You are on page 1of 32

ThE ESSENTIAL MADRID lifestyle magazine

european vibe

evNo. 37 DEC ’09


plus
Camervroom
Africa Rally Party
@La Mariachita
manzanares el
real old dogs bad
lieutenant: port of
call new orleans it’s
complicated La Sierra
de Guadarrama Lyon
cloudy with a chance
of meatballs Does
Spanish TV turn you
off? The Amazon
Kindle 2 Nightmare
Flatshares Shopping
in Madrid Elsa Pataky
Daniela Lavender
AND LOTS MORE!

MERRY
Editors CRISTIANO
ou nt
s
nt
sc de
Di Stu
3 rd CORNER STORE | Plaza del Carmen 3
28013 Madrid | Tel.: +34 - 915233396
editorial

George of 04 MY METRO & WHAT’S ON -


Camervroom Africa Rally
contents European Vibe Entertainment
Fernando el Católico 63, local 1
the concrete Party @La Mariachita
28015 Madrid
Enquiries
jungle 06 WHAT’S ON - Garrett Wall Tel: 91 549 7711 Fax: 91 549 7711

20
Band, Fito Y Fitipaldis, Pete Email: info@europeanvibe.com
I’m convinced there are many and varied Editor
things each of us who lives here loves about Johansson Luc Ciotkowski
Madrid. But since the cold and dark of winter
set in, there are less reminders of the good
07 WHAT’S ON - La Lotería de editor@europeanvibe.com
and a tendency to slip into Bah Humbug Navidad, El Niño, Día de los Lingo Star Editor
mode about the negative. This isn’t altogether Santos Inocentes Susana López

14
bad and I think it’s important to recognize lingostar@europeanvibe.com
that not all is perfect – to vent that pent up ire 08 Vibes – Editors & dj cosy Art Editor
so we can purify and get into the Christmas
spirit. I want you to think of the thing you hate o’s urban review Philip McIvor
most about Madrid and tell someone about it
without holding back.
09 WHAT’S ON - calendar hpmcivor@mac.com
Think about it hard, though. After much 10 Lingo Star - Nochevieja & El MEDIA & DESIGN
thought, my number one hate is: obstacles Consultorio de lingo star Ferdi Loskamp
that hurt. ferdi@europeanvibe.com
Entrance turnstiles and exit gates that 11 Lingo Star - A Spanish view Sales Director
don’t open when they’re supposed to in
the metro are a rare offender, but they’re on Spanish TV Alan Geegan
worth a dead leg for a week when you take 12 travel Spain – La Sierra de sales@europeanvibe.com
a femur-crunching blow, to the sniggers of
Guadarrama 91 549 7711 Mobile: 689 823 847
other passengers and bored security guards. Administrator
A far more constant threat are the iron bol-
lards sprinkled liberally around the narrower
13 travel Spain – Tomek Przybyszewski
streets in the centre of Madrid to separate Manzanares el Real tomek@europeanvibe.com
where cars drive and people walk. The high
concentration of these knee-high metal
14 travel Europe - Lyon MANAGING
posts in areas like Huertas and Malasaña 16 eat out guide director
Scott Edwards
account for me picking up around 50 dents
on each shin. One minute you’re walking 18 FILM FIRSt - cloudy with a scott@europeanvibe.com
along talking to your friends, the next you’re chance of meatballs, it’s Event Co-
wincing in pain that drinking alcohol has
complicated & old dogs Ordinator

18
done nothing to dull.
What takes the biscuit, however, are the skinny 19 new movie releases Sam Lee
trees in troughs which blight pavements sam@europeanvibe.com
around the city. As if negotiating your way 20 sport – sports logistics &
past the painfully slow walkers weren’t enough,
the presence of these perpetually rubbish and
personality of the year distribution
dogshit-filled troughs adds the risk of falling in 21 sport – EFL Rossen Angelov
and doing yourself a mischief to your Madrid
22 culture – Does Spanish TV distribution@europeanvibe.com

26
pedestrian experience. I’m speaking as some-

Repro/Printer Artes Gráficas Hono SL


SUB-EDITOR
one who knows. Two Christmasses ago I was turn you off?

December 2009 Depósito legal: M-59116-2006


out for a meal and a night out. On a lengthy Matt Johnson
walk between the restaurant and our next 23 culture – Nightmare Magazine and
bar of choice, I lost my friends after a foiled
attempt to illegally urinate in a (quiet,
Flatshares blog writers
I thought) corner of a garage. As I looked 24 books - The Amazon Kindle 2 Peter Moore, Ryan Craggs, Martin
Quinn, Helen Macrae, Matt Johnson,
around for them near the Glorieta de San
Bernando, a sudden wave of agony went 25 discover madrid - Andy Ojelade, Charlotte Smith &
through the right side of my body. Shopping in Madrid Adam Ciotkowski
I thought I’d had a stroke.
As I peeled myself off the tree, I realized I’d 26 celebrileños - Elsa Pataky Cartoon
stepped in a trough. Nobody seemed to see,
but my friends had a good laugh while
27 Film Interview - Daniela Joe Hodgson
INTERNS
I mopped my bloody head in the bar. Lavender Sima Kalmens, Verónica Méndez,
Watch out for the trees. Merry Christmas! 28 services Charlene Lidyard, Janelle Collins &
Luc 30 Party Photos Harriet Rockliff

Advertising/Publicidad Where’s Bully?


91 sales@europeanvibe.
544 1072
If you find the bully logo in one of our featured adverts, send us an
email to bully@europeanvibe.com and you could win a food gift
basket, value of 50€, courtesy of The Food Hall.
Last month’s winner was Haihong Wu. Haihong
won 2 roundtrip tickets to Dublin from Madrid
e-mail: com courtesy of Aer Lingus. Bully was hiding in the
Top Mr. Pollo advert on page 26. Get searching!

4 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


what’s on?

My Metro Camervroom Africa Rally


Party @La Mariachita
No.13 Date: Tuesday 15 December Time: 9pm till late
Alfonso XIII Venue: La Mariachita Mexican Bar, General Martínez
Campos 11, metro Iglesia Entry: free

T
he appetizing fragrance of tortilla host mother tells me.

illustration: Felipe Benemelis


española wafts through my open win- Although a completely modern neigh-
dow. The clanking of silverware and bourhood, Alfonso XIII emanates a comfort-
rapid maternal speech echo through able, lived-in, familiar feeling. There are no
the courtyard. It’s midnight. While I am big businesses in sight, only small stores and
ready to turn in for the night, the families private boutiques. Hair salons and cafeterías
who live in my building are just sitting down abound—and are populated at all hours of
to dinner, their dynamics on display the day. Walking to the metro every morning,

15/12
for everyone to see and hear. From another I am accustomed to the delicious aroma of
part of the building, I enjoy a different kind coffee and the sounds of spoons tapping the
of performance. The flamenco singer who saucers and murmured exchanges between
lives in the apartment below mine is practis- proprietors and customers filling the streets.
ing, his raspy voice gliding all over the scale, Except for the dead of night, when the Need an excuse for a party on a Tuesday night? This is an
crooning Andalusian tunes. streetlights are faintly reflected on the naked open invitation to all EV Magazine readers to join us at La
The quiet, residential neighbourhood pavement, the neighbourhood is always Mariachita as the Africa Rally team Camervroom stop off in
of Alfonso XIII, more commonly known lively, despite its generally slow pace. Madrid. The team of three young English guys, Ben, Stephen
as El Barrio de Prosperidad, is a mélange A mere 10-minute walk from the Alfonso and Peter (ex-EV Magazine editor), pass through the Spanish
of different people from several genera- XIII metro is the Parque de Berlin, which is capital on their mission to drive from London to the beach
tions. Dururing the day, teenagers traipse a haven on sunny days. Birds chirp, laughing in Cameroon to raise money for charity. To add an extra
up and down the streets, stopping at the children chase each other, and runners run. challenge to their adventure, they have made their vehicle
shoe boutiques or electronics stores that The park’s entrance on Concha Espina boasts of choice a VW Beetle named Lennon and painted up as a
pepper the blocks. They congregate near a modest fountain adorned with the unmis- Mexican taxi.
the large McDonalds across the street from takable pieces of the Berlin Wall, engulfed in The trio’s intentions are set out by Peter on their blog,
the metro. Mothers walk alone or in pairs, the trickling fountain water. Not much fur- http://camervroom.posterous.com:
pushing strollers or lovingly leading their ther away, the majestic Estadio de Santiago “The time is right for a new adventure. For the last two
well dressed, newly walking toddlers by the Bernabéu towers over the street corner. years Stephen has been busy. Ben has been busy. And I have
hand. Sharply dressed businessmen plough While the Alfonso XIII area does not offer been busy. Also Christmas is about the only time that we
down the sidewalk, their shiny dress shoes chic shopping or swanky lounges, it does could possibly get a month off work.
reflecting the sun as they make wide strides, offer a first-class view of daily Spanish life. We are going to drive from Hyde Park in London to
briefcases bouncing at their sides. The older Walking down the neighbourhood’s main Cameroon in Africa in a rubbish/silly car.”
generations stroll arm in arm, always dressed street, Lopez de Hoyos, or eating lunch in We can’t all join them as they drive through Western Sahara
fashionably in dresses, woolen cardigans, and one of the many sidewalk restaurants is a on Christmas Day, but we can show them the best party between
fedoras, brandishing their canes. The abuelas good way to pass a lazy, autumn, Saturday London and Cameroon. It will be a night of Mexican madness at
chat while the abuelos discuss politics. Once afternoon before getting dolled up and head- La Mariachita with 2 for 1 margaritas and other great drinks promos.
in a while, a Real Madrid player can be spot- ing to the trendier districts for some evening It’s a Tuesday night, yes, but where’s your sense of
ted gracing these humble streets, or so my entertainment. Sima Kalmens adventure? We’ll be waiting for you… Luc Ciotkowski

cantina - lounge botanas - tacos - cócteles

P0 General Mtz Campos, 11, 28010, Madrid, Iglesia. 91 594 21 40


Madrid agenda compiled in
what’s on? collaboration with esmadrid

Garrett Wall Band Fito Y Fitipaldis exhibitions


Date: 11 December Date: 27, 28 & 29 December
Venue: Sala El Sol Venue: Palacio de Deportes Dynasty and
Divinity: Ife Art in
Ancient Nigeria
Ending: 13 December
Venue: Real Academia de Bellas
Artes de San Fernando
‘Dinastía y Divinidad’
(‘Dynasty and
Divinity’) contains
more than a
hundred pieces of
Ife art that are made
from terracotta, bronze, stone and glass. They
are on loan from the Nigerian Government’s
National Commission for Museums and

111/12/09
Monuments.

