Visiting the Kingdom of Spain

Arrival

Madrid airport is enormous — Terminal 4 has nearly 100 gates. Maybe that's why we waited almost an hour for our luggage, or maybe it's just because Spaniards are in no hurry. The terminal building is also interesting for its architecture — wood and metal create an amazing harmony of shapes.

Atmosphere

Calm and relaxed. No rushing, because nothing's going anywhere. It gets busier in the evenings in the city's streets. The atmosphere is unique, especially when the Spanish (football) national team is playing. Otherwise expect heat — from June to September temperatures climb up to 40°C.

Food

Tapas, pinchos, jamón, and sangria are exactly the things you have to try. The food is generally quite heavy, which in summer makes for a demanding combination. It's also worth trying fish and seafood, since a large proportion of Spain's catch is transported to Madrid.

About Madrid

The city is enormous — you'll find large parks and architectural gems alike. You can visit the Royal Palace or the Prado gallery. It's definitely worth seeing the city in the evening and sampling a range of tapas. Perhaps this belongs elsewhere, but apparently Barcelona is better…