Curiosity Shop, Madrid

The Curiosity Shop fronts a pedestrian throughway only a few blocks south of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain. I was walking by here in search of postcards when I came upon it. The sign is an old-time painted one that is hard to miss:

And the door bears plenty of logos and stickers that also catch the eye:

There’s plenty to gaze upon right there. However, the items in the window and beyond are the real treat. You’ll find all manner of old toys and novelties on display. Peer through the glare on the window to see for yourself. When was the last time you saw things like that?

I imagine if you’re a toy collector or someone who appreciates such things, this place would be a must visit while in Madrid. Be sure to bring your Euros. Those old toys sell for tall prices. By the way, just a few doors down, you’ll find some nice postcards and ice-cold Coca-Cola, too.

Published in: on May 19, 2010 at 7:46 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Museo Pan Gallégo, Madrid

Museo Pan Gallégo is located just a block and a half from the Plaza Mayor on the little Plaza de Herradores. This is a busy crossroads, with people coming up over the hill from the area of the Teatro Real. Here’s a look at the storefront:

I like small shops because they usually embody the character of their owners as opposed to the sterile environment of the big super centers. This place certainly fits the bill, starting with the sign out front.

There’s plenty of proclamations on the sign. Check it out carefully for a brief history of the shop. Inside you’ll find not only various types of fresh-baked bread, but plenty of Spanish treats from olives, to chorizo, to cured hams, and so on. Here’s a quick look at the interior:

When in Madrid, it’s hard to resist popping into one of the tapas joints for a quick snack. However, as mentioned in previous posts, why not pick up something at a little shop like this, heading to a park or your hotel room for a mini-fiesta of your own. You’ll get to interact with the people in the shop and be able to dine at your leisure afterward. This is a fun way to immerse yourself in another culture. Tasty, too!

Published in: on May 9, 2010 at 10:47 am  Leave a Comment  
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Casa de Madrid

Casa de Madrid is a marvelous place to stay. It’s difficult to categorize because it is more residence than boutique hotel and yet has more high-end comforts than a bed and breakfast. In the first place, it is located two floors above the street and occupies the entire level. A visitor would not know where it is without good directions. There is a nondescript doorbell which you can see here:

Its very private location is one thing I like about this place. There is no through traffic the way there would be at a big hotel. Therefore, this is the right place if you prefer to be left alone or maybe host a special client on some serious business. For example, there is a main salon with couches and chairs where you could hold that soiree, preferably with a glass or two of wine:

The other side of the room offers more seating as seen here:

Let’s go in for a closer look at that little bar, just in case you’re curious.

Perhaps you enjoy reading, working on your laptop, or doing a bit of writing. Well, there’s another library-type of space as you can see here:

Some guests take their morning tea here, which is served in the following manner:

Quite cozy, isnt’ it? Upon coming through the door, you check in at this desk, which is staffed by a person capable of taking care of the small things you may require while visiting Madrid.

There are more small touches too, like the fruit plate brought to your room in the evening as seen in the next frame.

These small things make you feel at home, welcoming you into a place that may not be your own but frequently feels that way. Casa de Madrid may seem expensive until you consider the convenient location. It is only a few minutes walk to the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza del Sol, and many other attractions in the old part of the Madrid. The Teatro Real is only steps away. I’ve stayed here on five separate trips and would recommend it to anyone looking for something special.

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid

Mercado San Miguel is located off western end of Madrid’s Plaza Mayor in the old part of the city. The place has been remodeled and updated in the last couple of years. The people of Madrid and visitors alike pile in through these sleek glass doors for the best of every type of food on offer.

Let’s start with the basics. How about some fruits and vegetables like this:

Next would be fresh bread, no? How about like this?

Maybe you prefer fresh seafood such as this:

Has to be something there you like. By the way, don’t forget the cheese. Take your pick from this counter.

Olives and such are one of the basics of every Spanish meal, too. Which one is your favorite? They’re all here.

And while you’re at it, might as well get dessert.

What else? There’s wine, oysters on the half shell, and plenty of other things that simply won’t fit here in a standard post. If you’re ambling about Madrid, in the area of the Plaza Mayor, I would stop in here for a snack or everything you need for a great meal. By the way, there will be a post showing the tapas that can be had. Stay tuned.