Shining Bronze
Ending: 24 January
Garrett Wall came to Madrid from the south side of Venue: Palacio Real
Dublin with the intention of escaping its cliquey music Part of the National
scene. He taught English for a while, gingerly dabbling Heritage collection,
in music until the fall of 2006, when he and fellow this exhibit of bronze
non-Spaniards Robbie Jones, Howard Brown, and Dave sculptures takes
Mooney assembled a band and established a musical us on a journey
sound, both of which came to be known as the Garrett through the different
reigns and tastes that were dictated by the

28/12/09
Wall Band.
Wall is the lead singer and guitarist of the band, period in history to which they belonged. The
with Jones substituting the drums for the cajón, Brown exhibition will also include other forms of art
on trumpet and occasional vocals, and Mooney on bass. such as paintings, engravings and printed
The band’s multifaceted sound can best be described books from the same eras.
as acoustic with hints of folk and blues. In a world On 28 December the Palacio de los Deportes will transform from your
dominated by electric guitars and deafening drums, average everyday arena into a real life jam session lead by the Spanish Rodchenko and
the sounds of Brown’s skillful trumpeting and Jones’ band Fito y Fitipaldis. Touring the country to promote their latest studio Popova. Defining
cajón—which provides a softer sound than drums—are release, Antes de que cuente diez, Fito y Fitipaldis, originating from Bilbao are Constructivism
very refreshing and aurally tantalizing. Throw Wall’s continuing to make good music their way. Starting: 11 January
smooth vocals and some catchy tunes into the mix and Fito Cabrales desired a change of tune from his previous band Platero y Venue: Museo Nacional Centro
you’ve got yourself some high quality music. Tú, a band well known in Spain with a harder signature sound, in favour of de Arte Reina Sofía
The band released its first album, Sky Pointing, something different. Fito, with the help of a new set of band mates, did just The exhibition
in 2007, featuring its clean and acoustic trademark this when he created the band Fito y Fitipaldis. With this new band came the comprises around
sound. The Garrett Wall Band’s second album, Hands new sound, and one that has also found popularity with each of their studio 350 works
& Imperfections, provides more of the band’s original releases. Lyrics are used as a way for Fito to communicate his philosophy on completed between
sound, with the additions of some piano, double bass, life and have been described as music-based poetry. Por la boca vive el pez 1917 and 1929 by
percussion, and Brown’s vocals. In Worst Case Scenario, released in 2007 has become their biggest success to date, accomplishing the two Russian
Jones simply uses his foot to stomp out the beat of the amazing feat of going four times platinum in Spain. artists: from paintings and film and theatre
the song, a choice that only positively contributes to Fito y Fitipaldis’ sound can best be described as sublime mixture of posters to clothes and furniture designs,
the band’s experimentation with sound. rock, soul, swing, blues and flamenco. Their latest studio release continues books, photos and sculptures.
The Garrett Wall Band is performing in Madrid’s to explore the jazzy sounds that have made them a unique fixture in the
Sala El Sol on Friday, 11 December at 22:30. Tickets Spanish music scene. If you are new to Spain or are just craving an authentic tears of eros
are only 10€, so come out and enjoy the band as it soulful musical experience, be sure to catch Fito y Fitipaldis in concert. Ending: 31 January
performs for its home city. Sima Kalmens Charlene Lidyard Venue: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
The relationship
With nearly 20 years between desire
Pete Johansson experience in the industry, and death –Eros
Date: 13 December Price: 15€ presale, 17€ box office Pete Johansson is well and Thanatos– in
Venue: Sala Taboó (c/ San Vicente Ferrer 23 M: Tribunal) adapted to making people visual arts is the

Comedy
laugh. Although it’s not backbone of this
belly-laughing humour, exhibition, which comprises 121 works such
Johansson provides some as paintings, sculptures, photographs and
quirky one-liners and asides videos.
that contribute to a good
stand-up show. His sarcasm Juan Bautista Maíno
and the dryness of his delivery Ending: 31 January
are particularly effective, Venue: Museo del Prado
enabling him to get away A unique
with lines such as, “Ah, rape opportunity to
is funny.” Like many other explore and learn
comedians, he draws on social about the craft of
conditioning and observations one of the most
of human behaviour to amuse original, but least
the audience. A friend of known, Spanish painters from the first half of
mine commented: “As well as the 17th century. The exhibition showcases
being funny, I actually feel like almost all his production for the first time,
I’ve learned something from alongside canvases by other painters.
him!” Perhaps not altogether
the best advertisement for a See italy and die
comedian, but nonetheless a Ending: 20 December
good overview of Johansson’s Venue: Fundación MAPFRE
act. Recoletos
With all the ingredients Organised by the
of a good stand-up artist: Musée d’Orsay, the
sarcasm, spontaneous exhibit comprises
wit and a large dollop of paintings, sculptures
political incorrectness, and photographs

13/12/09
Johansson will undoubtedly of travellers who
get some laughs in Madrid’s crossed Italy searching for its glorious past
appropriately-named Sala and a people who lived far away from the
Taboó. Harriet Rockliff modern world.

6 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


Madrid agenda compiled in
collaboration with esmadrid what’s on?

Hannah Collins:
Ongoing History. quizzes
Films & Photographs
Ending: 21 February Anyway Pub Quiz Night
Venue: Caixa Forum Thursday from 23:00 in Anyway Pub. Viriato, 64.
There are some Metro: Iglesia.
exhibitions that come IRISH ROVER Every Monday at 21:00,
and go, and then upstairs in the library. Join us to spark up
there are the ones a brain cell after the weekend. Avenida del
that stay with you. Brasil, 7. Metro: Santiago Bernabéu.
Hannah Collins strives MOORES Pub quiz in English every
to do the latter with her ambitious exhibition Monday at 21:45 in Moores Irish Pub, Calle
that pulls together a collection of three of her Barceló. Lots of prizes and great fun. Everyone
most prominent films and related photographs: welcome. Metro: Tribunal.
La Mina, Parallel and Current History. Collins
has received numerous awards including the
European Photography Award and the Olympus fun Activities
Award. The themes permeating her exhibition
about the struggles of people in modern society Parque de atracciones
and the bringing to life of intangible experiences Heart-stopping roller coasters, vertigo
through images are sure to leave you walking inducing rides or the spine-chilling tunnel
away with a new found sense of perspective. of terror. Metro: Batán. Bus lines 33 & 65.
Charlene Lidyard Tel: 91 463 2900 e-mail: parque@grpr.com
Planetario de Madrid
Lisette Model Avda. del Planetario, 16. Tel: 91 467 34 61
Ending: 10 January Metro: Méndez Álvaro. Closed Mondays.

22/12/09
Venue: Fundación MAPFRE. zoo aquaRium
Sala Azca From the smallest insect to the largest
Lisette Model’s mammal. Over 6,000 animals from more
caustic photographs than 500 different zoological groups.
frame the city of New Venue: Casa de Campo, s/n Metro: Casa de
York, the American Campo. Bus lines 33 & 65. Tel: 91 512 3770 La Lotería de Navidad
dream and those Date: 22 December
who missed out. The
exhibition looks at the most important stages of sport La Lotería de Navidad, also known as El Sorteo de Navidad, is one of the biggest lottery events
of the year in Spain and the biggest lottery worldwide, judging by the available prize money,
her career and reflects the relevance her street which is roughly 2 billion euros.
photography, social yet equally individualistic REAL MADRID Estadio Santiago La Lotería de Navidad began in 1812, although the title Sorteo de Navidad was not used
and bittersweet, continues to have today. Bernabéu Tel: 91 398 43 00 Metro: Santiago until 1892. Tickets go on sale as early as August and people from all over Spain flock to Madrid
Bernabéu. www.realmadrid.com to purchase ‘one for luck’ as well as buying in their hometowns. Due to the immense popularity
Mantles for Eternity Atlético de Madrid of the event, tickets are sold in series, which means that there are several copies of the same
Ending: 14 February Estadio Vicente Calderón Metro: Pirámides. numbered ticket. The prize money is the same regardless of the series number. The amount of
Venue: Museo de América Tel: 91 366 47 07 www.clubatleticodemadrid.com series varies annually.
A splendid collection CB Estudiantes Basketball One lottery ticket costs a whopping 200€, but tickets can be purchased in 10% fractions
of 80 funeral pieces Madrid Arena Tel: 902 400 002 called décimos. One décimo costs 20€ and the prize money available for each décimo is worth
that include textiles www.clubestudiantes.com 10% of the prize money available for the entire ticket. The majority of Spaniards, around 98%,
from the culture of Real Madrid CB purchases a small portion of the lottery tickets every year, hoping for some festive luck.
Paracas alongside a Pabellon Raimundo Saporta Tel: 91 398 43 32 The Lotería is celebrated every year on 22 December in Madrid. The drawing procedure
variety of valuable www.realmadridbasket.galeon.com remains the same year after year, in the Lotería Nacional Hall of Madrid. The numbers are sung
and beautiful trousseaus and belongings. All as they are drawn by students of San Ildefonso, but the apex of the event is the announcement
the works belong to the National Museum of
Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru. nightLife of El Gordo, the first prize ticket, worth around 3 billion euros (the exact amount fluctuates from
year to year). The event is covered by Televisión Española and Radio Nacional de España.
Caspar David Wednesday
Friedrich: The Art Nights
El Niño
of Drawing Date: 5 January
Ending: 10 January Vibe the party @ Orange Café El Niño is like the younger brother of La Lotería de
Venue: Fundación Juan March Now legendary international party with Navidad. It became an official lottery in 1941 but did not
Over sixty works on hip hop and RnB music taking place every reach popularity until 1966, a quarter of a century later.
paper by the most Wednesday night at Orange Café , Serrano El Niño is celebrated on 5 January, coincidentally the
important German Jover 5, Metro Argüelles. Open bar of beer, same day as the Adoration of the Three Wise Men.
landscape artist of sangria and wine and beer pong games El Niño consists of 50 series of 100,000 tickets, a
the Romantic Era. The from 11:30 pm - 12:30 am for only 5 euros. grand total of 5,000,000 tickets or 50,000,000 décimos.
exhibition will also From 12:30 till close, entrance with 2 drinks Like in La Lotería de Navidad, one décimo costs 20€

