Simply, Shopping

This entry is dedicated to shopping in Madrid.  I won't attempt to address the topic holistically; remember, this blog is about me.  So, I'll share with you my jaded perspective and the things I seek out. 

[Please note:  there are a number of super cool boutique shops throughout the Malasaña district, particularly on my street, Calle del Barco.  I'll post a bit more information by updating this entry a few more times, watch this particular post if shopping is your passion.]

First, if you travel much you know we live in a global economy.  For good or for bad, they've screwed up the adventure that used to be shopping while on travel.  All local "souvenir" craft items, whether a commemorative plate or torero's hat, are all made in China.  Also, why should I buy Nike or Levis when I can do that back home? The global brands have created a sense of sameness and illusion of choice around the world.  The work and adventure begins for me in a place when I can access a local person, enquire about unusual, local, eccentric goodies.  That's probably why I inadvertently rented an apartment in the Malasaña district of Madrid, the equivalent of the East Village in New York City... if you don't know what that means:  the bohemian, local fashion, youth oriented, totally not yuppie district.

I have a thing for flea markets, I love wandering around these and looking at all the old things that show up, imagining the history behind them.  This can be especially fun in Europe since there is simply so much old stuff lying about. I've gone to many flea markets from London, Prague, Vienna (my favorite), Warsaw, Brussels, Kiev, Helsinki, Berlin to Geneva. The one in Madrid, el Rastro, seems to be marketed as the largest one in Europe; well, it's large, but I am not sure it's the largest.  Also, this one has a lot of tourist trinkets, cheap textiles, and just old junk.  Nothing tempted me. If you decide to go, do so early by at least 9am.  It is a mob scene and if you try to take the Metro later in the day good luck.  I went early and ran into the crowds streaming out of La Latina Metro station.  Another reason to avoid the crowd is the pick pockets.  They are everywhere and you have to be en guard.  If you are vigilant you can see if you've been targeted.  Take only the cash you may need and nothing else - police are everywhere.  I'm glad I went, but I would not go a second time.

Most tourists don't cross La Gran Via to visit the Chueca or the neighboring Malasaña districts.  Between these two "barrios" is a wonderful shopping street:  Calle de Fuencarral.  I've mentioned this street in a previous entry.  While you still find internationally branded shops (i.e. Diesel, Levis, etc.) you can also find local designers and artisans here.  I go up and down this street every day.  There are several shops I really like.  Desigual is a local Spanish brand and has its own hippie, psychedelic thing going.  I'd be wearing their stuff for men if I were a bit younger.  Glam is a fun tiny place, the shoes and t-shirts are unlike others I've seen - I love their creative marketing against the current economic/financial crisis with their Crisis Prices. A third place I found super original on this street is El Ganso [the goose] (photo right).  This shop is simply cool - they combine "mod" with "preppy" and they design/produce their own line of shoes and clothing for men and women.  I think I will likely come back with at least one pair of their shoes.  Just click on the link and see what I mean. On the Calle de Fuencarral and in general if you come to Spain, anywhere, go to a Camper shoe store.  The shoes are designed/made in Mallorca.  They are eco-friendly, local, and wonderfully made.  You can find Campers elsewhere in the world, but not the designs and at the prices you will find in Madrid.  I bought two pair today.  Take a peek at their website, it's pretty cool too.  Finally, you have to go to the Mercado de Fuencarral.  Their website seems a bit S&M - the market is not.  This is a small mall-like market with many local vendors selling all manner of locally made jewelry, cloths, and things.  If you are lucky, they'll be serving free drinks - I enjoyed this while shopping there the couple of times I have gone.

So, these are places/things I like and that I've found original about Madrid.  There are tons of other large department stores throughout the city - but their merchandise is global and you might as well stay home imho.

Now, imagine you've bought your campers and your new trendy ropa [clothing] Madrileña, put it all on and as you kick back with una copa listen to this song: El Run Run (watch the video too). ¡Me encanta!

[geek moment] a fun little reminder for estar vs. ser - the two different forms of "to be;" note these differences:
- Ella es camarera (she is a waitress) - her profession is that of a waitress
- Ella está de camarera (she is a waitress) - she is a waitress temporarily.  Typically, if you said this, I might ask you what she may be doing after her temporary stint as a waitress.

¡Hasta la próxima entrada!