Takes-Politics-to-the-Next-Level/ Is it me or have we reached a defining moment in American politics and history? We’ve just had the first real discussion on race relations since the 60s... Obama http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Obama/ In the midst of his first "scandal" the race question intensifies. Can Barack Obama take us beyond black and white? Madrid Barajas Airport Flight Information http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Barajas-Airport-Flight-Information/ Epic Biblical Drama Revisits Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Epic-Biblical-Drama-Revisits-Madrid/ If anything can reignite the sheer terror of Biblical events, it’s Easter in Spain. Between Palm and Easter Sundays... Smells Fishy http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Smells-Fishy/ Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. TEFL Monday: St. Patrick's Day, From Bishops to Beer http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Monday-St-Patrick-s-Day-From-Bishops-to-Beer/ Today’s TEFL Monday obviously involves St... Saint Pat's Hats http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Saint-Pat-s-Hats/ Left to right: Gonzalo Forero, Alberto Más, Angel García

Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s day, and, perhaps due to the luck of the four-leaf clover, we are coming up on a four-day weekend. As a consequence, there are exceptionally big Paddy’s Day parties! The week before Semana Santa isn’t so serious - even if you indulge tonight, you can tough the week out.

There are no shortage of places to check out the action. If you’re in the center, you can shop around and see which party looks the best. O’Connell St. boasts a “mega party”, James Joyce is raffling off tickets to Ireland, and O’Neil’s is hosting a U2 Tribute. You can’t go wrong, just show up and grab a pint. Niño y Pistola -- The Gun-Toting Good Guys http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Nino-y-Pistola-The-Gun-Toting-Good-Guys/ by Jake Hansen
For a band whose name that translates as “Boy and Gun”, Galecia-based rock band, Niño y Pistola, is surprisingly melodic. The quartet consists of two acoustic guitars, a bass, and a drum kit... Niño y Pistola http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Nino-y-Pistola/ Get the inside scoop on the local music scene. From punk rock to acoustic and beyond. See our music section for upcoming concerts and other local bands. Photo and story by Jake Hansen. Request information directly from Spanish Schools in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Request-information-directly-from-Spanish-Schools-in-Madrid/ Guide to Spanish Schools in Madrid, Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Guide-to-Spanish-Schools-in-Madrid-Spain/ Later Skater http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Later-Skater-/ Photo by Al Betrayal. Films in Madrid - The Kite Runner http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Films-in-Madrid-The-Kite-Runner/ The Kite Runner, based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini, tells the story of the friendship of Amir and Hassan, two boys growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan in the 1970s. The boys are the best of friends, but they are not equals – Hassan, of the Hazara Shiite minority, is essentially Amir’s servant. This does not dampen their love for each other, though. “If you tell me to eat dirt, I will,” Hassan tells Amir, “but I know you won’t... Spanish Schools in Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Spanish-Schools-in-Spain/ My Happy Planet - Improve Your Language Skills While Getting Stalked! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/My-Happy-Planet-Improve-Your-Language-Skills-While-Getting-Stalked/ by Heather Hart
I know that the last thing any of us need is another social networking site. As ... Check Your Head http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Check-Your-Head/ The sculptures of Igor Mitoraj being shown along Paseo del Prado near Atocha Station at the entrance to Retiro. Sponsored by Caixa Forum. Win Tickets to Comedian Andrew Maxwell http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Win-Tickets-to-Comedian-Andrew-Maxwell/ Just shy of St. Patricks Day, Irish born Andrew Maxwell brings his comic talent to ... Comedy at Clamores - Andrew Maxwell http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Comedy-at-Clamores-Andrew-Maxwell/ If you are up for a night of hilarious comedy, swing by Clamores on Saturday -show starts at 22.00 but arrive early for seats. See article for more info. Otto and Hugo http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Otto-and-Hugo/ The Museo Thyssen Bornemisza presents a unique exhibit showcasing the influence between Otto Dix and Hugo Erfuth. For more info see review. The Camera and the Canvas http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Camera-and-the-Canvas/ When "Video killed the radio star" this wasn’t the first instance of carnage in the world of art. New mediums and technologies always... Madrid Blogs http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Blogs/ MAP's Own Election Monitor Deems Democracy Safe and PP Bocadillos Superior http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/MAP-s-Own-Election-Monitor-Deems-Democracy-Safe-and-PP-Bocadillos-Superior/ The pink envelopes won’t fit in the ballot box anymore... One of Those Days http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/One-of-Those-Days/ Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Law in Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Law-in-Spain/ Confessions of a TEFL Teacher http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Confessions-of-a-TEFL-Teacher/ by Michael Beeson