5/1/10
comprise sketches he completed in the open included for 10 euros. Get on the guest list at and an entire ticket costs 200€. Tickets for El Niño are
air while working, and drawings he produced www.europeanvibe.com available online, the convenience of which makes El
during his journeys. Thursday Niño very popular, and a good way to end the holiday
Nights season. Sima Kalmens
Edward gordon craig Fever @ Joy Eslava
Ending: 17 January
Venue: La Casa Encendida
The Ultimate Student Party. Every Thursday
night Madrid’s most famous club becomes a
Día de los Santos Inocentes
Sketches, disco sensation with spectacular animation Date: 28 December
photographs and and the best music from the 1970s till On 28 December, Spain celebrates what is the
designs lead us into present day. Free entrance or 2 drinks for 10 equivalent to April Fool’s Day, Día de los Santos
a “spatial stage”, a euros from midnight till 1:30 am, or entrance Inocentes. So when the day comes, you might
curtainless stage that price with 2 drinks for 12 euros from 1:30 am want to double check that the substance
embraces drama and till close. Joy Eslava, calle Arenal 11, in the salt shaker is salt and not sugar or
space in a single place. Edward Gordon Craig’s Metro Sol / Ópera. Get on the guest list at make sure you don’t have little papers
simple, undecorated set designs paved the way www.europeanvibe.com stuck to the back of your shirt. These
for the abstraction of 20th-century theatre. Friday are typical pranks or inocentadas
Nights played on Día de los Santos
Marina Abramovic fabulous @ Joy Eslava Inocentes by Spanish children.
Ending: 12 December This is arguably Madrid’s most glamorous club The “Day of the Holy
Venue: La Fábrica night and is in session every Friday night at the Innocents” is not all about
The current exhibition Joy Eslava located in the central Puerta del Sol pranks, however, as the saints’
includes nine colour area of the city. Burlesque-style animation, day has something of a sad
and black and white exclusive VIP zones and the biggest house history. It harks back to the time
photographs of and mainstream tunes all night long. Are you of the birth of Jesus and honours all
various performances fabulous enough to be there? Joy Eslava, calle the children under the age of two who
the artist gave Arenal 11. Metro Sol/ Opera. Get guest list were ordered to be killed by King Herod
recently in Gijón revolving around Santa Teresa access to this party by signing up at in his attempt to get rid of the prophesied
de Jesús. www.europeanvibe.com Messiah. Veronica Mendez

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 7


vibes
WORDS by

DJ Cosy O’s
Adam Ciotkowski

Urban Review
10 tunes that you should
have been getting down
to this summer

1
Rihanna
Hard
6
Ryan Leslie
You’re Not My Girl

2 7
Editors
Adam Ciotkowski profiles the British post-punk revivalists
ahead of their 9 December gig at Madrid’s La Riviera.
Ludacris
How Low

3
Timbaland feat
Keri Hilson & Jay-Z
Diddy
Love Come Down

8
Dizzee Rascal
Dirty Cash

O
Rumors

4 9
ver the next few months I expect to In 2007 the band released their follow-up
see all manner of lists, countdowns album An End Has A Start, topping the UK
and sweeping generalisations as the album charts. It picks up where they left off
‘decade that was’ is condensed into opening with Smokers Outside The Hospital
‘Top 100s’ and nostalgic montages Doors, probably their most anthemic track to
as we progress into 2010 and beyond. In a date. Driven by its steady drumbeat, it builds
few years’ time I expect an almost wholesale to a rousing chorus. Rihanna & Justin
revision of these lists when hindsight offers Timberlake Lil Wayne
some perspective. Their third album, In This Light and On Hole In The Head Single

5 10
This Evening, released in October 2009,
Similar to the Christmas season having unveils a new direction for the band as they
begun in mid-September for some, experiment with a synthesiser-led electronic
premature end-of-decade commentary has sound.
been well under way for some time now
and so I shall offer a small contribution to It’s not quite as immediate as The Back
it: this decade's music history will be partly Room but it is more sophisticated in style Consequence feat Kanye
remembered for the revival of post-punk. and perhaps a more accomplished work. West, Common, John T-Pain
Quite when it began is subject to debate, but The band play to their strengths, showing Legend, Kid Cudi, Big Sean Take Your Shirt Off
it became very apparent with the success that they can still write fantastically catchy Whatever You Want
of Franz Ferdinand, who reinvented the
angular guitar sound that emerged over
hooks (see Bricks and Mortar) but in its
experimentation there is much more variety new cd releases
twenty years earlier. The darker sound of than that displayed on An End Has A Start, Graffiti
post-punk, developed by bands such as which in its weaker moments hinted at a
The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen and Joy lack of new ideas. Chris Brown
Division was also due a revival. One of the If anyone out there needs an
bands to take these influences forward was The album’s first single release and stand- upcoming album to do well, then it is
the Birmingham-based four-piece of Tom out track, Papillon, single-handedly validates this young man. Domestic violence
Smith, Chris Urbanowicz, Russell Leetch and the band’s electronic experimentation. Its is enough to turn off even your most
Ed Lay - Editors. synth lead is infectious and the line, “It kicks hardcore fans but after hearing
like a sleep twitch,” through its leading single I Can Transform Ya,
The Joy Division influence in delivery, never fails to provoke the you get the impression all will be
particular is difficult to ignore given very reaction it describes. forgotten very soon. Look out for
that the vocals of Editors frontman deluxe edition.
Tom Smith are so reminiscent of the In This Light and On This Evening
late Ian Curtis. However, this is by is a focused affair with Smith's Rated R
no means a criticism; I'm yet to find baritone vocals utilised more
a vocal style that suits the whole effectively than ever before as a Rihanna
atmospheric brooding thing quite conduit for emotion, and despite Can it be possible that she has been
so well. And that’s not to say that the change of direction, the around long enough to be releasing
Editors’ repertoire consists solely of album still sounds inimitably like her fourth studio album? This highly
‘moody’ - Smith’s vocals are at times Editors. anticipated release features a number
delicately sustained and at others of tracks that will be all over the radio
forceful and uplifting. A significant factor in Editors’ including collaborations with Justin
success has been their work and Young Jeezy. I’m not a big fan
Their debut album, The Back Room, ethic. Having toured tirelessly of hyped track Russian Roulette, but
released in 2005, received critical and played pretty much every she seems to have found a winning
acclaim, hosting an array of catchy, festival going they have built up formula.
yet dark tracks often with equally a reputation as a ‘live band’. This,
punchy one word titles such as combined with a back catalogue Check out
Bullets, Lights, Fall and Blood. of particularly strong singles,
has firmly established Editors in
where
The highlight of the album is Munich. recent years. Taking into account cosy o will be
The juxtaposition of its delay- the progression on their most spinning this
drenched lead and staccato rhythm recent effort, it will be interesting
proves to be engaging, danceable and to see where they take things month at
memorable. next. www.djcosyo.com
8 www.europeanvibe.com september ’09
Madrid agenda compiled in
collaboration with esmadrid what’s on?

MADRID’S No. 1 SHOTS BAR!!!


Absinthe
Sambuca
Stroh
Mezcal
Cocktails, mixed
drinks, and lots more!

Santa Teresa 8, Open Thursday,


Friday and
Alonso Martínez, MADRID Saturday from
Alonso Martínez 21:30 to 2am
www.chupitosabor.com
FOOTBALL Sala Heineken C Princesa, 1 (90 215 0025)
RUGBY Joy Eslava C Arenal, 11 (913 665 439)
TENNIS Sala El Sol C Jardines, 3 Metro: Sol (www.elsolmad.com, 91 532 6490)
Palacio Vistalegre Utebo 1, Metro: Vista Alegre (914 220 781)
Palacio de Deportes Avenida de Felipe II, s/n (902 33 22 11)
La Riviera Pº Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto, (www.servicaixa.com, 902 33 22 11)
Moby Dick Avda. de Brasil, 5 Metro: Cuzco / Santiago Bernabeu (902 15 00 25)
Sala Caracol C Bernardino Obregón, 18, (91 527 3594)
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
29 Barcelona
Atletico Madrid v Espanyol, 30
v Real Madrid,
1 2 3 4 5 v Man
West Ham
Utd
Mando Diao Federico Aubele Davis Cup
Arsenal v Chelsea PJ Hermosilla SalaGalileoGalilei The Antlers Festival Davis Cup
Jimi Jamison Tam Tam Go Antonio Orozco Dimebag Darrell III Spain v Czech Republic
(Survivor) + Indicco Arch Enemy Charlie Winston Marilyn Manson The Prodigy U.F.O.

6 Real Madrid v Almeria, 7 8 9 10 11 12 Scarlets


Brive v London Irish,
v Leinster
Deportivo v Barcelona Editors + William Fitzsimmons
U.D.O. Wasps v Leicester The MacCabees + Jello Biafra And The Munster v Perpignan Chelsea v Everton,
Paul Van Dyk En Atletico Madrid v FC Porto, Wintersleep Guantanamo School Of Biffy Clyro Man Utd v Aston Villa
Space Macumba Marseille v Real Madrid We Are Standard Medicine Sergio Contreras W.A.S.P.
Bath v Edinburgh, Fulham v Man Utd,
13 Harlequins v Sal 14 15 16 17 18 19 Arsenal v Hull
Atletico v Villarreal, Valencia Liverpool v Wigan Rapid Leinster v Scarlets
v Real Madrid, Liverpool v Arsenal Rebeca Jiménez Vienna v Celtic Los Secretos Name Over +
Light Of Day Man Utd v Wolverhampton Julian Marley Coque Malla La Sonrisa De Julia The Mute + Racores
Ramdall Music Live Sweet Billy Pilgrim Paradise Lost The Wavves La Boite Live Canteca de Macao Quique González
Real Madrid v Real
20 Zaragoza, 21 22 23 24 25 26
Xerez v Barcelona
West Ham v Chelsea Bath v Gloucester,
Quique González Living Colour Leicester v Sale
And One + Xotox + Russian Red Birmingham v Chelsea,
Vondage Teatro Haagen-Dazs Calderon Rap Rap Festival Liverpool v Wolverhampton

27 28 29 30 31 1 jan 2
London Irish
v Saracens Francisco Saracens v Leicester Gloucester v Worcester,
Aston Villa v Liverpool Teatro Haagen-Dazs Calderon Man Utd v Wigan, Space Of Sound Leeds Carnegie v Bath,
Fito Y Fitipaldis Fito Y Fitipaldis Fito Y Fitipaldis Portsmouth v Arsenal Noche Fin De Año Festival Telefónica Arena Northampton v London Irish

MOORES Barceló
c/Barceló, 1
now Tel: 91 532 6331 Tribunal
free wi-fi MONDAY TO FRIDAY: MENÚ DEL DÍA.
in all three THURSDAY: TERTULIA,
bars STUDENT NIGHT + COCKTAILS.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: SPORTS ALL DAY.
MOORES PLAZA MAYOR c/Felipe III, 4 PUB QUIZ EVERY MONDAY NIGHT
Tel: 91 365 5802 Sol
LIVE FOOTBALL, BEST PUB-GRUB IN MADRID, TERRAZA
BEST PUB FOR ALL SPORTS & BEST BIG SCREEN

Special
Sports
Menu GUTS FUSSION
c/Gutiérrez Solana, 6
Happy Xmas Tel: 91 561 5668 Bernabéu OPEN 11AM-5PM.
MOORE’S LA CUEVA BAR DE COPAS, THURSDAYS,
Celebrate FRIDAY & SATURDAY DJs. CHART MUSIC.
New years with us WE ORGANISE PRIVATE PARTIES www.guts.es
Come and try our special Christmas menu

