1. Flamenco Show at Tablao Villa Rosa
A universally renowned Spanish musical art is the Flamenco and Madrid has been the capital of flamenco since the early twentieth century. Villa Rosa was founded in 1911 and was the venue for distinguished figures like Alfonso XIII, Hemingway and hollywood celebrities.
The interiors are extraordinarily rich and beautiful. The walls and columns are colorful and covered in ceramic tiles painted in Arabic and Andalusian style.
Watching a real Flamenco for the first time is an excitement that starts with a song dotted with Andalucian gypsy language. Even though I didn’t understand a word from the singer I did feel the passion in the tone of his voice as he belted along with the equally mystical strings of the guitar. A lot of clapping and rhythm is involved in a flamenco.
Enter the dancer where you feel every inch of their body is lost in a dance full of emotions. Villa Rosa, the home for more than 50 professional flamenco artists, calls it Tocaran su ALMA – they will touch your soul.
And yes, the audience did clap like crazy after the performance. Thats flamenco, anyone who hears and watches it cannot help but be enchanted.
Thats the top 10 for me but the adventure doesn’t stop here with a handful more things to do in this mecca of culture and gastronomy. Also just a train ride and 30 minutes away from the city are the most beautiful quaint villages like Toledo and Segovia (world heritage sites) which is a whole different experience in itself.
And just because Madrid is stuffed full of things to photograph, here are more snapshots of what its like to be there.
Don’t forget to check in WeAre Chamartín when in Madrid. The Chamartín Hotel is placed at the train station of Chamartín, in the heart of Madrid, close to Paseo de la Castellana, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the financial and business centre of the city, the Historical Centre, Puerta del Sol, the Congress Palace, the Recinto Ferial and the Autonomous University of Madrid, among other places.
Photo from www.hotelchamartin.com
It has 378 wide & luminous rooms and is one of the biggest hotels in the north part of Madrid. Part of their services include vehicle rentals, currency-exchange, express check-in, laundry/dry-cleaning, banquet & celebration services, wifi, business center, meeting rooms, baggage consignment, and my favorite – the breakfast buffet.
Photo from www.hotelchamartin.com
Photo from www.hotelchamartin.com
When In Madrid, you get an unforgettable experience of history, culture and food. From the royal settings of Madrid de los Austrias, to the bohemian Barrio de las Letras and gastronomical celebrations in El Botin, Platea, shopping in El Conrte Ingles and the seduction of the Flamenco, there is always something new and different to discover in this vibrant city. WhenInManila visits Spain!
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Now read more about our Barcelona adventure here!
