Madrid for Free - Part 5
by Helen Macrae
This week’s tips on how to enjoy the city without breaking the bank are all sunshine-related. Although the weather has been less than great recently, this is Spain after all, and I’m therefore certain (in my appointed role as the eternal optimist) that things will brighten up soon. And if they don’t then I would like a refund please.
Sunbathe
Ok so all the beauty magazines bang on about fake tan being the only way to go these days, but who doesn’t enjoy soaking up a few UV rays now and again? Plus, everyone knows you need a bit of sunshine to get your Vitamin D intake and stop you getting rickets. Or something. Anyway, just remember to slap on some sunscreen and choose your spot carefully, for example on some nice lush grass in the one the city parks. Lying in the middle of a busy footpath in the style of our local tramp Tetrabrik Dave is probably not advised.
Sunset
Watch the sun go down on a balmy summer’s evening. One of my favourite spots is overlooking the palace by the Templo de Debod - best views in the city.
Sunrise
You probably aren’t going to sacrifice your lie-in so you can watch the sun come up, so the ideal time is probably after a night out on the town, which of course has been financed by your new ridiculously wealthy girl/boyfriend (please see previous tip “Become a kept man/woman”). Best spot is probably somewhere within crawling distance of whichever nightclub you stumble out of.