Those of you attracted to the glamour and pizzazz of modern-day English teaching in Madrid, let me tell you, it’s not the constant cocktail-partying, jet-setting lifestyle you may have thought. It can be pretty tough, and sometimes unrewarding, but hopefully there’s enough in it to keep you getting up in the morning... TEFL Lesson Plan - Biff! Wham! & Zap! Also Confessions of a TEFL Teacher http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Plan-Biff-Wham-Zap-Also-Confessions-of-a-TEFL-Teacher/ Welcome to another TEFL Monday! Today we explore quirky world of... You Saw it Here First http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/You-Saw-it-Here-First/ Inspired by the Wikibivouac event this weekend, MAP set out to find intriguing urban nooks and crannies. The "Playa de Lava Pies" is such a place: an abandoned lot between two buildings filled with sand, sofas, geodesic dome structures and art. Two MAP writers, Lindy Woracheck (on saw) and Andrew Aprile (on guitar), do a relaxed little jam session here the day before the Playa is destroyed in favor of new buildings. MAP Magazine Events Calendar http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/MAP-Magazine-Events-Calendar/ Visas and passports for Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Visas-and-passports-for-Spain/ Fairytale Castle Just outside Modern Madrid: Castillo de Manzanares el Real http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Fairytale-Castle-Just-outside-Modern-Madrid-Castillo-de-Manzanares-el-Real/ by Andre Nakazawa

Knights in shining armor, the King on his throne and sentinels patrolling their watchtowers. Everything you assumed was mere childhood fantasy materializes in the 15th century Castillo de Manzanares el Real. Beautifully preserved, the castle lies a stone’s... Storybook Perfection http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Storybook-Perfection/ Less than an hour away from Madrid, this 15th century castle is a great day-trip for those with little time or money to spare. See Andre Nakazawa's review on Castillo de Manzanares el Real. Trade fairs and conventions in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Trade-fairs-and-conventions-in-Madrid/ Film and video production in Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Film-and-video-production-in-Spain/ Silenced http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Silenced/ Silenciados, a play without words, is debuting in Madrid. For more information see Shaquina Blake's review. Silence Speaks Louder than Words in Experimental Theater http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Silence-Speaks-Louder-than-Words-in-Experimental-Theater/ “Without liberty there are no decisions.” “Without decisions, no one guilty.” “Don’t rebuke me for my silence.” “It wasn’t me who decided to silence myself.” “Others decided to shut me up.” These five phrases describe the play Silenciados (The Silenced) and you won’t hear much else. Silenciados is the story of five people killed (silenced) because of sexual discrimination. The title was chosen for another reason... Nightlife http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Nightlife/ The Madrid nightlife is like none other in world. Check out our comprehensive guide to the nightlife in Madrid from our insider's perspective! MAP TV http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/MAP-TV/ Madrid Weather http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Weather/ Football tickets http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Football-tickets/ Concerts In Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Concerts-In-Madrid/ Currency Converter http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Currency-Converter/ Useful phone numbers in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Useful-phone-numbers-in-Madrid/ Teach English http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Teach-English/ Un Buen Rollo http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Un-Buen-Rollo/ If you don't understand the title, ask a Spanish friend.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Food & Tapas http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Food-Tapas/ Looking for tapas and restaurants in Madrid? Our Madrid restaurant guide covers everything from the best Spanish tapas in Madrid to international restaurants, well as specialized cuisine such as kosher restaurants in Madrid. Check out our comprehensive guide to tapas and restaurants in Madrid! In Search of the Ultimate "Hole-in-the-Wall" http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/In-Search-of-the-Ultimate-Hole-in-the-Wall-/ In spite of several frustrated buzzes, no one answered the doorbell. Why? Although it looked like an ordinary housing block, I was sure I had the address right – was there a secret knock? a password? a hidden video camera? Discouraged ... Hostels http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels/ Hotels http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hotels/ Apartments http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Apartments/ Flamenco http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Flamenco/ Flamenco in Madrid is as popular as ever! With dance shows, concert venues, and classes for locals as well foreigners, flamenco in Madrid going strong into the 21st century. Check out our comprehensive guide to flamenco in Madrid including the best flamenco venues in Madrid, places to take classes, and where to buy flamenco-related items in Madrid. Practical Information http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Practical-Information/ Fiestas & Festivals http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Fiestas-Festivals/ Getting Around http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Getting-Around/ Travel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Travel/ Learn Spanish http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Learn-Spanish/ Jobs http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Jobs/ Tours http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Tours/ Attractions http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Attractions/ Urban Revolution http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Urban-Revolution/ Don't think of this as a satellite map; think of it as a canvas, a playground, a resource... To stretch your notion of what is possible check out the article on . Wikibivouac . City Space: The Final Frontier http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/City-Space-The-Final-Frontier/ So, here in Madrid, it has been a wacky week. First, politically rallying pigs overtook a bar in Malasaña and now architectural anarchists are planning on over-run the city. But don’t worry, both camps are cool… uh, we think. Read on and figure it out for yourself: Consider your city as a virgin space and become a new kind... Loco in the Coco http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Loco-in-the-Coco/ Javier Bardem plays a sociopath in the Coen Brothers' new film "No Country For Old Men". See Jake Hansen's review for details. English Language Cinema in Madrid - No Country For Old Men http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Cinema-in-Madrid-No-Country-For-Old-Men/ Jake Hansen
The four-time Oscar award winning film, No Country for Old Men, has drawn unprecedented publicity. In.... Big Wig Pig http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Big-Wig-Pig/ Saturday Night was the official CRDI political event. Pigs descended on a local venue in Malasaña to rally for their leader. The photo captures the CRDI candidate as he arrived in a white stretch limo giving the standard pig salute. For more information see the story by Karina Stenquist with photos by Kike. Are All Politicians Pigs? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Are-All-Politicians-Pigs/ The elections are coming up, we're all feeling the tension between the PSOE and the PP...and ....oh wait...you're not? You think they're all the same bag of crap and can't understand what everyone... Changing Seasons http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Changing-Seasons/ With this current rush of spring, Christmas feels like a distant memory. Will the warm weather last? We shall see. Photo by Molly Norris . TEFL Lesson Plan - Conversation Card Game http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Plan-Conversation-Card-Game/ For Today’s TEFL Monday we have a game that develops fluency, broadens... History of Revolution http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/History-of-Revolution/ In memory of the 200th anniversary of Spanish Independence from France, year-long exhibitions are being held. See article for details. Why do We Riot? Exhibit on Dos de Mayo http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Why-do-We-Riot-Exhibit-on-Dos-de-Mayo/ If you were here on the 2nd of May last year (2007), you’ll remember the riots in the barrio of Malasaña: hooded activists lobbing stones and lighting fires, police in combat... Riots in Lavapiés http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Riots-in-Lavapies/ Concern about coinciding rightist and leftist protests in the neighborhood of Tirso de Molina turned out to be justified. The resulting confrontation unleashed... Another Protest Today http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Another-Protest-Today/ Today (March 1) in Sol at 18:00 there will be another protest regarding housing prices. For more info see http://www.vdevivienda.net/. Take a Break http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Take-a-Break/ It's the end of the week, it's the end of the month - relax! Photo by Laura Merayo for more examples of her work see her blog. February Flashback! Get Caught up on a Month of Entertainment http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/February-Flashback-Get-Caught-up-on-a-Month-of-Entertainment/ Always looking to keep you entertained, MAP got the lowdown on several clubs this month. Inspired by the... Zap Speaks to the People http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Zap-Speaks-to-the-People/ More visual irony by our man on the street.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Caixa Forum: Corporate Responsibility or Long-Term Publicity Stunt? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Caixa-Forum-Corporate-Responsibility-or-Long-Term-Publicity-Stunt/ By Andre Nakazawa
