Marvelous Madrid a great
part of sunny Spain

By Rita Charleston
For the Times

I do hate to contradict him, but when Professor Henry Higgins told Liza Doolittle that "The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly in the Plain," he was wrong.
Fact is, the rain in Spain falls mainly in the mountains, especially in the North, leaving the rest of the country with superb weather — which is why they call it "sunny Spain!"
Famous for its bullfights, beautiful castles, fiery flamenco, great food, beautiful people and a popular destination for tourists around the world, Spain is one of Europe’s largest countries.
Marvelous Madrid is the capital of Spain and its largest city, home to about 3.5 million madrilènes. Almost anything anyone could want can be found here, and its streets throb with everything from world-class shopping and limitless dining opportunities, to incomparable museums showcasing art from Picasso to Goya to El Greco, and so much more.
Prices in Europe can be high — and Spain is no exception since the euro far outweighs the dollar at this point. But bargains can be found if you plan ahead.
We were lucky enough to spend a couple of days at Madrid’s luxurious Hotel Intercontinental, where the lobby is decked out in gold and marble with lots of mirrors that gives it a lavish feel. And it is lavish and also close to so many things you’ll want to see with a great location on the Paseo de la Castellana.
At the heart of Madrid stands the statue of Madrid’s emblems, the Oso y Madrono (the Bear and the Tree). Ten Metro lines and four main traffic arteries converge here, and every day tourists and locals alike congregate here because it’s a central location where most everything can be reached.
You can shop the best of department stores to small shoe stores, bookshops, music and video stores, leather goods and more. The shops in the Salamanca Area are some of the classiest —- and costliest — so go at your own risk.
There are three museums that together form the so-called triangle of art. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Prado, home to all lovers of Spanish painting.
Not far is the Reina Sofia. Located in a beautifully converted hospital building, this museum is dedicated to the art of the 20th century, featuring the collection of three great modern Spanish artists: Joan Miro, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Add the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the newest and least known museum, to your list.
And when you’ve had your fill of art and culture, move on to the Palacio Real, the old palace of the Bourbon king of Spain. Gawk to your heart’s content, and once the envy leaves you, move on to other things, including the Plaza Mayor, thought by many to be one of the loveliest squares in the world.
Of course, eventually your stomach will start to tell you it’s time to eat. To many of us, the Spanish way of eating can be unfamiliar. But taste the food, and you’ll find its distinctive Mediterranean flavors will soon have you coming back for more.
One tradition is the eating of tapas — appetizers that appeal to many taste buds and perfect for a lunchtime snack. They are small and inexpensive, so you can order as many or as few as you wish.
Colorful double-decker buses are affordable and provide a wonderful way to get around and see many sites. You can get on and off at will, and your ticket even provides some discount coupons.
When its nighttime, Madrid takes on a whole new flavor. People in Madrid don’t go out until 10 or 11 p.m., so get in a little nap so you’ll be able to join in the festivities with the locals.
Besides dining late, maybe on famous Spanish paella valenciana (made with rice sprinkled with saffron and joined with things as peas, chicken, shrimp and more), it’s time to enjoy an evening of Flamenco dance and music — a must for every visitor to Spain.
A treat for all the senses, Spain is a country not to be missed! ••