Madrid [antikvár]

Introducing Madrid I > ' '!Dame una de boquerones!' blurts out a chap crammed up against the bar in one of Madrid's jammed tapas joints ('Give me a plate of white anchovies!'). A buzz is in the air. Beer-filled canas clink, everyone talks in a whirl of chatter. Outside, Plaza de Santa Ana is bathed in glorious sunshine. Madrilenos work hard at enjoyment, eating and drinking. They work hard, full stop. The Spanish capital has never felt so purposeful. Shaken by the terror blasts of 11 March 2004, the Spanish capital has shown a resilience and indomitable spirit that has surprised many. The city and its people dealt with the crisis without hysteria and mourned in dignity and without seeking reprisals. There has been no wave of xenophobia, no cries for revenge. Madrilenos have chosen to continue living their lives as before, undeterred by the fear of further attack. Madrid has long basked in the deep sunny heat of its long summer days and endless partying nights, but nowadays it exudes an unfettered self-confidence. A live-for-the-moment insouciance mingles with a hitherto unknown dynamism. And this in spite of the terrorists' cruel assault. International business and tourists flock to a city that is exploding with energy. New metro stations seem to open up every other day, ambitious urban-expansion plans are spreading the city limits further into the surrounding country and the city's airport capacity is being doubled. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, could not hide his admiration on a visit in late 2003. Commenting on its candidacy for the 2012 summer games, he enthused: 'This is a well-prepared bid. Madrid is a strong contender.' Lowdown Population 3.03 million Time Zone (GMT + one hour) Average 3-star double room Around €120 to €180 Bocadillo (filled bread roll) €3 to €5 Litter bugs In many old-time tapas bars ifs perfectly all right to throw your paper serviettes, prawn shells and the rest on the floor by the bar -at the end ofthe day it's all swept away Coffee At the bar around €1 Metro ticket €1.15 (single ride) MetrobúsIO-ride ticket €5.35 No-no Blocking the left side on escalators -Madrilenos are sticklers for keeping to the right to let the hurried pass by S'M ; ) , ^ f-1' ! ' ; ii'i ' ! ' "li"!,' ; "I'i'PV I ' 'Ii' ' i ' • I in;'