I promised a happy blog post, and that is exactly what this one is.
Kind of.
There are some tragedies along the way.

On Sunday, I finally made it to El Rastro Market, Spain’s most popular market. The main street is filled with an assortment of goodies. From paintings, to silver jewellery to those mandala wall hangings that every Leeds student has in their bedroom. That’s where tragedy number one comes in. I saw a beaut wall hanging, in white and teal with elephants all over. I thought to myself, ‘if I haven’t found something better or cheaper, I’ll come back’. I went back, and surprise surprise, it was gone.

We meandered up the busy main street which was heaving with a mix of locals and tourists, stopping every so often to check out what was on offer. What I really liked about this market was the calm way in which the sellers sold to you. You’re free to have a look around and if you want help or anything they’re happy to help, but won’t hassle you about buying something. I enjoyed the freedom of just having a browse at everything without feeling pressure from a pushy seller. We came across a man with hand crafted silver jewellery, which he let us try on in peace. I found the most beautiful, simple sun ring, but he didn’t have my size. (Disaster number 2). I’m tempted to go back this Sunday to see if I can bag one.

The hustle and bustle is on the main street, (Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores), but the side streets are where the real gems are. Antique treasures and collectors items can be found off the beaten track on Plaza del General Vara de Rey. From antique globes, to film cameras to car parts, (I shit you not). There is literally something for everyone. Even the smaller, trendy shops of La Latina open their doors to allow people to have a peruse.

La Latina is a great place for independent coffee shops, but if you need something more substantial there’s Plaza de la Cebada, (which was closed when I went, I think it’s being renovated), almost directly opposite the market, and Calle de Cava Baja just a 5 minute walk away.

The market opens at 9am and the nearest metro stop is La Latina. I’m annoyed I didn’t go earlier during my time in Spain as I think you could really find some beaut treasures.

// En mi última publicación, os prometí una publicación feliz. Finalmente, aquí tenéis.

El domingo pasado, por fin, fui al Rastro de Madrid, el mercado lo más popular en España. La calle principal, tiene una mezcla de tesoros. Desde cuadros hasta joyas. Encontré un anillo que me gusté mucho, pero el vendor no tuvo mi tamaño. Me gusté la manera en que los vendedores os permite echarle un vistazo a sus bienes sin la presión de comprar algo. 

El bullicio está en la calle principal, pero los tesoros están en las calles a lado donde abren las tiendas independientes de La Latina. Hay globos terráqueo antiguo, cámaras de film, hay incluso piezas de automóviles! Hay algo para todo!

La Latina es un barrio perfecto para un café y trozo de tarta, pero si quieres algo más substancial, encontraréis Plaza de la Cebada, (que esta en el proceso de ser renovada), en frente del mercado, y Calle de Cava Baja es solo 5 minutos a pie. El mercado abre a las 9 cada Domingo y la parada más cerca es La Latina.