MADRID, SPAIN. There are two facts that I have observed while visiting Madrid. Madrileños are not morning persons and Christmas in Madrid is very well-anticipated. We were able to prove that when we went to the area of Puerta del Sol one of those nights prior Christmas and was shocked with the number of people roaming the commercial streets of Madrid during the latter part of the day as compared to when we visited these same streets the morning earlier. This part of Madrid was already alive when we arrived. There were shoppers doing their last-minute shopping, sellers, spectators and buskers entertaining those very same spectators on the streets. I am proud to be one of those spectators. I was able to see a lot of amazing acts and entertainment during our walk in Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. There were buskers who scare, paint, do magic, play instruments, act as Santa Claus, create bubbles and a lot more. I was personally entertained with one busker stationed in Puerta del Sol who scares passersby and was surrounded by spectators waiting for the funny reactions of those who will get victimized by him. Such comedy!
Walking some more, we arrived in Plaza Mayor where most of the happenings were. More buskers and activities were there and we could not help but stop at each one of them. The creativity of the Spanish as can be seen in Plaza Mayor were all such treats to see. Walking further down the road, we reached Mercado de San Miguel. An indoor market filled with food stalls, this mercado is where my first love for food markets began. The options were endless and overwhelming! After checking out all the options based on affordability and yumminess, we settle with some homemade potato chips, 2 sets of churros con chocolate from Horno San Onofre and chicharonnes in BBBQ Market. The churros stall of Horno San Onofre is now evidently bigger and better than the one I had seen four years ago. After we satisfied our bellies with some Spanish delights, we walked back to Plaza Mayor. By that time, it was already dark. The lights adorning the plaza were already in their full glory and the big Christmas tree taking the spotlight was already illuminated. The spirit of the season was absolutely there. Madrid is a perfect place to be during the Christmas holidays.