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 9


lingo star the section for learning spanish
WORDS by
Susana LOpez

Nochevieja
Vocabulario Facts
Intermediate Section

El Consultorio
Nochevieja > New Year’s Eve
Some interesting facts about Christmas en Spain.
Spaniards eat 12 grapes at 12 o’clock on New Years Eve.
de lingo star
Noche de Reyes > Three Kings As they eat them, they make a wish for the New
Year.
Dirige tus cartas a
Eve/Three Wise Men Eve lingostar@europeanvibe.com
Uvas > Grapes Most women wear red lingerie on New Years Eve. It's
Cotillón > New Year's Eve party said to bring good luck. Querida Lingostar Hola Lingostar
Baile > dancing Soy austriaco y llevo más Hace unas semanas mis
Cena > dinner Spanish children don’t get their Christmas presents until the 6th de medio año trabajando amigos me prepararon
of January. However, it is becoming more popular to celebrate en una empresa en una despedida de soltero
Regalo > present Father Christmas.
Cava > Spanish champagne Madrid. Hace días que sorpresa. A lo largo de la
Roscón de Reyes > large Some people get sugar coal (especially children) as a present. It oigo a mis compañeros noche me hicieron varias
ring-shaped cake that is is a sign that they have been naughty. hablar sobre “la cesta pruebas y una de ellas
eaten on 6 January. de Navidad”. Ellos dudan consistía en conseguir 5
It is a tradition to buy a large ring-shaped cake on the 6th of sobre si este año habrá o preservativos. Para ello
Lencería roja > red lingerie January. The cake contains a small plastic toy or a coin. The
Carbon > coal person whose piece of cake contains it is supposed to pay for it. no habrá. Y yo mientras tenía que pedírselos a 5
tanto sonrío y pienso que chicas. Pregunté a varias
Expresiones útiles no tengo ni idea de lo que
es “la cesta de Navidad”.
españolas pero ninguna
llevaba. ¿Cómo puede
Ayuda, por favor. ser?
Hans Un abrazo
Dices Oyes Angelo
Hola Hans
La cesta de Navidad Hola Angelo
es una costumbre muy A mí no me ha sorprendido
española en esta época tanto tu carta. Todavía
del año. Las empresas para algunas mujeres
preparan cajas con en España, hablar de
¿Qué vas a hacer > Voy a ir a un comida y bebida para sus contracepción y llevar
esta Nochevieja? cotillón empleados, como regalo preservativos es algo tabú
> Voy a hacer una de Navidad. Una cesta y son los chicos los que
fiesta en casa típica suele contener deben preocuparse de
> Voy a cenar con mi embutidos (chorizo, jamón, ello. También posible que
familia lomo, etc.), paté, turrones, algunas lo llevaran pero
cava y vinos variados. no se atrevieran a dártelo
Yo también empiezo por miedo a que pensaras
¿Qué vas a hacer en > Voy a quedarme en a dudar de que en mi que eran “mujeres fáciles”
Reyes? casa empresa haya cesta este o algo así.
año por esto de la crisis. Nos queda mucho por
¿Dónde vas a tomar > En casa Susana hacer.
las uvas? > En la Puerta del Sol Espero que disfrutaras de
Hola Lingostar tu despedida de soltero.
Diálogo I Diálogo II Este año he decidido
quedarme a pasar las
Susana
Navidades en Madrid. Querida Lingostar
El día de Nochebuena Me he enterado de que
Pablo, Sebas y Stephanie están María y Miguel son me gustaría preparar mi empresa organiza
hablando sobre sus planes compañeros de clase. una cena en mi casa una fiesta de Navidad
P: Pablo Están hablando sobre para mis amigos. Somos en una discoteca. Es
S: Sebas St: los regalos de Reyes. todos de diferentes un aperitivo con copas
Stephanie M: María países y por eso a mí me y baile. Me parece una
Mg: Miguel gustaría hacer un menú buena oportunidad
P: ¿Qué vais a hacer en Nochevieja, chicos? lo más español posible. para acercarme a un
S: Yo voy a cenar en casa de mis M: ¿Qué te han traído los Reyes? ¿Qué se toma en España compañero de la oficina
padres y luego voy a ir a un cotillón Mg: Este año me han regalado un en Navidad? Gracias por que me encanta. Mi
con mi chica y unos amigos. ordenador portátil. tu ayuda. duda es: ¿Es correcto
St: ¿A dónde? M: ¡Qué suerte! A mí, ropa y algunos Gianna intentar ligar en la fiesta
S: A un cotillón, Steph. Es una fiesta libros. Ah y un poco de carbón. de Navidad? ¿Se sigue
en una discoteca, generalmente con Mg: ¿Te has portado mal? Jajaja. Hola Gianna aquí la tradición de
barra libre y desayuno. M: Yo creía que no, pero parece que El menú navideño en besar a alguien bajo el
St: ¡Qué interesante! Yo quiero ir a tomar sí. España puede ser muy muérdago?
las uvas a Sol. Mg: Bueno, si es de azúcar podrás variado, según la región Gracias
P: Buh, habrá mucha gente. Eso es lo peor comértelo. o, incluso, de familia a Kelly
de la Nochevieja. M: sí, pero tengo tan mala suerte que familia. A pesar de ello,
S: Es verdad. Yo si no fuera al cotillón, me tocó la figurita en el Roscón en muchos hogares se Hola Kelly
haría una fiesta en mi casa. de Reyes y tuve que pagarlo. toma sopa para empezar No sé si es o no es
St: Es una buena idea. Mg: Bueno, espero que lo que y entrantes variados correcto ligarse a un
P: Yo, de hecho, voy a organizar una en mi queda de año te vaya mejor. como espárragos, jamón, compañero en la fiesta
casa. ¿Quieres venir, Steph? croquetas o marisco. de la oficina pero mucha
St: Ah, me encantaría. ¿Qué Como plato principal, se gente lo hace o, al menos,
tengo que llevar? suele tomar cordero o lo intenta. Respecto a la
P: Pues algo para beber. Pero cabrito al horno. El pavo tradición del múerdago,
sobre todo no te olvides la no es tan popular como no es algo habitual en
lencería roja. en otros países. España. Es posible que
St: ¿cómo? De postre, turrón y haya gente que lo haya
P: Sí, dicen que da buena suerte mazapanes. Y todo ello visto en películas o en
ponerse ropa interior roja para recibir el Año regado como vino y cava otros países pero aquí no
Nuevo. Pero tiene que ser de estreno. para hacer un buen brindis. ocurrirá.
St: Increíble. Este país nunca deja de Vocabulario Feliz Navidad. Espero que disfrutes.
De estreno: brand new Susana
sorprenderme. Carbón: coal Susa

10 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


the section for learning spanish lingo star
Advanced Section WORDS by
Susana LOpez

¿Televisión AonSpanish view


Spanish TV
Does
Spanish TV

española? No, gracias.


turn you
off?

E
p.22
n muchas ocasiones Y hablando de tele-realidad, el sociológico y la verdad es que
mis estudiantes me han programa estrella ha sido y sigue después de una buena sesión de
preguntado qué podrían siendo Gran Hermano. A deferencia lágrimas y emociones, el efecto que
hacer para mejorar su de otros países, en los que el formato en mí tiene “El Diario de…” es el de
español. Uno de mis ya se ha agotado después de tantos pensar que mi vida es maravillosa.
consejos, si vivieran en años, en España sigue teniendo Punto y aparte merecen las
otro país podría haber sido altos índices de audiencia. Yo debo series de producción nacional. Ha
que vieran la televisión después de confesar que soy seguidora acérrima habido muchos intentos de calcar
las clases. Sin embargo, siempre les
he aconsejado que escuchen la radio
del programa pero no sabría decir
muy bien por qué me gusta. Si
series extranjeras adaptándolas
al contexto español pero en la
Haz una prueba
o lean un buen libro. ¿Me preguntas
por qué? Sencillamente porque la
es que me gusta… En mi defensa
diré que muchos lo ven y tienen
mayoría de los casos han fracasado.
Mi mayor crítica a este género es
en tu oficina
calidad de la televisión española deja,
en ocasiones, bastante que desear.
vergüenza de reconocerlo. Haz una
prueba en tu oficina y seguro que
“lo políticamente correcto de sus
contenidos”. Todos los argumentos y seguro que
Vayamos por partes.
Con la llegada de los canales
todos esos que niegan perder un
minuto de su vida con un programa
tienen un final feliz, lo más alejado
de la vida misma. ¿Para cuando una todos esos que
privados, allá por el año 1995 la
televisión sufrió un cambio radical y
de este tipo tienen idea de quiénes
son Arturo, Indhira o Tatiana.
apuesta irreverente y un poco de
humor negro? niegan perder
yo me atrevería a decir que la calidad
descendió a pasos agigantados. Se
pusieron de moda los programas
Dicen que los españoles somos
bastante curiosos. Supongo que
en este caso se usa “curioso” como
Y para rematar, el doblaje de
las películas extranjeras no ha
conseguido nada más que convertir
un minuto de
del corazón en los que no se hacía
otra cosa que hablar y rumorear
eufemismo de “cotilla”. Y puede ser
por ello que triunfen en nuestro
obras de arte en filmes mediocres
por la falta de credibilidad de sus
su vida con un
sobre la vida de muchos famosos. Lo
más grave es que 15 años después
país los programas dedicados a
saber sobre la vida de otros. ¿Es
protagonistas en español. Por suerte,
la llegada de la TDT hace posible ver
programa de
este tipo de programas están en
antena cada día. Se pagan cifras
escandaloso que un talk-show
como “El diario de…” lleve 10 años
películas en versión original si así lo
quiere el espectador. este tipo tienen
astronómicas a muchos personajes,
que ni siquiera tienen una carrera
emitiéndose? Se ofrece de lunes a
viernes y en el aparecen personas ¿Televisión española? No, gracias. idea de quiénes
artística sino que se han hecho
populares por haber tenido un hijo
que narran sus alegrías y sus
penas, todo con un toque dramático
Igual esta es una buena respuesta a
esa eterna pregunta de por qué los son Arturo,
con un torero o haber participado en
un programa de tele-realidad.
tremendo. Me gusta dedicarle
tiempo como un experimento
españoles pasamos tanto tiempo en
el bar. Indhira o Tatiana.

Earn Good Money Teaching English in Madrid

TtMadrid Intensive Returning


TEFL Certificate course home but don’t
Fully accredited
Real teaching practices
want your Madrid
Full job support experience to end?
Guaranteed interviews Why not speak to us about our Spanish,
Free Spanish classes Teaching and Cultural Immersion
Tt Social Events Programme especially designed for non-
Schedule a time to pop in or chat by EU citizens with a one year student visa. 
emailing Lisette at info@ttmadrid.com. To learn more please visit
Please visit www.ttmadrid.com www.teflmadrid.com or email
for more information. us at info@teflmadrid.com.