Any recent stroll down the Paseo de Prado has surely been interrupted by the sight... Gabriele Basilico's Intercity http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Gabriele-Basilico-s-Intercity/ Basilico's photograhpic exhibit covers architecture from around the world. See article Architectural Photography: Gabriele Basilico "Intercity" http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Architectural-Photography-Gabriele-Basilico-Intercity-/ Collectively we have officially become city slickers. The shift in the bulk of the world’s population from rural to... Reliving that Death Time and Time Again http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Reliving-that-Death-Time-and-Time-Again/ If you are horrified by a single bull being slaughtered with heartless bravado, get ready to multiply your horrification: that same bull can now be killed ad infinitum thanks to the miracle of cloning... How Many Times Will this Bull Die? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/How-Many-Times-Will-this-Bull-Die/ Should we clone exceptional bulls so that they can fight to the death more than once? See article for details. Immigration Rally http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Immigration-Rally/ Photo by Karina Stenquist. For a report on Saturday's Immigrant Rally see Karina's article. TEFL Lesson Plans: Analyzing Advertisements, The Oscars, and Question Sheets http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Plans-Analyzing-Advertisements-The-Oscars-and-Question-Sheets/ Welcome to another TEFL Monday at MAP Magazine... MAP Lists Advanced Search http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/MAP-Lists-Advanced-Search/ Welcome to the MAPLists advanced search tool. We hope that this tool will serve as your English-language "Yellow Pages" for Madrid. MAP Lists Free Search http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/MAP-Lists-Free-Search/ Welcome to MAPLists open search function! Type in a key word to search our database of business listings in Madrid. Immigrants' Rights Network Holds First Protests in Run-up to Elections http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Immigrants--Rights-Network-Holds-First-Protests-in-Run-up-to-Elections/ As the elections here in Spain come creeping up on March 9th (often referred to in the press by the shorthand as 9M, much like the terrorist attacks are 11M, giving elections an odd catastrophic ring to them) the economy has become a rallying point for the Partido Popular, who, until recently, were not seen as a threat to the governing socialist party. And as is true of the political debate in almost any economic slowdown, someone's finger inevitably ends up pointed at immigrants- as a drain on welfare, as a downward push on wages, as an easy scapegoat for almost any problem... There Will be Blood http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/There-Will-be-Blood/ Photo:"There Will be Blood" is mezmerizing and perhaps genius according to Karina Stenquist's review. English-Language Movies in Madrid: There Will be Blood http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Movies-in-Madrid-There-Will-be-Blood/ There Will Be Blood has been called "as close to perfection as you will find in a movie." That's some pretty heavy hype to go up against... Footage of Spanish Civil War http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Footage-of-Spanish-Civil-War/ map magazine madrid search results http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/map-magazine-madrid-search-results/ hostels in Madrid: Students Hostel Luis Velez http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/hostels-in-Madrid-Students-Hostel-Luis-Velez/ Student Hostel Luis Velez Madrid is only ten minutes away from the city´s major attractons! Welcome to The MAP Store! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Welcome-to-The-MAP-Store/ Hostels in Madrid: Ole International Hostel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels-in-Madrid-Ole-International-Hostel/
Ole International Hostel Hostels in Madrid: Los Amigos Sol Backpackers Hostel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels-in-Madrid-Los-Amigos-Sol-Backpackers-Hostel/
Los Amigos Sol Backpackers Hostel Hostels in Madrid: Bull's Hostel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels-in-Madrid-Bull-s-Hostel/
Bull's Hostel Hostels in Madrid: Mad Hostel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels-in-Madrid-Mad-Hostel/
Mad Hostel Madrid Hostels in Madrid: Cat's Hostel http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hostels-in-Madrid-Cat-s-Hostel/
Cat's Hostel - Madrid, Spain Senegalese Food - Check it Out! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Senegalese-Food-Check-it-Out/ Archetypically “hole in the wall”, this non-descript African restaurant doesn’t draw your attention from the street. Aside from the fact that the entire Senegalese population of Madrid seems to be... Spring in February http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Spring-in-February/ With unseasonably warm weather and flowers blooming in Retiro, it is looking like a strangely early spring. Can we expect summer in April?

