Get on the metro and hop off at Ruben Dario; the embassy is a five minute walk along the main road.
Look presentable and be very polite to ensure you pass the test smoothly!
Don't stress about getting the correct 5cmx5cm passport photos before, there's a booth and change machine just inside it's €5.
Get there way before your appointment; mine was at 8.15am when I got in the main room there were loads of people and I was given a ticket way down the line, sat there for an hour, bring a book!
Make sure you've got your boat papers and application form.
Don't take any bags etc, you will also have to hand your phone in so bring a book to read!
If it's urgent, you can request a fast track. Mention this in the main room and they will sort this. You pay €20 when you pick it up.
Finally, the "interview" isn't anything to get worried about (assuming you are relitivly normal and don't have any concerning issues). You simply walk up to a bank style counter. They only asked where I was born and where I will be working.
Make sure you've chosen a pickup point nearby and horay, fingers crossed your visa will be with you in a couple of days!
And boom! Visa received in just under 12 hours. Cheers!
Wondering what to do? Then read on...
Get your self a travel card (1,2,3&5 days unlimited travel for under €26) hit up the second biggest metro in Europe and see the sights...
Then head up to the area by the Metropolis building and surrounding area for some serious architecture...
If Zara isn't your thing and you like flaunting more flashy garments then why not head down to this establishment?...
Next up, The Plaza Mayor. This used to host many large events, markets, bullfights, football games and executions! You will find all the usual suspects here from all major European cities from floating statue people to men dressed as babies. A bit like the square in Palma at the start of the natorious Tapas Tuesdays. Nowadays it's just a huge square full of tourist restaurants and cafés...
If your up for a more authentic dining experience then head down to the indoor mercado de San Miguel for some ponchos and vino! Hundreds of tiny little outlets offering a wide variety of cuisine...
Just a short walk away is the Palacio Real de Madrid. Officially the home of the royal family but only used for state events. Come on guys, it's no Buckingham Palace is it?
Directly oposite is the Santa María la Real de La Almudena; the Catholic cathedral in Madrid. Apparently built on a medieval mosque...
Make sure you pay your €1 to get in, remember, God charges ;) 
Day 2, down to the food market near the Islanic area of La Latina, bit like Birmingham market...
Then get lost in the surrounding roads and chose one of the thousands of good tapas bars, get a 3 course menu de la dia with a drink and bread for a bargain 10 yozzas!
Lots if strange shops in the area for the ladies too...
After lunch hop on the metro to explore the eastern part of the city, the parque del buen is great, smashing green house too;)
Rent a bath tub and row across the lake in front of the monumento al Rey Alfonso xii...
Exit the park towards the Puerta de Alcala...
Then get back on the metro and go to the plaza de toros; the 25,000 seater bullring stadium to watch a mean bull fight at 6pm...
If bullfighting isn't your thing and you don't like rugby then pay the Real Madrid stadium a visit for a cheeky little tour...
If there are other similar yachties reading from a retired finance background or wondering why they work on the seas rather than at a desk facing a computer then visit the finance district. Surrounded by workers who get dressed in clothes that they buy for work and drive through traffic in a car that they are still paying for in order to get the job that one needs to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house that they leave vacant all day in order to afford to live in it...
Good architecture though :)
First up, The Cibeles Palace; Originally the headquarters of the postal service, this impressive building was home to the Postal Museum before becoming the Madrid City Hall.
In the mood for shopping? Only wear brown, grey, white or black? Then get down to the biggest Zara...
Well that's most of Madrids sight seen, bit bad for two halve days!
Well you don't hang around Joe!! is that all you've managed to do!!!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck and Bon Voyage (nearly) don't forget your mum!!!! xxxxxxx