TtMadrid - C/General Yague 70 1a Tel 91 5721999 Skype ttmadridtefl Email info@ttmadrid.com


travel spain
WORDS by
Charlotte Smith

A
s a friend said to me the
other night. “I’d love to go on
and ends in Cantocochinos. Along the
way you’ll hear the rushing of water that at the moment main square which dates back 500 years.
If you want to sample the expensive
a day trip to the mountains
but I really wouldn’t know
leads to the river that flows through the
mountains. In the summer months you you’ll have to but exquisite taste of the Bolletus (huge
mushrooms that are fresh from the mountains)
where to start.”
Well, the wonderful news
can swim here, at the moment you’ll have
to make do with gentle water fights or make do with just head to Maito, a local bar full of character
and the warmth of an open wood fire.
is that the La Sierra de
Guadarrama is on your doorstep, just
toe dipping – just try not to let your inner
child take over too much as I did last
gentle water Another close-to-home option for new
25 minutes north of Madrid and you’ll
find yourself far removed from your
weekend causing me to slip over and into
the chilly water right up to my knees…
fights or toe mountain day trippers is the regional
park of the Cuenca del Rio Manzanares,
busy city lives surrounded by mountain
ranges, wildlife, pine forests and plenty
ouch!. As you make your way over the
rocks and through the paths look up at the
dipping – but where there are more animals than
people. In fact, you’ll be lucky to pass two
of great places to stop off for drinks
and food. If you haven’t spent a day in
eagles and vultures cruising high above
you – more amazing with binoculars, if
try not to let cars on your journey to this place (yes,
you’ll need a car). Stop at an area called
the mountains yet then now is the best
time to start. Give in to the rich colours
you have them. For this walk follow the
yellow and white flags which are placed in
your inner child the Hueco de San Blas, where you can
observe the bulls that are specifically bred
and smells of the natural autumnal between the rocks as they symbolise the take over too for bull fighting and see how incredibly
world, put on your cosiest jumper and
jacket and comfortable shoe attire for a
shorter routes, (about 1.5 hours in total).
The red and white flags are for the serious much as I did majestic and powerful these animals
are in the flesh. From the regional park
short trip that you’ll be visiting in your
day-dreams for weeks after.
trekkers. If you do want to go trekking
here then call Javier for more information last weekend there’s a path that leads all the way to the
city of Segovia – best not to attempt this
There is of course more than one day
- 630.60.56.40 - he is an expert on trekking
routes in this region. causing me to walk if you’ve only got one day.
trip to the mountains as there are several
northern regions to visit but the trip I’d If you go by bus then the ideal place slip over and into If you feel like travelling further north,
then, for me, Hoces del Rio Duraton is a
like to take you on is a favourite for it’s
close proximity and choice of activities
to stop for an aperitif or lunch is
Manzanares el Real where you can take the chilly water magical place and you can only get there
by car - take C/Burgos from Madrid all
– this excursion can be reached by car or
bus (all buses leave from Plaza de Castilla
your pick from a good selection of bars
and restaurants. There is also a medieval
right up to my the way to your destination (it’s about
90km each way). The mountains here are
– check the internet for times).
First stop is the mountain range of
16th Century castle surrounded by a huge
scenic reservoir - Manzanares el Real
knees…ouch! stunning and deep in the forests at dusk
you’ll hear the heavy, slow echo of the
Manzanares el Real - and later, (or as Castle – it’s well worth a look. (Check out vultures’ flapping wings - as one takes
a day trip in itself) - Miraflores de la Matt Johnson’s article on the next page off, another lands on the red sandy rock
Sierra – the prettiest mountain village for a more in-depth description.) face. Prepare to feel utterly at peace and
you could hope to encounter. If you go by car (sorry, but the bus doesn’t mesmerised. Last time I was there I must
If you’re going by car from La Castellana go here), then I have to tell you about have forgotten to leave, as it was pitch
take the M-607 in the direction of my favourite bar/restaurant, La Cabaña, black when I realized that we couldn’t see
Colmenar Viejo, and then continue on which is only 10 minutes away in Soto the path and had to guide ourselves back
to the M-609 in the direction of Soto del Real, the beer is perfect as are the by mobile torch light.
del Real (it’s all very well sign posted). tapas which are homemade and plentiful.
Follow the signs to Manzanares el Real It’s in a really gorgeous setting and if So enough of the city life, how long is it
and when you arrive to Calle Real in I didn’t know better, (it was last week), El Peñote since you truly heard your thoughts over
Manzanares follow it to Avenida la I could have sworn I saw George Best Manzanares
el Real Castle
the pulse of rising blood pressure that
Pedriza until you come to Paraje del enjoying an aperitif or two at the bar – fills the streets of Madrid?
Tranco – you’re there! the likeness was frightening! How often do you listen to those thoughts
In La Pedriza you can park up and stop over the endless beeping and swearing of
off for a morning coffee in El Peñote – a If you’ve got some energy left then angry cars with people strapped inside?
white stone mountain-style cafe which make your way to Miraflores de la Fellow mountain dwellers, clear the debris
has been around for more than 60 years. Sierra (by bus or car) – a picturesque from your mind, breathe in and observe
The staff are relaxed and happy to give mountain village which is popular at the stunning natural world around you – it
you information about walking or trekking the weekends. Everything feels old here, can probably be reached more easily than
routes in the region. The walk (I haven’t because it is, including an enormous the Paseo Castellana in the rush hour. And
been trekking yet) that I enjoy starts here Olmo (tree) situated in the middle of the don’t forget to breathe out.

Daytripping
Charlotte Smith shares her knowledge
in thisthe
Charlotte Smith shares her knowledge in this guide to daytripping around guide to daytripping
mountain range of around
Madrid.
the mountain range of Madrid.

La Sierra de
Guadarrama
12 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09
travel spain

Daytripping WORDS by
Matt Johnson

getting lost and knowing what to exhilarated, looking down over the
do, setting traps with rocks and Spanish central plain – the lake, the
twigs to avoid starvation, leading park, and Madrid, with its smoggy
the rest of the group back to safety... halo, at my feet.
Go downhill to a stream. Follow the
stream to a river. River to an ocean, Fears, conquered. Mouth, parched.
ocean to a beach, beach to civilization. Clothes, damp and chilly with
perspiration. It was time to head
I thought back to our climb that first back to base camp, which is exactly
day – how I’d conquered a long held where I was laying, eyes closed
distaste for steep slopes and high and reminiscing, that second day.
altitudes; how sea level, let’s just Coming back from my daydream,
say, had always been more of my I watched as a bird landed on a
thing. When faced for the first time low lying branch overhead. Not
with the unique, rocky landscape of a pigeon – thank God. Rats with
Manzanares, a long dormant itch wings. I looked down at my toes in
was starting to tickle somewhere the water, burning pink with cold,
in the back of my mind that needed and stifled a shiver. What time is it?
immediate scratching. And so I I checked my bare wrist. A hair past
stood, staring up at the mountain a freckle. I didn’t need a watch – the
like a bleeding bull in front of a pink slanting shadows of early autumn

Manzanares
hankie – panting, frightened, and were enough of an indicator. I rose
ready to charge. And, so, well, I did – slowly again, wiping my wet feet on
and I must say, climbing the actual the grass, and started scavenging

el Real
mountain to its peak turned out to our area for any leftover scraps of
be more than a simple Saturday trash from lunch. Kept cleaner than
stroll through the park. a Spaniards bedroom, the park, in
spite of such heavy pedestrian foot
As the climb increased in both traffic, was no place for leaving lit-
altitude and difficulty, our group ter. Ground cleared, I stood stretch-
Yep. The mountains are there. You see ’em shrank from eight, to six, to four,
until when, about a hundred or so
ing in the sinking sunlight, ready
for a stout meal, or, at least, a happy
every day. Like an afterthought, you take meters from the peak, we reached hour Mahou. Hey, the park does (in
a particularly challenging and typical Spanish fashion) have two
them for granted – just pimples to break the steep set of boulders. And then bars within its limits, accessible
monotony of smooth skin on the face of our there were two. Stuck, sweating,
clinging to dear life in the middle
only to hikers, mountaineers, and
the general American daytrippers
Iberian plateau. But really, what else is there of the rock, I did what I could to
not look in the downward direction
– if we didn’t drink those beers,
somebody else would. Duty called...
besides a monastery, a tomb, and a dusty old as my friends beckoned from below
through cupped hands. And so concluded another great
book collection? trip – sitting in the shade of a bar

W
“Johnson! Don’t do it!” in the mountains, grateful to have
ell, as I’ve been was pretty serious.” “You’re gonna get killed!” once again come and conquered
fortunate to (Cries of protest and manhood “Don’t be stupid!” one of Madrid’s best kept secrets.
discover on challenges). “Come back down with us!” As we finished our last sips and
more than one “Yeah, yeah. I know, I know. I get it. “Let’s drink whiskey!” zipped our jackets a little higher in
occasion, there But hey, you’re all spry lads – full the deepening twilight of the valley,
is actually more of piss & energy and whatnot. Go So, with the knowledge in mind that resolutions were made and bold
to it than a ahead on up without me. Knock a slipped foot here or a botched grip statements declared in regards to
bunch of celibate Spaniards. Let’s yourselves out. I’ll be here when there would most certainly result in our next mountain invasion. And,
go back to my last trip, then, shall you get back.” And, following more a terribly complicated ER journey, next time I find myself needing to
we? Run along then, children. Pack expletives and protests, off they I stared down the glowering moun- clear the clutter from my cabeza,
a lunch, strap up them walkin’ went, grinning and grumbling up tain, gritted my teeth, pulled myself am sick of fighting for a sunny
shoes, and hop on the bus at Plaza the rocks and out of sight. up, and continued to the top. And, patch of poolside patio, or just need
Castilla. We’re going to Man- without the proper equipment and an escape from chilly skyscraper
zanares el Real. Glad to have gotten my mountain safety gear (people do actually die shadows and mid-city mayhem, it’ll
top experience out of the way out here every year), it was more always be at the forefront of my
Do you hear that? Ah...nothing. already, I got up slowly and went than accomplished adrenaline that mind that Manzanares el Real is
Wait – is that a human voice? to sit under a tree at the water’s sent my heart racing as I stood, little more than an hour away.
Nope. Just chirping birds. Obnox- edge, dipping my toes in and
ious, late night, street spraying, watching them wiggle under the
dumpster banging, neon-clad city clear current.
workers? Hmm-mmh. Just the
trickling of a mountain stream. I took a deep breath. Fresh air.
Hold on a sec...wait a tic...is that... Trees. Grass. Dirt. No diesel fuel.
no, it can’t be...please no! Ameri- No smoke. No dumpsters. Losing
cans! My silence blasted into myself once again in this siesta
a million, tiny, James Frey-like of the senses, I drifted back to
pieces, I sat up, brushing some our first trip to Manzanares last
grass from my elbows. Lulled to spring. How we’d lugged our tents
sleep by the warm breeze – Track and groceries up the winding road
Seven on Mother Nature’s Great- from the bus stop...the no vacancy
est Hits – I’d just about forgotten sign on the campground office
that my friends had once again window...the fly fisherman, flicking
accompanied me on this excur-
sion. Peace forgotten, I looked up,
invisible lines into the river...the
trout I never saw bite...the castle by English Speaking
watching them scramble down the
boulders to the grassy patch by
the river where I sat.
the bus stop...Maybe we’ll make it
down in time for a visit today? Travel Agency
I remembered thinking that first
“Johnson!” time how in the city the closest I C/Gran Vía 80, 8º piso, ofic. 814
“Yo.” could get to nature was watching Tel: 902 883 089
“Dude, let’s climb!” pirated re-runs of Ultimate Survival
“Uh, well, I kinda like it here. on my laptop...I remembered Bear
My Metro