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. The Immigrant Voice http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Immigrant-Voice/ The elections are intensifying the focus on an already urgent situation – that of immigration in Spain. Rajoy’s unveiling of his plan to deal with the issue earlier this month caused a stir due to its content as well as its ambiguity. The immigrant community will speak for... Immigration Rally http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Immigration-Rally/ For Saturday's Rally info, see article. Naked Coffee http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Naked-Coffee/ As Molly found out the hard way, un cafe "desnudo" isn't the same as a cafe "desnatada" - be careful with your Spanish! Photo by Molly Norris . Young Designers Rock Madrid (Part II) http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Young-Designers-Rock-Madrid-Part-II-/ By Shaquina Blake
The second day of the Pasarela OFF brought men’s fashion and more interesting trends. Almost all designers showed what I will call “arm warmers”, fitted material that began at the wrists and... Underground Fashion http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Underground-Fashion/ Today and tomorrow Chamartin station will be converted into yet another of Madrid's fashion arenas. See story for more details. Spice up Your Commute with el Metro de Moda - Chamartin! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Spice-up-Your-Commute-with-el-Metro-de-Moda-Chamartin/ Now the metro does more than offer underground transit - it offers underground style. Tonight and tomorrow (the 20th and 21st of Feb) at 19:00, Chamartin station will be... Mega Legs http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Mega-Legs/ Photo by Laura Merayo for more examples of her work see her blog. The Immigrant Contract: Integrate or Vacate http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Immigrant-Contract-Integrate-or-Vacate/ By John Kernis
Madrid – Mariano Rajoy’s new electoral promise to institute an “integration contract” for all foreigners in Spain has brought froth to the political... Myth of Sisyphus http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Myth-of-Sisyphus/ Don't let Monday make you feel like that tragic mythological figure perpetually fated to push the boulder up the hill only to see it roll back down. You can look forward to a week of fashion shows, inter-cambios, exotic restaurants, great movies and more.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. TEFL Lesson Plan - Art http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Plan-Art/ Can LSD, rap and video games all be part of a discussion about the nature of art? Of course! Welcome to another TEFL-lesson-plan Monday. We sincerely hope our lesson plan starts your week off on the right foot. Here in Madrid, the arrival of ARCO, one of the largest... Madrid Me Mata - Alternative Blog Extraordinaire http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-Me-Mata-Alternative-Blog-Extraordinaire/ If Madrid kills you, Madrid Me Mata (MMM) might be just the blog for you. Reporting on everything from alternative cinema to politics to massive... Pillow Fight! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Pillow-Fight/ Photo: A pillow fight in Chueca covered by Madrid Me Mata. See story. Contribute-to-MAPMagazine http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Contribute-to-MAPMagazine/ Are you a writer, photographer, filmmaker, or other creative type? Contribute to MAPMagazine.com Join the MAPclub! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Join-the-MAPclub/ Expecting? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Expecting/ If you are expecting the ordinary Hollywood fluff on this one, think again. For a review on Juno see Abha Malpani's review. Juno - Never Judge a Movie by its Super Stupid Poster http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Juno-Never-Judge-a-Movie-by-its-Super-Stupid-Poster/ There’s been a lot of hype (internationally) over the film “Juno” - hype that I completely ignored the minute I saw the poster. Pregnant teenage girl, head-scratching teenage boy – yes, accuse me of judging the film by its cover – it was enough for me to dismiss any possibility of watching it... What is MAPpack http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/What-is-MAPpack/ ARCO Art Fair: Brazil Saves the Day! