theViatrix

Last week, while browsing my neighborhood’s online micro-newspaper, Somos Malasaña, I noticed a night-time tour of the neighborhood under “upcoming events.” I’ve seen these guys around the barrio many times, and always thought “I want to do that!” So I jumped at the chance. Led by Carpetania Madrid, a group of historians, art experts, and storytellers, “From Maravillas to Malasaña: Philip II to botellón” is just one of many fascinating routes on offer. [...]

Tortilla española is a Spanish staple. Translated as a “Spanish omelet,” but closer to a potato frittata, you can find it in almost any bar anywhere in the country. The great thing about tortilla is that it’s so simple that it’s almost always edible. It’s hard to mess it up. Nevertheless, there’s a huge difference between a merely edible tortilla and the kind of mouth-watering masterpiece that people seek out. In Spanish we say, “No tienen nada que ver”—they have nothing to do with each other. [...]

Madrid’s Malasaña district buzzed today with with the sound of spray cans and the smell of paint. Over 100 graffiti artists from all over Spain and Europe descended on the neighborhood to paint 140 shutters for participating businesses. The grafiteros were accompanied by hundreds more observers, from families to camera crews, who had come to see the spectacle. [...]

The smoking ban has come into effect… and I love it!

Welcome to the glory that is Spain Without Smoke! Welcome, Spain, to the 21st century!

The ban took effect on the 2nd and this evening I tested it out at a few places around the barrio. In some bars I could actually see the person I was talking to; in some it was strange not to see cigarettes in people’s hands. And some restaurants are now offering their terraces (where, unfortunately, you can still smoke) year-round. Which would be nice if they weren’t cold and smokey.

It’s pretty controversial since a lot of people smoke and a lot of non-smokers are just used to it, but I’m confident that soon everyone will be thrilled with the new arrangement. Hooray for clear air!