Plaza de España
I think I’m just gonna chill. I Grylls’s voice in my head as we www.castillatours.com
climbed to the top last time – it explored the park, how I’d imagined

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 13


travel europe
WORDS by
Ryan Craggs

E
verybody talks about going
to Paris in the springtime.
beautiful the night looks, but only an
in-person visit does it justice. Just make In recent years, gratin dauphinois, the traditional potatoes
in cream sauce and most common side
It’s romantic. It’s beautiful.
You probably have friends
sure you book your stay well in advance.
professional vealdish, and rognons de veau à la moutarde,
kidneys in a mustard sauce,
with pictures based on this
theme on Facebook. Blah
Even if you can’t make it for the festival,
Lyon has plenty more going on. Any lightshows offering an experience all in themselves.
Realistically, it’s tough to go wrong in
blah blah. proper football fan knows the most
successful French team of the 21st have been food choice, so long as you end up in a
good bouchon.
Well what about Lyon in the winter?
Sure, the daily high temperature is
Century calls Lyon home: Olympique
Lyonnais, winners of seven consecutive added to the All this goes without mentioning the
only 7.1 degrees in December, but
nobody goes to France for the weather.
Ligue 1 titles from 2002-08. Les Gones,
a dialectical nickname meaning “the celebration, between,
wine regions Lyon finds itself nestled
with Beaujolais to the North,
That’s what Spain is for. But Lyon has
something special going for it this
kids” call the Stade de Gerland home,
though the team plans to move to a and some and Côtes du Rhône to the South. And
as the saying goes, good wine needs no
time of year: La Fête des lumières, or as
Anglophones would say, the Festival of
new stadium in the suburbs sometime
around 2013. four million bush. Lyon has plenty of bacchanalia to
offer, and taking the path from Place des
Lights.
The Festival of Lights begins each year
And about the language: French is
standard, though several dialects of
tourists flood Terreaux toward Croix Rousse makes
sense. The city is divided into nine
arrondissements, with the most important
on 8 December and lasts four days,
celebrating the consecration of the town
Franco-Provençal still exert influence on
the local lexicon. All that means is you’ll
the city for parts being Fourvière, Vieux Lyon, Croix-
Rousse and Presqu’île. These areas are
to the Virgin Mary. In layman’s terms, the
town promised to pay tribute to Mary if
hear a few words you’re not familiar
with, even if you do speak French. Few
the Festival of classified as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Not bad for a city commonly
it was spared by the plague back in 1643.
As it turns out, the town was. From then
signs in English exist, and the locals, as
with anywhere, appreciate you having
Lights thought of as gray and dull.
on, the Lyonnais, the proper name for a try at their language when you’re the To get into Lyon, all sort of predictable
people from this place, made a sombre dumb tourist rather than you engaging transport does the trick. Easyjet run
march to the Basilica of Fourvière, lit them in English directly. cheaper flights between Madrid and
candles and gave offerings to Mary. Not Lyon, though Iberia and Air France
so much of a party. Gastronomy plays a crucial role in service the airports as well. As for
Lyonnaise culture—and no, that doesn’t trains, the TGV runs between Lyon and
Things changed in 1852 when a new mean everything is cooked with onions. Marseille, offering a fast-but-picturesque
statue of Mary was set to be a focal In fact, Lyon boasts a number of world- look at the countryside. For drivers,
point of the festival. However, a flood famous chefs, such as Paul Bocuse, and the A7 comes in from the south, and
of the Saône River bumped the festival a food culture based around bouchons, the city functions as a sort of hub with
back from 8 September to 8 December. or little restaurants, though the word proximity to a number of European
When 8 December finally rolled around, literally means “corks”. Throughout the cities. Once in Lyon, the TCL, the city’s
a true celebration was planned, since it old town, there are more restaurants per public transport, is known as a reliable
already commemorated the Immaculate Gothic and Renaissance square metre system. Most metro stations are about a
Conception. However, a huge storm than any place in the world. To that end, 10-minute walk apart, hundreds of buses
hit the region that day and it seemed avoid the places which have the menu can shuttle you off in any direction, and
that it would delay things again. But prominently displayed outside or have a funiculars (to save you the steep walk
miraculously, the weather cleared, guy recruiting people to come in. Good up the Fourvière hill) and trams round
and the Lyonnais came out in droves. food spreads by word of the satisfied; see things out. A single trip costs 1,60€, and
Unexpectedly lighting their windows where locals go and follow suit. A place a day pass costs 4,50€.
by candle and gathering in the streets, like Chez Mounier fits the bill for a tight
the townsfolk had even more reason to budget, as a complete menu can be had With a number of museums and sites
celebrate and light their flares. for 10€. For more upscale eats, try Les not even mentioned, Lyon shouldn’t be
Adrets or Brasserie Georges, or if you’re overlooked. Not unless the overlooking
Today, the Lyonnais hold their tradition really dropping the Euros, seek out Paul is done from atop the Fourvière basilica,
dear, and still light windows with Bocuse, eponymously named for the anyway. In any case, Lyon is well worth
cinnamon-coated candles. In recent man who still runs the place. the visit—with something for everyone,
years, professional lightshows have from the gourmand to the layman, the
been added to the celebration, and some As far as what you should eat, salade historian to the dilettante. Just bring
four million tourists flood the city for lyonnaise is a must, comprising greens, an appetite, a thirst, and a desire to see
the Festival of Lights—on par with bacon cubes, croutons, and a poached someplace different. With those three
Oktoberfest, for those keeping count. A egg. Other dishes include andouillette, items in your carry-on, you’re sure to
simple internet search will show how tripe sausage served with mustard sauce, enjoy this French wonder.

Lyon
European Vibe has done its Christmas shopping in Paris for the last two years and once again
we find ourselves back in L’Hexagone. But this time somewhere and for something a little different.
Here is Ryan Craggs’ guide to luminous Lyon.
14 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09
travel photos
food have your christmas meal here
eat out guide

Modern/International Cuisine Indian

Brand new Indian restaurant in Madrid! Exquisite


Creative cuisine in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Indian cuisine, in a stunning and central location,
Lunch served Tuesday to Friday, dinner served Tuesday right beside Madrid’s famous Plaza Mayor.
to Saturday, brunch served on Sundays. Terrace now open.
Tel: 91 547 4996 Tel: 913 669 099 Mob: 662 503 469
Plaza de la Provincia, 3 Sol/Antón Martin
Toma c/ Conde Duque, 14 Plaza de España Mister India Plaza de Lavapies, 5 Lavapies

Chill out
Caché
Chill Out Caché, an amazing place to discover.   Brand new Indian restaurant located in the Heart
An atmosphere with an oriental touch, where you of Madrid. Traditional Punjab dishes served by friendly
can “tapear”, try our creative cuisine or have a tea or Indian staff. Call for details of special Bollywood
cocktail on one of our spectacular Balinese beds. dancing shows performed in the restaurant.
Tel: 91 445 5157 Open 1-4pm and 8pm-midnight.
www.chilloutcache.es Tel: 91 523 4570
www.currys.es
Chill Out Caché c/ Cardenal Cisneros, 11 Bilbao Curry’s Indian Restaurant c/ Silva, 16 Callao

Come and enjoy our delicious chicken and burgers, Bright, colourfully furnished Indian restaurant located in
slow roasted to perfection and accompanied with Madrid’s trendy Chueca area. Open since 1985, it is a busy
garnishings, salads and other chicken specialties. little place and quite reasonably priced at around 18/20€
All this in a bright, fun, and youthful atmosphere!  per head. 3 course lunch or “menu del día” is served from
Tel: 91 445 9849 1.30pm- 4.30pm, dinner from 8.30pm- 12.30am.
Open every day. Tel: 91 391 4586
Top Mr. Pollo c/ Eguilaz, 14, Esq. Luchana Bilbao
Taj Mahal c/ Belén, 12 Chueca/Alonso Martínez

Vegetarian
Centrally located Argentinian steak house with a
rustic, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy traditional
Argentinian cuisine such as pizza, pasta, and grilled
meat. Variety of vegetarian options available. Open
every day ‘til late. Average price 15/20€ per head,
lunch menu only 9,50€. A pleasant surprise for non-vegetarians. Rustic,
Il Piccolino Della Farfalla Tel: 91 369 4391 Andalusian tavern-style décor, extensive and
La Farfalla Tel: 91 369 4691 surprisingly tasty menu. Located in the heart of the
Il Piccolino Della Farfalla c/ Huertas, 6 Antón Martín bustling La Latina area.
La Farfalla c/ Santa María, 17 Antón Martín Open every day, 1pm- 4.30pm, 8pm-12.30pm.
Tel: 91 365 8982
El Estragón Pl. Paja, 10 Madrid de los Austrias La Latina
Artemisa Tres Cruces, 4 ( Gran Vía). Tel: 91 521 8721
Ceres Topete, 32 ( Alvarado). Tel: 91 553 7728
Enjoy contemporary grill cuisine such as burgers, EcoCentro de Esquilache 4 ( Rio Rosas/Cuatro Caminos). Tel: 91 553 5502
chicken, and shrimp in untraditional Eastern décor El Vergel Pso de la Florida, 53 ( Príncipe Pío). Tel: 91 547 1952
while watching your favorite sports on a big screen.
Conveniently located near Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Isla del Tesoro Manuela Malasaña, 3 ( Bilbao). Tel: 91 593 1440
Tel: 91 556 6776 www.monks.es La Bio Tika Amor de Dios, 3 ( Antón Martín). Tel: 91 429 0780

Monks Bar & Restaurant c/ Capitán Haya, 23 Cuzco/Bernabéu Food To Go

SANDWICH TIME

A great selection of healthy and freshly


prepared foods. Menus with appetizer, main
and drink from 6€; choose from burgers, The ideal place for quick sandwiches, salads, and
quesadillas, fajitas, spaghetti, salads, sweet desserts for people on the go.  Perfect for every
crepes, etc. COME AND ENJOY THE TASTE students’ budget too! Ask about our student specials!
OF WONDERFOOD Tel: 647 750 998 Tel: 91 544 2364
Wonderfood Fernando el Católico, 15 Quevedo Sandwich Time C/ Fernando el Catolico, 80 Moncloa

16 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


have your christmas meal here food
eat out guide

American

Hard Rock International Announces IMAGINE THERE’S NO


HUNGER Campaign to Raise Awareness and Funding for WHY
in its Fight Against Hunger and Poverty
Hard Rock's IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign also includes Features
SERVE4 – A Limited-Edition Digital Album of Previously Unreleased & Rare
Tracks a charity bracelet and a limited-edition pin, featuring the powerful
message: “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” 100% of net proceeds from
the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit local charities,
including the Common Ground Program and Pathfinder Academy.
Tel: 91 436 4340 www.hardrock.com