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/ARCO-Art-Fair-Brazil-Saves-the-Day/ The Question is the same every year: Is art Dead? Wandering through the multi-national maze of kiosks at ARCO, Madrid's largest art fair, the answer didn’t look optimistic. Shortly after... Eye on ARCO http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Eye-on-ARCO/ ARCO, the biggest art exhibition of the year, is here. See review for slide show and more info. Get the MAPMagazine.com MAPcard for shopping discounts in Madrid!!! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Get-the-MAPMagazinecom-MAPcard-for-shopping-discounts-in-Madrid/ Lust is the New Love http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Lust-is-the-New-Love/ Forget the classically romantic Valentines scenarios! For something sexier and more practical, check out our club guide - it has something for everyone. Not Nirvana but Close Enough http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Not-Nirvana-but-Close-Enough/ Indiscreetly spewing magenta spotlights at the northeast brink of the Parque del Oeste lies the Balcon de Rosales, a venue that definitely has its place in the hierarchy of Madrid club life. I arrived for Blue Riddim Drum & Bass... Instituto Cervantes launches Web TV http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Instituto-Cervantes-launches-Web-TV/ Even though we´re an English language magazine–hey, we´re in Spain! And as everyone here at MAP speaks Spanish (some better than others...), we thought we´d give a shout out to our beloved 'other tongue." So, a big round... Planet Retiro http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Planet-Retiro/ Justin Metz of Madrid's premiere stock photography Web site, Photos Madrid surprises us with this unique 2D, 360 degree perspective, bird's eye angle from a... uh... ground point of view... Okay, my head is spinning. Anyway, it's a damn cool photo! Fashion February http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Fashion-February/ February is fashion month in Madrid with events throughout the city from the cat walk to trade shows to Latin American Fashion. See Shaquina Blake's review for more info. Madrid is En Vogue - Pasarela de Cibeles, SIMM, and more... http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-is-En-Vogue-Pasarela-de-Cibeles-SIMM-and-more/ Every February and Sept. Madrid is en vogue. It’s an exhilarating time in Spanish fashion as Madrid hosts a series of high profile fashion events. The two biggest events are The Pasarela Cibeles...

TEFL Lesson Plan - "Love, Kung Fu, and Psychoanalysis – The Modern Mix" http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Plan-Love-Kung-Fu-and-Psychoanalysis--The-Modern-Mix-/ High Intermediate to Advanced Article: “Love, Kung Fu, and Psychoanalysis – The Modern Mix” It's Monday and MAP Magazine is here with another lesson plan and discussion questions... Clear Ideas http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Clear-Ideas/ Once again Jacobo brings us an insightful perspective on the election.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. The Epic Battle of Church and State http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Epic-Battle-of-Church-and-State/ The Battle of Church and State intensifies as election day draws nearer. The CNT-sponsored poster reads, "Religion out of the School! For an education that is secular, scientific and rational." A Hug Parade? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/A-Hug-Parade/ What’s more depressing than being single and surrounded by affectionate couples? Well, being single on Valentine’s Day, of course. And when you’re alone, far from friends or just feeling really lousy, the approaching Valentine’s Day holiday can make you curse the day Valentine was ever canonized a Saint. But... Spanish Film History http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Spanish-Film-History/ Poster link. Until March 11th there's an exhbiit on Madrid in film. Read the review before rushing heading out - it's a bit bare bones. Madrid in Film History - Skip the Exhibit but Read this List http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Madrid-in-Film-History-Skip-the-Exhibit-but-Read-this-List/ According to Así es Madrid…en el cine, an exhibition of Madrid in film, around 300 films have been shot in Madrid so far. Not as impressive as New York, London or Paris, they say... Transmission Club - Relaxed, Non-pretentious, Underground http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Transmission-Club-Relaxed-Non-pretentious-Underground/ Transmission is an experience in and of itself - especially if you’re down for a night of good, nostalgic music. You’ll get the sounds of indie rock, post-punk, psychadelica , new wave, glam or garage. Of course, great music calls... Under Construction