Hola Madrid

IRL Shopping IS Alive And Well In Madrid

I’m so glad I tacked on two days in Madrid to stay with old friends at their fantastic apartment in the most life-friendly neighborhood I’ve ever seen. There are numerous cafes, bakeries, wine merchants, butchers, and picturesque little grocers within steps of the apartment. It’s pretty and peaceful, yet within walking distance to the center. It’s also very dog-friendly, on par with the French. Madrid offers an exceptional quality of life on a human scale. People here have figured out the work-life balance and still have time to observe the daily siesta. It makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong.

Today I travelled from Madrid to Jávea, a picturesque town on the Mediterranean, an hour south of Valencia. At any moment, I’ll be joined by my brother, niece, and her boyfriend. On Saturday, my two daughters will join the party. People will be coming and going, but I’m all in for the duration; Jávea and then to Dénia.

The view from the house

Independent boutiques are alive and well in Madrid.