http://backpackpodcast.com One Summer in Europe - For those who wonder, for those who wander... Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:34:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Welcome to One Summer in Europe, the backpacking Europe podcast. Join restless backpackers Ryan and Melissa on this ongoing podcast series as we simulate an extended budget trip around the must-see destinations in Europe, while offering real-world advice to help you create your own European travel adventure. We encourage listener questions and feedback to incorporate into the show, so listen in and tell us where you need help. Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean Ryan Stuckey and Friends questions@backpackpodcast.com questions@backpackpodcast.com (Ryan Stuckey and Friends) © 2009 Rakasa Worldwide, Inc. One Summer in Europe - the backpacking Europe podcast backpacking europe, backpacking podcast, europe podcast, travel europe, hostel, europe trains, summer in europe, europe itinerary, budget travel, http://backpackpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/valid-rss.png http://backpackpodcast.com http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/episode-4-madrid/ http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/episode-4-madrid/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:18:54 +0000 Ryan http://backpackpodcast.com/?p=157 http://backpackpodcast.com/2009/04/episode-4-madrid/feed/ 0 AVE Train,Backpacking Europe,Backpacking Europe Itinerary,Backpacking Podcast,El Prado,El Rastro Market,El Retiro,Elipsos,Europe Podcast,Europe Railpass,Festivals of Europe,Hostals Our simulated backpacking Europe itinerary continues - after leaving Paris on a night train, we arrive 11 hours later far to the south in the capital of Spain, Madrid. - Cosmopolitan and alive with life and energy, Our simulated backpacking Europe itinerary continues - after leaving Paris on a night train, we arrive 11 hours later far to the south in the capital of Spain, Madrid. Cosmopolitan and alive with life and energy, Madrid has a lot of appeal for any European traveler. This is the center of Spain in a number of different ways, and is thus a wise place to start exploring this vibrant and popular country. We recommend three days and two nights to get a good feeling for Madrid. In this episode, Melissa and I talk about: arriving in Madrid and Melissa's foggy memories of the city basic cultural and historic perspective on Madrid, from Spanish Empire up to present-day economic problems the most interesting things to see and do in Madrid our not-so-enthusiastic experience with bullfights the tasty and diverse food of Spain, a true movable feast dealing with the daily siesta in Madrid We also discuss our top 5 festivals in Europe, including Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. I share my unforgettable story when I first ran with the bulls a few years back and how I was able to entertain 5000 people in the bullring, to my embarrassment and sore right buttocks. Here are some recommended websites for Madrid based on our discussion (in rough order as we talked): TRANSPORT IN Elipsos TrenHotel (Paris-to-Madrid overnight train) ACCOMMODATION One Summer in Europe (Madrid hostel and budget hotel ("hostal") search page) SIGHTSEEING Prado (famous art museum, one of best in world) Reina Sofia (excellent art museum, featuring Guernica by Picasso) Thyssen Museum (another recommend art museum) Puerto del Sol (literal center of Spain and heart of Madrid) Plaza Mayor (pretty square, lots of history here) Palacio Real (Royal Palace) Gran Via (famous and busy street in heart of city) El Retiro (large and relaxing city park) El Rastro (famous flea market, bargain city) One Summer in Europe (other miscellaneous sightseeing activities) TRANSPORT OUT RENFE (Spanish rail system) AVE (high-speed train Madrid to Seville) Now that we've warmed up to Spain, it's time to leave Madrid and take a small detour to our next destination, amazing Andalucia, before we head to Barcelona....come along! Ryan Stuckey and Friends clean