http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Under-Construction/ As long as the city is perpetually under construction, you might as well find beauty in it. Anne Frank as a Musical http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Anne-Frank-as-a-Musical/ Photo:If you are having a lot of difficulty imagining the story of Anne Frank being turned into a musical, you're with us. See review for details. Anne Frank Spanish Musical Sings of Holocaust - the Happier Version http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Anne-Frank-Spanish-Musical-Sings-of-Holocaust-the-Happier-Version/ It's easier to hide from Nazis while wearing a buttercup yellow dress and belting showtunes. Or so Madrid’s own Teatro Calderón... Hot English Magazine: work for English teachers in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Hot-English-Magazine-work-for-English-teachers-in-Madrid/ JOBS, JOBS, JOBS at Hot English Language services. Phenomenal growth sees continuous need for qualified, native, English teachers at Hot English! Super Tuesday: Has Hillary Come Down with Acute Gore-atitis? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Super-Tuesday-Has-Hillary-Come-Down-with-Acute-Gore-atitis/ In spite her phenomenal political momentum, could Super Tuesday become "Super Lose-Day" for Hillary Clinton? We won’t begin to know the answer for several hours. In the mean time, we don’t have... Obama for yo Mama http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Obama-for-yo-Mama/ Jenny Pro Shows her support at the Democrats Abroad Super Tuesday party. See article for details. Atonement http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Atonement/ Above: Keira Knightley in Atonement. For more details see today's review. English Language Cinema in Madrid - Atonement http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Cinema-in-Madrid-Atonement/ Now, when it comes to screen adaptations of novels, I generally try to see the... Gran Via http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Gran-Via/ Photo by Laura Merayo TEFL Lesson Plan and Job Offer! Today's Lesson - "Politics" http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Plan-and-Job-Offer-Today-s-Lesson-Politics-/ Since it’s Monday again, we are offering a lesson plan and highlighting another TEFL job... TEFL Jobs - Perfect for the Independent Teacher http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Jobs-Perfect-for-the-Independent-Teacher/ This week Language Labs is hiring! This small TEFL school, with an office in the center of Madrid, provides classes throughout the city. As a smaller school they tend to form more person ties with their clients creating a friendly atmosphere... Spanish Elections: How Much for a Vote? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Spanish-Elections-How-Much-for-a-Vote/ The Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) headed by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has come under fire recently for proposing a very unsocialist one-off... The Election Game http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Election-Game/ As the Spanish elections approach, the game intensifies. Each side gambles by proposing tax incentives. Is this a case of legit economic stimulus or "escondido" (hidden) vote buying? See today's blog for details.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Parties, Dancing and Language - Get More out of Madrid with Madridmas! http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Parties-Dancing-and-Language-Get-More-out-of-Madrid-with-Madridmas/ Spain is known for its laid-back atmosphere; ironically, this tranquility is... Callao http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Callao/ Photo by Laura Merayo. Voting to Save the Universe http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Voting-to-Save-the-Universe/ Uncle Sam with flags coming out his ears, a woman in an American flag burka, and Evel Knievel? Hey kids, let's all vote before it gets any worse! Election 2008: How do I Vote from Abroad? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Election-2008-How-do-I-Vote-from-Abroad/ Are you a left-leaning, politically involved American expat living in Madrid? Are you all hyped up about this year's presidential election? Have you been following the debates on Youtube? Reading all the pundits' analyses? Jabbering about... Disembodied http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Disembodied/ Sometimes you lose yourself just a bit in the city.