Hard Rock Cafe Pº de la Castellana, 2 Colón/Serrano


Alfredo’s Barbacoa Lagasca, 5 ( Retiro). Tel: 91 576 6271
Juan Hurtado de Mendoza, 11 ( Cuzco). Tel: 91 576 6271
Foster’s Hollywood Magallanes, 1 ( San Bernardo). Tel: 91 445 6110
Pl. Isabel II, 3 ( Ópera). Tel: 91 542 3172
Princesa, 13 ( Pl. España). Tel: 91 559 1914
Gédeca, 6 ( Alonso Martínez). Tel: 91 310 2369
Ribs Abada, 8 ( Callao). Tel: 91 884 3728
Peggy Sue’s Diner Eguilaz, 1 ( Bilbao). Tel: 91 445 1087
T.G.I. Friday’s Gran Vía, 76 ( Gran Vía). Tel: 91 275 9492
Tony Roma’s Gédeca, 17 ( Alonso Martínez). Tel: 91 310 1488
Mexican

La Mariachita is a Mexican ‘cantina’ which offers


authentic Mexican dishes in a fun ambience with a
sophisticated decor.
This restaurant is an excellent choice to try some
great Mexican food accompanied by typical cocktails,
micheladas, margaritas or imported beer.
Tel: 91 594 21 40
La Mariachita P0 General Mtz Campos, 11 Iglesia
Spanish
HARD ROCK CAFE WISHES
YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
 
Traditional Spanish food, in a traditional Spanish
NEW YEARS EVE…
atmosphere, with flamenco music and a terrace right in
the centre of Madrid. Try the typical “croquetas de jamón” YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO!
or the house speciality “Don Paco”dish. Open all day from
10am to 2am. Tel: 91 522 9050
La Tía Cebolla c/ de la Cruz, 27 Sol More info on our special
menus, private rooms, and
events at:

Enjoy typical Andalusian food, original décor,


oriental dance shows and a cultural fusion every
day of the year… Not to be missed!!
Tel: 90 233 3334 www.medinamayrit.com

Medina Mayrit c/ Atocha, 14 Sol/Tirso de Molina


Bazaar San Marcos, 35 ( Chueca). Tel: 91 523 1505
Casa Mingo Paseo de la Florida, 34 ( Príncipe Pío). Tel: 91 547 7918
La Cueva del Faisán Espoz y Mina,15 ( Sol). Tel: 676 287 654 madrid • paseo castellana 2
A Cuerpo De Rey Hilarión Eslava, 27 ( Moncloa). Tel: 91 549 4338 +34 914 364 340
Spanish Tapas hardrock.com
La Casa del Abuelo Victoria, 12 ( Sol). Tel: 91 521 2319
Malaspina Cádiz, 9 ( Sol). Tel: 91 523 4024

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 17


film first
WORDS by
Luc Ciotkowski

It’s Complicated
Director: Nancy Meyers Cast: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, John Krasinski & Steve Martin
Spanish title: No es tan fácil Release Date: 25 DEC 2009

Let’s not dwell become, well, like the title says (I bet
on the film’s title, you five euros that none of your loser
which comes from friends on Facebook who claim ‘it’s
the Facebook complicated’ status have been in this
relationship status situation). Streep is great, Baldwin
for the wilfully has become funny in his old age and

Bad Lieutenant: Port


retarded, because Martin doesn’t make you want to kick
we’ve got our hands him in the face for the first time in

of Call New Orleans


down winner of around 20 twenty years. But the key
Christmas ‘09’s is chemistry – that’s what makes this
best romantic a highly recommendable rom-com for
Director: Werner Herzog Cast: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val KilmeR & Xzibit comedy right here. The wonderful the festive season, not just an excuse
Spanish title: Teniente corrupto Release Date: 8 JAN 2010 Meryl Streep is Jane Adler, successful to leave the house and stop eating
bakery/restaurant owner and divorced Christmas food. Interestingly, the film’s
Nicolas Cage is an during Hurricane Katrina and promoted mother of three grown-up children. Alec writer and director, Nancy Meyers,
actor who divides to the rank of lieutenant. The spinal Baldwin is her ex-husband of 19 years, separated from her husband of 19
people, but his injury he sustains at this time, however, divorced from Jane for ten and now years in 1999 begging speculation this
latest incarnation as leaves him suffering from chronic back remarried to the far younger Agness, movie could be a ‘what if’ imagining of
the more and more pain and he develops an addiction to with whom he had the affair which her own life incarnated as a comedy.
unhinged title role his prescription painkillers. He abandons led to the end of his first marriage. Just remember, if you do happen
in Bad Lieutenant all sense of morality and plunges Dinner at their son’s graduation leads to have a blazing argument with your
is more likely to ever further into trouble as he starts the ex-couple into a steamy adulterous boyfriend/girlfriend this Christmas and
reconcile those ingesting any illegal drugs he can swipe affair with each other. Also vying break up for a couple of days, it might
who enjoyed Cage or confiscate, claiming sexual favours, for Jane’s affections is her architect, be unfortunate, but it isn’t ‘complicated’.
Face/Off with fans pulling his gun out at old dears, working Adam (Steve Martin), and things soon
of Cage Adaptation than anything else up debts with dangerous people and
in his filmography. Despite taking its mixing with gangsters. McDonagh’s
name and general premise from 1992’s visions of non-existent reptiles confirm
Bad Lieutenant with Harvey Keitel as our suspicions that we’re descending
the wickedly immoral cop, Port of Call into a bad trip. But this bad trip is
New Orleans’ director Werner Herzog also a great journey for our antihero
maintains his film, “has nothing to do and watching McDonagh’s sins is so
with it” and could never be considered a compelling that you’ll find it hard not
remake of its New York-based namesake. to forgive Cage for some of his past
cinematographic transgressions.

Cloudy With A
Terrence McDonagh (Cage) starts as a
good cop who is awarded for bravery

Chance Of Meatballs
Director: Philip Lord & Chris Miller Cast: Bill Hader, Anna Faris & James Caan (voices)
Spanish title: Lluvia de albóndigas Release Date: 4 DEC 2009

Animated kids’ a machine which turns water into


movies have been food and, once it gets lodged in the
all but been replaced clouds, it turns the island’s rain into
in the 21st Century cheeseburgers. Flint is immediately a
with animated celebrity and receives all manner of
kids’ movies that requests for different types of food, but
have enough adult he overloads the machine and things go
references to make wrong.
them fun for the For me, the film was on for five stars

Old Dogs
accompanying adult. until around 55 minutes when what could
Inevitably, however, have been a fantasy adventure with real-
the rouse is shattered upon purchase world applicability turned into imposed,
of the DVD through the tendency of moralizing allegory for environmental
children to want to revisit their favourite destruction and climate change. Surreal
Director: Walt Becker Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Seth Green, Bernie Mac & Matt Dillon movies at least twice every weekend. that it was the voice of Mr T (as bouncy
Spanish title: Dos canguros muy maduros Release Date: 4 DEC 2009 Nevertheless, this one has enough cop Officer Earl) who should speak the
laughs, craziness and lampooning of words, “It was all of our fault”. Where have
Knowing the film and business partners Dan (Williams) disaster movies to have me braving a we heard that before? Climate change?
is directed by Walt and Charlie (Travolta) are on the verge cinema full of Attention Deficit Disorder- Credit crunch? Worldwide recession?
Becker of Wild Hogs of an important deal when Dan’s suffering ten-year-olds (they’re all like Everyone’s fault, we’re all to blame. Yeah,
fame will probably ex-wife, Vicki (Kelly Preston), appears that nowadays). am I watching CNN?
turn a few people on the scene. She informs Dan that The hero of the story is Flint But it’s pointless to pick – if we did,
off before going he’s the father of seven-year-old twins Lockwood, an inventor since childhood the whole thing would come apart. I
any further. But and leaves him to care for his newly from a small island off the Atlantic mean, the world-changing invention
some faith might discovered son and daughter, along Coast of the USA called Swallow Falls. turns rain into food. So where it rains
be restored when with their dog. The clueless Dan and His flawed inventions include spray-on a lot, people get obese and where it
they realize Robin Charlie, with help from their colleague, shoes (good, but you can’t get them off), doesn’t, Africa for example, people have
Williams joins John Ralph (Seth Green), embark upon their ratbirds (why?) and a monkey thought nothing to eat. Revolutionary.
Travolta at the top of the bill with the task and, guess what, lots of funny translator for his monkey, Steve (most If I had kids, I’d turn it off after 55
likes of Seth Green and Matt Dillon in stuff happens to them. Like going to of the time he thinks, “Steve!” and minutes and tell them everyone died
support. While it’s clear this is going to McDonalds or Burger King – you know sometimes, “Gummy Bears!” – perhaps in the “Aporkalypse”. But I don’t, so I’ll
be a very silly film from the outset, it what you’re going to get, and a bit of gives us an insight into what it would be happily watch the gorgeous animation
might just be what you’re looking for supersize junk entertainment never hurt like if we understood Chewbacca). and laugh at the funny bits, because
on a cold December night. Best friends anyone. Flint’s breakthrough invention is there are plenty of them.

18 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


new movie releases film first

ORIGINAL
VERSION
CINEMAS (V.O.)
Alphaville Golem
Address: Martín de los Heros, 14
Tel: 915 593 836
Zone: Central
Price: 6.80 €
Metro: Plaza de España (Lines
3 & 10)
Release Date: 4 DEC 2009 Release Date: 4 DEC 2009 Rodríguez (Line 3)
Spanish title:
Dos canguros muy maduros Spanish title: In the Loop Pequeño Cine Estudio
Address: Magallanes, 1
Tel: 914 472 920
Zone: Chamberi
Price: 6.50 €
Metro: Quevedo (Line 2)

Rodríguez (Line 3)
Princesa
Address: Calle de la Princesa, 3
Tel: 915 414 100 & 902 888 902
Zone: Moncloa-Aravaca
Price: Mon-Fri 6.20 €. Sat & Sun
6.80 €
Metro: Plaza de España (Lines 3
& 10), Ventura Rodríguez (Line 3)
Release Date: 11 DEC 2009 Release Date: 11 DEC 2009
Rodríguez (Line 3)
Spanish title:
Algo pasa en Hollywood Spanish title: Blindado Renoir Cuatro Caminos
Address: Raimundo Fernández
Villaverde, 10
Tel: 915 414 100 & 902 229 122
Zone: Chamberi
Price: Mon-Fri 6.50 €. Sat & Sun
6.80 €
Metro: Cuatro Caminos (Lines
1, 2 & 6) Win five cinema tickets
Renoir Plaza de España for you and your friends!
Address: Martín de los Heros, 12 Yelmo Cine Ideal, the biggest
Tel: 915 414 100 & 902 229 122 original language cinema in Madrid,
Zone: Central are giving away five free tickets to
Price: Mon-Fri 6.50 €. Sat & Sun see a film of your choice at their
6.80 € theatre in Calle Doctor Cortezo.
Release Date: 18 DEC 2009 Release Date: 18 DEC 2009
Spanish title:
Metro: Plaza de España All you have to do is answer the
Spanish title: Avatar Donde viven los monstruos
Rodríguez (Line 3) following question:
Renoir Princesa
Address: Calle de la Princesa, 5, Who played the character
Pje. Martín de los Heros Ralph White in the movie
Tel: 915 599 872 & 902 229 122 Old Dogs?
Zone: Central
Price: Mon-Fri 6.50 €. Sat & Sun Send your predictions and
6.80 € contact details in an email entitled
Metro: Plaza de España (Lines 3 “Yelmo Film Competition” to
& 10), Ventura Rodríguez (Line 3) editor@europeanvibe.com
Rodríguez (Line 3)
before 17 December 2009.
Renoir Retiro Good luck to you all!
Address: Narváez, 42
Tel: 902 229 122
Please note: details of all films are correct at the time of publication.

