Has anyone lived in Sol???

[tracymo]

I heard that the one place people SHOULDN\\\'t live is right in the center...is this true?

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[jer]

No way tracymo, I live in the Plaza Mayor and it is a dream come true

I have everything close by and teh views are AMAZING! Living in old Madrid is really the only place where one can step outside his/her apt. and feel like they are truly in Europe. I really hate the more modern parts of the city where there is nothing to differentiate the scenery from any other city in the world

Ok, here in the Plaza there is a lot of activity but I am high enough up that it does not bother me.

Long live the city center!!!

Saludos,
jer...

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[TelmoX]

Well the truth is that the center of Madrid is one of the zones where prostitution (among other things) are well stablished, \\\"Calle Montera\\\" and \\\"Calle de la Cruz\\\" are dangerous places to pass by after a certain hour.

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[jer]

Actually, the high amount of people traffic on those strets make them just the opposite, safe thatis due to the heavy police presence

I always feel safe there no matter what time.

Saludos,
jer...

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[PR4552]

I would have to disagree slightly with jer.  I didn\\\'t particulary care for the Sol area, but a cada cual lo suyo.  I enjoyed the VENTAS area.  I was away from the center of town and got peace and quiet when I tried to sleep.  I am a very light sleeper.

For example, I enjoyed going the gay clubs in Chueca, but I can\\\'t see myself living there at all.

Jer does have a good point about police protection.  If you can swing it and like to be in the bustle and hustle of activity, go for it.

Shawn  

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[jer]

I guess Sredw is right, to each his/her own but all I know is that the only way I am leaving my place over the Plaza Mayor is in a box!

In areas like Ventas and other neighborhoods not in the old historical parts of Madrid I feel like I could be in any city, you do not know you are in Europe. Not sure if you all understand that but if you lived in a 400+ year old building you would.

Saludos,
jer...

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[PR4552]

Jer,

I still would have to disagree slightly (my favorite word).  To me living a building more than 400 years old does not make me feel like I am in Europe.  

I knew I was in Europe whenever I would walk down Alcalá and see tha arquitecture or see the people dining on the sidewalks in cafes.  To me Europe is a feeling and is not concrete at all.

Yes, we can call the land we walk on Spain, but it is the people who make up that country and give it character, not so much the buildings.

Also the aromas, the food, the produce, the people in retiro Park give Madrid a flavor all its own.

I have a strong feeling that you will still disagree, but hey, that\\\'s what life is all about.  

Al fin y alcabo, nos encanta Madrid.

Shawn

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[jer]

Hey SRedw

You do realize that by your quote...

"I knew I was in Europe whenever I would walk down Alcalá and see the arquitecture or see the people dining on the sidewalks in cafes. To me Europe is a feeling and is not concrete at all."

... in the post above you are basically agreeing that living here in the Plaza Mayor or old city is EXACTLY the epitomy of that "feeling" you mention. I look out my window and see that AMAZING architecture you speak of, I look down in the warmer months and there are the people you refer to dining on the sidewalks in cafes.

I disagree with you, the Ventas area, like many other areas outside of the center do not hold a candle to "viejo Madrid".

Saludos,
jer...

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[PR4552]

Jer,

This is turning out t be a very interesting discussion.  You only choose to comment on a part of my quote to make your point clear.  You failed to grab the essence of the entire point.

Europe consists of people.  Without the people and just the architecture, there wouldn\\\'t be Europe.  To me buildings are secondary and people, primary.  

Second point is there is no place in my comment where I stated that Ventas was the best place to live.  If you find that written and not implied, let me know and I will detract this statement.  Ventas just suited me because that apartment fell into my lap.

Al fin y al cabo, once again, we are not going to be in agreement on where to live in Madrid.  I choose to be far away from the center whereas you choose to live in the center.  We have two different perspectives on where we want to live in Madrid and no matter how much we write on this board, neither of us will agree.

We are discussing opinions that always differ because they are personal.  I like one thing you like another.  That\\\'s all.

Look forward to meeting you this summer.

Shawn

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[jer]

:-D  Hey Shawn, I agree with you and say \\\"a cada cual\\\" (to each his own).

I know the people make the place and the architecture is not enough on its own but I just looooove old Madrid, or did I say that already  :nod:

The first "caña de cerveza" (glass of beer) is on me when you arrive in the promised land this summer.

Saludos,
jer...
 
p.d. can't wait for those bagels!

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[TelmoX]

ok.. here I go.....

first... Europe is not about people, or arquitecture but about a way of living this can be apreciated the most in the work enviroment, in Europe and specially in Spain people work to live, in USA people live to work. That is just 1 example of what I am trying to say being in Europe is about exposing yourself to a culture that above all values the joy of living and the "fiestas" is the best expresions of this philosophi, it doesn't matter where in Madrid you live, or what you see when you look out the window.
The people that Jer sees when he looks out of his window do not live in Plaza Mayor, I bet that some of them are even form Ventas. I hope you get my point!!

Roberto.. errr.. Telmo

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[Lisita]

Hola chicos!

Well I finally bought my ticket to Madrid! YAY!!!!! Me voy pa'lla!!!!  (see smiley face above)

Now that I am looking for a place...is it a good idea to rent a place when I get there, or should I secure a place before I leave?  I'm new to renting in Madrid, so I'm all ears!  I was checking out some of the classifides on the mulitimadrid website and wondered if 320 euros sound like a reasonable price for a furnished apartment (just as an example) to share.  Any pointers??? What is required to rent a place as a foreigner besides a deposit?  Anything in particular I should expect? Any info is helpful! Mil Gracias

Hasta Madrid! Chao
Lisa

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[PR4552]

OK, It's my turn now.  What Jer and I were discussing is PERSONAL feelings about how we feel about Madrid.  We didn't agree and we agreed to disagree.  How you feel about Madrid id your PERSONAL feeling and you are certainly entitled to that.  As far as I am concerned, the discussion is closed for me, but if you choose to continue, go right ahead.  Enjoy Madrid and make the most of your time there.

Shawn

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[PR4552]

Lisita,

I would wait until I get to Madrid to rent a place.  You want to be able to see the apartment and inspect it for yourself.  That's the key.  As far as prices are concerned, I was still there for the peseta and the Euro, I still haven't worked with it yet.

I am quite sure that Jer will come by and give good advice also, for he is currently living there and is a string-minded individual :-) (That one's for you Jer)

I am glad to know that you are going there and make the most of your trip and enjoy.

Shawn

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[jer]

Hi Lisita,

I think that 320 Euros/month is a good amount to share a place with others.

Also, listen to Shawn, it is next to impossible to find a place while still abroad, come here and then look.

If you want a decent hostel where you can meet other travellers and sleep cheap while you search for a place to stay more permanently, got to www.losamigoshostel.com. It is a new backpackers hostel in central Madrid and is good for what you need. A place to lie your head (15 Euros per night) and meet others while you look around for apts or rooms.

Saludos,
jer...

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