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Carnaval - Parades, Costumes and... Sacrificial Sardine Burnings? http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Carnaval-Parades-Costumes-and-Sacrificial-Sardine-Burnings/ So you can’t jet to Carnaval in the Canary Islands or Brazil? Big Deal. Did you think Madrileñnos would miss the opportunity to celebrate one of the biggest parties of the... Theater in Madrid - Festival Alternativo de las Artes Escénica http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Theater-in-Madrid-Festival-Alternativo-de-las-Artes-Escenica/ The Festival Alternativo de las artes Escénica, in its 8th year, provides Madrid and surrounding areas with ground-breaking performances from around... The Alternative Scene http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/The-Alternative-Scene/ The Festival Alternativo de las artes Escénica starts today the 30th of Jan. See article for more info. Pictured is RAIO X from Brasil. Photo by Dominik Fricker . English Language Movies in Madrid - Lust, Caution http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/English-Language-Movies-in-Madrid-Lust-Caution/ Have you ever seen a film that’s nearly perfect but has some indefinable element missing? So close and yet so far – you obsess about the film as if it’s an unrequited amorous… Lust Caution http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Lust-Caution/ See review for more info. TEFL Jobs and Lesson Plans http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Jobs-and-Lesson-Plans/ If “Sex”, “Drugs”, and “Rock ‘n’ Roll” don’t get ‘em talking, what will? Here are three “Question-Fest” lesson plans. Question-Fests, as the name implies, are simply a battery of questions approaching a single theme from multiple angles. Today’s provocative themes are sure to jump-start... Art and Life http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Art-and-Life/ Sometimes life imitates art and sometimes art imitates life. Other times art just stares at life in a state of bewilderment.

Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3. Idiomas Seif - Central Location, Block Hours, and Motivated Students http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Idiomas-Seif-Central-Location-Block-Hours-and-Motivated-Students/ If lugging around your materials, crowding onto metros, and dealing with unmotivated in-company classes has pushed you to the brink of insanity, relax – a solution exists: Idiomas Seif. Located in the heart of the Madrid, this family-owned school offers block hours and on-site teaching – no scattered classes, no rushing around. Sound good? Keep reading there are more perks... MAP Special Report: Live and work in Spain http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/MAP-Special-Report-Live-and-work-in-Spain/ MAPMagazine.com starts a series on how to get work and residency visas in Spain. Focusing on issues relevant... TEFL Lesson - Question-fest - Sex http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Question-fest-Sex/ TEFL Lesson - Question-fest - Drugs http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Question-fest-Drugs/ TEFL Lesson - Question-fest - Rock 'n' Roll http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/TEFL-Lesson-Question-fest-Rock-n--Roll/ MAP Party http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/MAP-Party/ Shot from the MAP party on Friday - Jolijn van der Zanden and Quico Lopez. From Holland to Brazil to the UK to the US, a great crowd turned out at for Drinks with the MAP Crew. Stay tuned for more parties. Cafe Estrella - One Star that Keeps it Real http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Cafe-Estrella-One-Star-that-Keeps-it-Real/ El Café de las Estrellas Calle Martín De Los Heros, 5. Don’t let the name fool ya. El Café de las Estellas (Café of the Stars) isn’t the place of Hollywood pomp. It does happen to be located in Banco de España, the cinema neighborhood, but, in spite of this, it maintains a humble presence: relaxed and arty. This small café sits beneath the street level, and, with “not-too-dark-not-too-bright”... Reading the Writing on the Wall http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Reading-the-Writing-on-the-Wall/ Photo by Monika K. Adler. See more of her work at websites 1, 2, or 3. How to "empadronarse" in Madrid http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/How-to-empadronarse--in-Madrid/ One of the first things you should do when you move to Spain is "empadronarse" or register yourself with the city's municipal government. Below are instructions to "empadronarse"in Madrid. We take no responsibility for these instructions, as we are not immigration lawyers. However, we're doing the best we can to help!