STORY/PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY PUPATELLO
MADRID Welcome to Urban Paradise ANTHONY BOURDAIN once said that “there are very few negatives to say, if any, about this beautiful country.” After spending 10 days in Madrid this past September on a Spanish language course, I absolutely agree. In fact, if I had to pick just one place to live, it would be Spain. This Southern Euro gem, which sits on the Mediterranean, has a diverse economy and a growing tourist base. It tops many other EU nations in originality, beauty and fun – it’s impossible not to love this place. “Madrilenos” embrace a sense of humility and calmness amidst a flow of foreigners that continuously flock to their city. It’s a laid-back society with a rich history of culture. Madrid is genuinely a fun city to spend time in, thanks to its well-executed culinary, shopping and social scenes. This urban landscape is also alive and well with clean, manicured passages for all to get around. Walking up to 8 kilometers or more per day seems average to locals, with tourists likely doubling that on a good day. The city’s core is easy to navigate by foot, taxi or subway. Weather conditions range from high 80’s to low 90’s, with little to no rain in the summer. Fall and winter tend to be very mild. Madrid is definitely urban paradise.
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