The Madrid Rio Project (el Plan Especial Madrid-Río)!!!

If you ever go to Madrid (or Spain) you do NOT want to miss exploring the Madrid Rio!

Madrid undertook a massive city project that relocates the highway that goes through this part of the city - M-30 - and placed it entirely underground (previously it had run beside the river). Over 8,000,000 sq. meters, 6 city districts, 33,000 newly planted trees, significantly improved water quality through more natural storm water filtration and retention- every aspect of the project is colossal and yet brilliantly done; Madrid did this right! Trying to think on the scale of this project, I can't help but recall China's Three Gorges Dam. However, this project is completely about improved quality of life for the people of Madrid by bringing them closer to their river and including them into their environment. The road had prior prevented individuals from experiencing this river on an intimate level. Now the project opens so much land to be used by people simply walking (as humans do so well) and will provide excellent access that shall allow us to cherish and protect it. Further, it provides exceptional sense of place and is an environmental benefit for a plethora of reasons.

Despite relocating the highway and the enormous scale of this project I was glad to see Madrid had protected this vital historical bridge.

One of the most incredible things about this project is how interactive the landscape is that was created. They've got a little something for everyone including an Urban Beach, Skateboard Park, Greenhouse, multiple basketball/futbol courts and fields, significant amounts of green space with various trees, shrubs, landscaping, fountains, and many areas for kids (young and old) to play. Families were all over the place. Two of my favorite things were a shallow water pool which spat water from various holes- the kids were all over this one. Also an artificial mountain that had I think about 7 slides going all different directions down it and through it. This impressed me because of how natural of an appeal it has. It is better in so many ways than your average plastic McDonald's "Play Place". It integrates children into an incredibly similar to natural environment that challenges their skills and is a stimulating place to play and be in. Parents were enjoying the attractions as much as the kids, Alvaro and I of course joined in. 

Another great thing about Madrid in general is there's always someone walking around selling cerveza for a euro. That's barely more than in the store so it's pretty great when a guy walks up to you in the park and offers nice cold Mahou for a coin that's in your pocket. We rarely refuse.

The green spaces were done spectacularly:

Food update: Yesterday I tried eating rabbit, and today bull's tail!

Hasta Luego!

Madrid por la Noche

A few nights ago Alvaro's dad (Jose Tomas), Alvaro, and I went to see some of the most famous sites in the oldest part of Madrid.

Here we go!

In the beginning there was an 8-hour plane trip. And despite having a glorious whole 3-seat row to myself (I tried laying down) I slept, or sort of slept, for only an hour. But it was definitely okay because I finished reading a book I've been at for a year- The Life and Death of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs; a classic on city-design and done just in time to apply that knowledge with first hand experience with European cities! I am so thrilled about this month! Also spent time reading all the information that came with my Eurail ticket on the plane, but am still pretty overwhelmed with it. The train lines are not straight shots usually and I'll be transferring like its my job since I'm traveling through many countries.

When I got here it took a little to find Alvaro (my Spanish roommate whose family is generously housing and feeding me while I'm in Madrid) because he flew into a newer terminal 5 miles away. Got in at 6:40am and had to stay up the whole day to try and readjust to Spain time. I was holding strong until I crumbled when offered a siesta...

Alvaro's father and stepmother's house is beautiful! Since everyone here seems to favor walls and highly secure buildings (metal-grates on windows, advanced security systems, etc.) , the privacy is abnormally high. Haha- I can only imagine if we had this kind of privacy in our suburban house in America how much more crazy our high-school parties would have gotten.

The climate here completely kicks VA's butt. I mean, really, the absence of humidity makes a world of difference and air-conditioning is really unnecessary. It's great to be staying in a house that is open almost all day to fresh air. Pool, outdoor TV lounge, outdoor clay oven, etc. etc. this place is stocked! From what I understand Spanish middle class is an incredible life to live, and it shows.

Alvaro's stepmother- Miriam (Mimi) cooks all the incredible Spanish food I've heard about. Since getting here 3 days ago I've had many traditional Spanish meals including fried fish and sardines, calamari,  pan steak with tortilla de patata, black (blood sausage), olive oil cooked octopus and potatos, seared tuna and traditionally cook Paella (see picture) that is cooked in a humongous pan. Usually there are many meats with each meal. Every meal tends to include the famous tapas of sliced cheeses always including Manchego, and various thinly sliced cured meats, endless white baguettes, and typically a small salad with tuna, corn, and balsamic/olive oil. And of course copious amounts of wine are always available for social lubrication. Basically I am in heaven, though it has been hard to adjust from a diet that is mostly vegetables to a diet that is mostly meats. Vegetarians would not fair well here.

Been going out late-night to the nearby mall that has 2 clubs on its roof... and they don't get started to about 2am... Yeah, its pretty wild. Two nights ago Alvaro and I went into the city and clubbed at a 7-story club that has a movie-theater in it. Didn't get home till after 9am.

I'll be in Madrid relaxing for the next couple days. I do not expect the rest of the trip to be as laid-back as this at all. It's good to give my sprained ankle a few extra days before I start walking ridiculous amounts of miles around the cities I plan to visit.