by Nicki McIntyre

I’m sure there are some who get lucky in Madrid on Saturday night. But those in the know, head to where the real action happens on Sunday afternoons. The Hipódromo de la Zarzuela, just beyond Moncloa, is hosting the 2008 horseracing season. 

Parking is free, but if you’re without wheels, fear not. A free, continuous bus service runs out of Paseo Moret, in addition to the 654, 655 and 658 leaving Moncloa.

General Admission is €9 (You can buy these at the gate upon arrival or in advance at http://www.entradas.com). In my opinion, you’ve got to bet at least the cost of entrance- then you’ve got a chance to break even. And it makes the whole experience way more exciting.

Every Sunday the gates open at 10, with the first race beginning at 11:15. There are about 7 races a day, (usually 30min between each) and the last race is at 14:30. So yes, you’ll have to tear yourself out of bed, perhaps suffering a hangover from the night befores’ debaucheries, but some fresh air will do you good.

The spring season runs every Sunday until the 29 June, including Thursday the 15^th of May. Summer season runs every Thursday from the 19 of June until the 24^th of July. Then racing returns in the fall, September 4^th to the 25^th. The biggest prize races take place in June, so keep in mind you might want to buy in advance.

My amateur tip is to bet on an Irish horse. I learnt the hard way, losing to them in every race. The name game lost me €15 (I thought I couldn’t possibly go wrong with Going Crazy in the 1400m, 5^th?). The last 300m is the best as you see them coming around the turn. There’s a build up of emotion and buzz in the crowd. Men in suits are following the race with their binoculars, the women are cheering and kids, taking a break from organizing their own races, are sticking their noses through the spaces in the fence, and wondering what is making their parents so excited.

I recommend a BYO policy. A picnic on the beautiful lawn offers a great view and brings you right in front of the action. Beware the smell of the hotdogs: they will cost you more than losing a race.

For more information, check out the official site: http://www.hipodromodelazarzuela.es/WebPortal/HZ/Paginas/Home.page

By Helen Macrae

Dust off your foam fingers and practise your “Awoogas!” - after almost a decade away from our screens Gladiators is back! The show will air on Sky One and “feature bigger thrills and maximum impact using special effects, water skills and the latest technology”, as well as including old favourites such as Hang Tough, Duel, Powerball and of course, The Eliminator. If you spent most of the nineties chanting “Another One Bites The Dust” in front of the TV on a Saturday night (or like me, you actually went to Birmingham NIA to watch it being filmed, complete with uber-geeky “There’s no comparison to Saracen” banner) all this will be rather exciting.

Robin Ashbrook, Executive Producer, Shine Ltd commented: “In the 1990’s GLADIATORS was a big, bold ambitious show. Now it’s found its home on Sky One GLADIATORS is a 21st century event. To record the show we’ll be using film studios covering 30,000 square feet, an incredible set and possibly the biggest lighting rig in TV history. Our new GLADIATORS logo and graphics reflect the scale of the TV event of 2008; Epic.”

Unfortunately, this bigger and better ethic will mean some changes, so those of you expecting to see Jet’s no-handed cartwheels and Wolf’s outbursts and sneaky short-ripping tactics, prepare to be disappointed. Instead, the show will feature 12 shiny new Gladiators togged out in space-age costumes, complete with mandatory and slightly bizarre names (surely female Gladiator “Battleaxe” can’t have chosen the name herself?). Ian Wright and Kirsty Gallacher will replace John “The Fash” Fashanu and Ulrika “Swedish hussy” Jonsson. But fear not, original referee and head of contender selection, John Anderson, will be back to clear up just exactly who will go on his first whistle…hurrah!

The series is being filmed at Shepperton Studios and will be launched in May this year.

by Nicki McIntyre

The usual experience from Madrid, is from the inside looking out. Head down to the Palacio Real, Moncloa, hell, even the airport, and looking out you can see the swarms of people, the cranes in the distance, building yet another something… But look a little further in the horizon- yes, those are mountains that the sun slips behind every night. 

The Madrid that extends further beyond the downtown is usually overlooked. With plenty of buses out of Atocha, and smooth asphalt all the way, the trip is less than an hour from the city centre.

The winding roads take you over plains, Madrid’s water reservoirs and charming well-preserved Castilian towns. I’ve never been to the Pacific northwest USA but I imagine it looks a hell of a lot like the Sierras outside Madrid. The air is fresh, of pine and nature, it smells clean (we’re more than 2000 feet above sea level after all). It’s still the blue Madrid skies, except now the horizon is set against the mountain backdrop instead of smog. I’m sure even on a rainy day with stormy skies, the mountains must look majestic.

One of the many hidden gems of the Sierra de Guadarrama is the town of Rascafria, lying in the Valle de Lozoya. The parks and walkways, bike paths, playgrounds relate that this is a life catered to respect and enjoyment of the natural environment. There are a variety of activities available to appreciate the outdoors, including seasonal hunting, fishing, hiking and skiing.

Marvel and envy at the big free-standing stone houses and big backyards for people who choose an alternative to the chaotic city life as cattle. Arrive before lunchtime and parking in the town is simple. Take a peaceful walk from the town centre, on a path along a running stream that leads to the town’s main attraction.

Santa Maria de el Paular, is a 15^th century Carthusian monastery, half still occupied by Benedictine monks, half a Sheraton. But thankfully this hotel avoids a bad conversion and cheesy, cheap décor, by maintaining and preserving the grounds exactly as they were. Here you can find easy lodgings, access to a bar, restaurant and public bathrooms, and chapels and grounds available for picnics, business functions and your own personal exploration.

The chapel is filled beautiful with ornate Baroque décor and is popular for weddings, so although you might have to stand in the back and be quiet, you’ll be able to take in the settings. Collect your bearings in the gardens across the street, which boast flowers, plants and trees from around the globe. For another breathtaking drive, take the Navacerrada route back to the city.