MADRID SUNSET SPOTS

andrea — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 06:48:11 +0000

The post MADRID SUNSET SPOTS appeared first on BlueMarbleWander.

BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN MADRID

andrea — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 15:35:12 +0000

ROOFTOP IN MADRID

CASA SUECIA

This place is right next to Azotea del círculo. With their pink couch and amazing view, it becomes an instagramable place right away! The first time I was here, we have to buy a 12 euros entrance, with two drinks included, which was quite reasonable. The second time it was not required.

Azotea del Círculo

This is probably the most famous rooftop in Madrid, since it overlooks the two main streets Gran Vía and Alcalá, and also the landmark Edificio Metrópolis. In order to get in, u will have to pay an entrance fee and they don’t accept card. (discount with student card) This place is usually packed with ppl, so remember to go earlier!

Sky Terrace Moncloa

This rooftop s literally right next to my flat. It was quite a hidden jam since it doesn’t have much review. The location is near Moncloa station, away from the crowded center. The view here is quite unique with the view of another side of Madrid. If u r a student from UCM, this is a great place to chill and grab a drink after class.

Doña Luz Restaurante

This rooftop is one of the few that is a restaurant and a bar. The entrance is a small door located in the busy street near sol station. One thing on my bucket-list is to have a birthday party on a rooftop, and it came true thanks to my suncity Madrid:)

BEST KEPT SECRET ROOFTOP

Yup this is a best-kept-secret rooftop, so u and I know about this, and that is enough haha. This is a rooftop of a hotel called Vincci Via 66. The price of the drink is is quite reasonable and the view is phenomenal!

SUNSET ADDICTION

Couldn’t get enough of the sunset ? Well, I’ve got all the best sunset spots in Madrid listed out for ya! Check it out!!

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PREPARATION BEFORE STUDY IN SPAIN

andrea — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 14:16:20 +0000

PREPARATION

THINGS YOU NEED TO PREPARE BEFORE STUDYING IN SPAIN

LUGGAGE

Luggage is usually the last thing ppl will start preparing, like 1 day before the departure haha, but seriously u should start packing already. Let's talk about what you should bring with u before a long stay in Spain. Well, there r a lot of things to bring and i could go on about it for hours, but i will just cut to the chase right away. What r the essentials that must be packed into that tiny suitcase??
First of all..

1. ADAPTERS
In spain, they use two types of adapters,type C & F, so remember to bring a few adapters. Here I recommend to bring some smaller adapters than the universal one if u r staying longer, since the universal ones sometimes could be too big to fit into the socket.
As for the voltage, usually it is around 220-240v, but nowadays most laptops or phones r around 110-240v, so shouldn't be a problem.

2. CREDIT CARD
Some ppl choose to open a bank account in spain in some Spanish banks like Santander, Bankia, or BBVA, and then transfer the money from their home country. However, I would recommend to bring another credit or debit card for international purchase, since a lot of transportation and accommodation require credit card if u reserve it online. Therefore, if u have to close the bank account beforehand, u would still have another way of payment.

3. CAMERA
One of the things i regret the most is not bringing my camera. There r just view that a mobile phone could never capture. Believe me, Spain has a lot amazing view to offer, so pack up ur camera!

4. INTERNATIONAL LICENSE
If u r planning to travel to some Spanish islands, it is recommended to change to an international license since public transport is not that convenient and usually more expensive than renting a car.

5. MEDICATION
Wherever u travel, it is always recommended to bring ur medication in case of emergency. however, if needed, there is always "farmacia" (pharmacy) on the street.

6. EXTRA PAIR OF GLASSES
In most of the countries, it is always expensive to measure ur diopter or purchase glasses. Therefore, I recommend to bring an extra pair of glasses or the report of ur diopter. An off-page note is that in Taiwan the price of a prescribed glasses is quite cheap and the price include the service of diopter measurement.

7. THINGS THAT REPRESENT UR COUNTRY
If u r a student, definitely bring sth that represents ur country, cuz there will be a lot of events held for exchange students or au-pairs! Some suggestions r flag, stickers of flag(especially useful in LE meeting), and some sweets from ur country(always the attention grabber).

8. SPARE PHONE
In some part of Spain, pickpockets r quite rampant. In Madrid for example, the sol station, metro, or nightclub r the places to look out for pickpocket! But just in case, bring an old phone as spare.

ACCOMMODATION

1. START LOOKING FOR ACCOMODATION ALREADY!
I was too naive to think that some accommodation would pop up once I arrived at Madrid. The truth is that i spent like 7 whole days in an airbnb desperately looking for flat. The time I arrived was the end of august, which is the time when spanish went for vacation, and the time when a lot of students were looking for flat. Here I recommend some website to search for flat.
The following r two website to search for flat...

This is probably the most used one, just remember to check what the price includes, whether water, electricity, and gas r included (gastos incluido o no?) And, remember to check if they provide heater (calefacción).

2. TRANSPORTATION CARD
If u r under 26, congrats! because ur monthly transportation fee will be only 20 euros! Why is it so cheap? well, there is a discount for youngsters on transportation card, called abono joven. You can either apply online (https://tarjetatransportepublico.crtm.es/CRTM-ABONOS/entrada.aspx) or go to the station that has office.

3. PAPERWORK FOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT
If ur stay in Spain would exceed the legal duration of ur VISA and u would need to apply for NIE. Hopefully u don't have to cuz it's a long-as* process. Well, if unfortunately u have to apply for it, I would recommend u get ur flat settled down asap and remember to reserve online the date to apply for NIE at the police office near metro station aluche.

AFTER ALL THESE, U R PRETTY MUCH SETTLED!

BUEN VIAJE!

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andrea, Author at BlueMarbleWander