Madrid: student wonderland

Madrid is a city where everyone lives a student lifestyle. They nap in the afternoon, go out for very late dinners, and stay out til all hours of the night. They never think about the time, and they love every moment of life. As you'd expect, Madrid comes alive most at night. It's a great place to stay up late and sleep all day... perfect for hipsters, students, young people, and the young at heart ;)

Tapas - if you've never had them - are basically "little plates" of all sorts of food. It's a far superior form of bar food. While you drink, you eat mini portions, essentially filling up on a bunch of appetizers. The whole idea is brilliant, and Madrid has perfected it. In New York City, for contrast, many people meet at a bar after work, to spend time with their friends, but they invariably order over-priced unhealthy bar food, for lack of other options. Sometimes I wonder why such fantastic ideas have not taken off around the world.

Madrid has been a popular place throughout history to conquer. Originally part of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths took power, until the Moors invaded from Northern Africa and gained the whole area in only three years, which is incredibly quick for international invasions. Next comes the Hapsburg dynasty in 1492, a very significant year for the Spaniards. Not only for Christopher Columbus, but also because the Jews were forced to leave the country. The New World led to the Golden Age, where goods from Africa and American led to a major influx of gold into the region. Then when Charles II had no heir, they had a war of succession, where 400,000 died as the nobles........

The pictures are of tapas, the Crystal Palace in the Parque de Retiro, the bridge which used to be the top suicide location until the city put up glass panels, the bear of the city center (wish I knew his story), and the king's palace. ¡Hasta luego!

Visiting New York City

A friend asked me what to do on a visit to New York City. I've been exploring this city my whole life, and there is so much I've yet to see. However, this post focuses on the centrally-located highlights for short-term tourists. These places are consistent favorites from out-of-town friends, and they're perfect for low budgets and students.  This guide is designed for the summer time. I'll post another for winter, as the time times. Enjoy the Big Apple!!

You will likely want to visit some iconic locations:

• Times Square (On Broadway, from 45th St to 40th) - absolute must-see. It's been photographed millions of times before. Just soak it all in. And try not to get run over by the fast-walking New Yorkers who have no patience with tourists who stop on the sidewalk.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (81st St and 5th Ave) - huge and fantastic. Be sure to visit the rooftop! There's no way to see it all, so just choose a couple. It's also entirely donations-based, so pay whatever you want (not the $12 they suggest).
• Natural History Museum (79th St and 8th Ave) - if you prefer animals, stories about evolution and want to see a giant whale. Also donations based.
• Chinatown - hundreds of little shops. Everything is cash-only. Good luck finding a bathroom down here. I recommend the bubble tea and the filled buns (baos) that you can get, either sweet or savory. You can also find unusual fruits on the street, including lychee. Beware the smelly fish stands.
• Wall Street - legendary. You can see the Stock Exchange, some old city buildings, the 9/11 memorial, and a whole bunch of business people.  It gets pretty quiet at night. 
• The NY Public Library (5th Ave and 41st), which is another outstanding place to visit. They currently have a children's book exhibit, which is phenomenal. Be sure to climb to the top floor and see the massive reading room!
• My favorite grassy place is Bryant Park. It's right in the middle of the city (40th-42nd Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves), and it includes the NY public library. In summer, the park has tons of free events, which you can find on their website.  You can eat a picnic here.  There's free wifi, an outdoor "reading room", ping pong tables, carousel, fountain, and lots of seats to people-watch ;) 
• Lots of people love Central Park. Honestly, there's nothing terribly special about it, but it's practically the only time we see nature.
• Grand Central Terminal (Park Ave and 42nd), where all the trains come in.  Lots of movies are filmed here. It's huge and beautiful. 
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge - it's really pretty, especially at night. It's definitely a walk, but it's not too long.
• Walk the Highline Park (top: 30th St and 10th Ave until past 14th St) - raised subway tracks converted to a place for New Yorkers and tourists to hang out and walk around.
• Sit and listen to musicians playing in Washington Square Park (5th Ave and approximately 4th St).  The park is home to a gorgeous archway and countless NYU students. 

• Places to eat: 
• Shake Shack - quality burgers and milkshakes and frozen custards (like ice cream, but better). a handful of locations through the city.  Plus, a super friendly staff.
• Fantastic Thai food, all over the city, if you're into Thai.  I particularly like "Spice", which has like 10 locations, and I love a small place called Noodies (9th Ave and 55th).
• The Meatball Shop - super quality food, vegetarian options too, really fun atmosphere, a couple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
• Maoz Vegetarian - if you don't eat meat, or are in love with falafel, you can get some quality food at good prices.
• Random free things: 
• Pop in the Lindt store for a free chocolate truffle.
• Walk into any Godiva and join their "club", aka give them your email address, and you can get a free truffle every month (starting then).
• Stop in the Chelsea Market - it's an avenue long, completely indoors (i.e. excellent for a rainy day!), filled with bunches of hidden gems. They also offer lots of samples.  Check out the Filling Station for oils, vinegars and salts. Check out the winery for afternoon tastings. 
• Restrooms: Starbucks and McDonalds are the most reliable options. They're everywhere.

The subway is fairly straightforward, so you'll probably want to use it to get around.  You can get a week long unlimited Metro Card for about $30. Otherwise, rides cost $2.50 each, and each subway ride comes with a free bus transfer, within two hours.

There are a hundred other things to do and places to go.  If you only have a day or two, I don't recommend the Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island, nor the Harlem area.  But if you're particularly interested, go for it!  You could certainly go to a Broadway show or see the Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera or New York City Ballet, if you're not short on funds. Try not to get offended by New Yorkers. We're quite friendly if we start talking, and we very much enjoy giving directions (seriously). Whatever you decide to do, have a blast in the city that never sleeps!