Zone: Retiro
Release Date: 25 DEC 2009 Release Date: 30 DEC 2009
Spanish title: Price: Mon-Fri 6.50 €. Sat & Sun
Spanish title: Love Happens
Bienvenidos a Zombieland 6.80 €
Metro: Ibiza (Line 9)

Rodríguez (Line 3)
Verdi
Address: Bravo Murillo, 28
Tel: 914 473 930
Zone: Chamberi Join our monthly
Price: 6.50 €
Metro: Canal (Lines 2 & 7),
Cinema Club
Quevedo (Line 2) We go once a month to see
Rodríguez (Line 3) the latest releases.
Yelmo Cines Ideal Sign up at
Address: Doctor Cortezo, 6
Tel: 902 220 922 www.europeanvibe.com
Zone: Central
Release Date: 1 JAN 2010 Release Date: 1 JAN 2010
Spanish title: Price: 7.10 €
Spanish title: Número 9 (Nueve) Teniente corrupto Metro: Tirso de Molina (Line 1)

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 19


sport
WORDS by
Martin Quinn

Martin Quinn introduces our top


performers in sport of 2009.

I
t’s that time again. November and December athletics spectator and competitor though in the
are always a flurry of news, reviews and latter my legs were too short to be a major player.
predictions for the coming year. The new This year, 18-year old Caster Semenya has been a
decade heralds and the younger generation dominant figure on the female side of these distances,
of public figures attempt to stamp their but some have asked if she should be running in
influence on their given professions’ history books. the ladies’ races. A gender test was ordered by the
Sports personalities are no different in this respect International Association of Athletics Federations
but many have become noticeable for their extra- after major improvements in her performances during
curricular lives. The age of the rock star sports this years’ African Junior Championships were noted.
personality is here, though all of our winners have Any girl, especially one so young that has to put
shown extraordinary sporting talent as well as up with this type of questioning deserves a nod for
positive and negative personal characteristics. strength of character. It’s a humiliating situation
with echoes of the 1980s when Fatima Whitbread
had to put up with jokes likening her to Diego
International Sports Maradona. Many in her home country of South Africa
have portrayed the situation as being racist, but in
Personality of the any case, it’s an extreme invasion of privacy. The
Year fact that she is a world champion runner has been
overshadowed and many in the athletics world have
The easygoing manner that Jamaicans are strongly backed her up.
known for sometimes hides a competitive streak that Caster’s come out of this with her head held high
drives the nation's sportsfolk to the top of the world. and a long, promising career should follow, so best of
Usain Bolt is one such example. The sprinter seems luck to a strong character, tested early.
to be holding every sprinting-related record and title
under the sun at the moment.
The “Lightning Bolt” has built on his 2008 success International
by adding to his three Olympic Golds with three World Sports Personality:
Championship Golds, making him the first person to
hold all of these titles at the same time. His World Runner Up
Championship wins are also new World Records, You could argue that the Argentinean
leaving him with the records in the 100m, 200m and national team are also getting credit for this as
the 4X100m Relay. extension of their star player for putting up with their
In an interview with Rio Ferdinand, Man United managerial problems but Lionel Messi’s really an
fan Bolt identified his main rivals for the future as his amazing talent all on his own. Diego Maradona, more
fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell and American Walter a player than a manager, has indeed anointed Barça’s
Dix. Along with his fellow sprinters, it looks like Bolt is 22-year old Number 10 as his successor in recognition
bringing back the golden age of sprinting of the late of his skill. Symbolically or sheer old coincidence,
1980s when Carl Lewis went toe to toe with runners Messi inherited number 10 internationally on
like Linford Christie and the eventually-disgraced Maradona’s competitive debut as national manager in
Ben Johnson. The future’s certainly bright for the a win against Venezuela.
mild-mannered Caribbean gentleman and the sporting His success this year is tied up with Barcelona’s
events he has mastered. steamrolling 2008-2009 season. He scored 38 for his
club then and he’s right on track in 2009-10 to equal
International or better that tally. The upcoming World Cup, however,
could be a test of his character, especially if the
Sports Personality: aforementioned managerial problems aren’t resolved
Runner Up by then.
The little winger, born of humble means in
The 800 and 1500-metre races were Ché Guevara’s hometown of Rosario, has, like the
always my favourites when I was young, as an asthmatic guerrillero, had health problems in the past.

20 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


sport
Growth Hormone Deficiency threatened his talent’s McLaren use the Mercedes engine too, so Englishman
development until Barça stepped in, offering to put Button won’t be feeling much difference in vroom-
up the cash for his medical bills. They signed him vroom power.
from Newell’s Old Boys, initially with little Lio signing Some have questioned whether Button deserves
a serviette for Barcelona’s representative Charly the tag of champion after, no pun intended, the
Rexach. wheels seemingly came off his season after such
Messi looks like he’ll be weaving through this a glorious start. His fifth position in the Brazilian
season as easily as he does through defences so
watch out for the confident but modest Latin genius.
Grand Prix eventually secured Pole Position in the
championship table, a none-too-impressive finish. five-a-side
European Sports
Saying that, he has showed enough character to finish
off what he had started in amazing fashion. football in Madrid
results
Personality of the Year Team of the Year Week 3 01/11/09
La Parada Numero 12 4-9 Barones de la Birra
Andy 4 Abraham 2, José 2, Aitor 2,
Real Madrid’s relentless hounding, rumour Barcelona Mike Kemp Jonatito 2, Trini

and counter-rumour campaign to secure have A Team Apart 6-4 All Blacks
Brian Dunne 2, Luc Ciotkowski 2 Daniel Andrinal 2
the services of Cristiano Ronaldo has paid off, though managed Christian Sampedro, Raí Daniel Alberti 2
Finbars 67 1-6 Atletico Cero
it’s almost bankrupted the club and several financial to do it big Enrique Garriga Dani 4, Mario,
institutions. I’ve swallowed my pride on this one as time this David Silva
Five Corners 2-10 Real Monks
the Portuguese winger has a certain slappable quality year after A Scorer 2 Emilio 2, Victor 2, Iván 2, Jorge 2
owing to his ever so slightly smug look. On the other impressing Morgan, Miguel
Moores Tribunal 2-11 Finbars Celtic
hand, that’s exactly what a personality should be. In with their Salem Rob Pinnington 4, Paul Grimley 2 ,
short, a bit polemic. He’s got the girls all over, not to Champions’ Vincent O’Brien Noel Thompson 2, Paul Collins,
Javier Alday, Íñigo Manterola
mention Real’s fans, drooling, so in both respects he League, FC Británico de Madrid 4-16 Santana
could be well-described as “a fine catch”. La Liga Paul Ingram, Bobby Wang
Jules 2
Beto 10, José 5, Ángel

He’s scored quite a few braces, quickly racking up and Copa Madrid Reds 2-12 Atlético Retiro
Mark Dorian Mario 4, Carlitos, Alberto,
nine goals at the start of the season, though he was del Rey successes. Oh, and as a consequence, Real Shane Bartlett Alberto el Cuñao, Oskitar
sidelined for some time by an injury picked up while Madrid are back in crisis, so all’s well and happy in
on international duty. It’s proved costly for Madrid, the Nou Camp. Last season’s cull of superstars like results
Week 4 05/11/09
who subsequently dropped points in his absence and Ronaldinho and Deco, without too much tampering Barones de la Birra 18-5 Studio Banana FC
he even had to sit out his country’s World Cup playoff to the team, paid off. Veterans like Carles Puyol and Aitor 6, Abraham 5, Jonatito 3,
José 3, Juan
Simon Bonnet 3, Andrea Caruso
Ali Ganjavian
games against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Luckily, Portugal Andrés Iniesta have whitewashed the trophy list All Blacks 1-19 Triskels- Audrey- Turtles
have passed this test and Ronaldo will be gracing the alongside golden boy Messi and newboy Dani Alvés Carlos Pete Eaves 8, Juan Carlos Marugan 4
Duncan Frith 3, Matías Appell 2,
World Cup next summer with his international team by winning everything in sight, including the less- Felipe Martín 2
mates. recognised European and Spanish Super Cups. And Atlético Cero 12-5 La Parada Numero 12
Ronaldo himself has, like most top soccer players, just to ice it off, their 6-2 demolition of Real Madrid Dani 5, Mario 2, Christian 2, David
Silva 2, Jimmy
Mike Kemp 2, Javi Alberto 2, o.g.

done some charity work and has done his bit for in the Bernabéu at the tail end of last season is their Real Monks 9-2 A Team Apart
breast cancer in the wake of his mother’s recovery biggest Clásico victory in years. Emilio 3, Victor 2, Iván 2,
Jorge, Richie
Lewis Carroll, Raí

from the disease. He has recently signed a deal with Of course, they’re battling it out at the top of the Finbars Celtic 8-2 Finbars 67
Emporio Armani to model for the fashion house, table this season too, so expect big things. They’ve Rob Pinnington 3, Steve Toal 2,
Noel Thompson 2, Javier Alday
Enrique Garriga, Kevin Whitelaw

so he’ll be keeping us all company at bus stops parted company with Eidur Gudjohnsen and Samuel Santana 7-8 Five Corners
nationwide. The new king of the metrosexuals, having Eto’o. with Zlatan Ibrahimovic arriving in the second- Beto 3, José 3, Ángel Zurdo 2, Koki 2, Charapa 2,
Alfredo, Giomar
toppled David Beckham, has also opened a chain of highest transfer in history, just behind the man above, Atlético Retiro 6-2 Moores Tribunal
fashion outlets. Ronaldo. Alfonso 2, Andrés 2,
Carlitos, Paco
Vincent O’Brien, Michael Akers

So, like him or want to assault him with Madrid Reds 24-8 FC Británico de Madrid
outstretched palm, Chrissie Ronaldo is here to stay,
just to remind us mere mortals of our inferiority to
Team of the Year: Mark Dorian 9, Adrián Márquez 6,
Simon Howard 3, Ian Clark 2
Jules 3, Bobby Wang 2,
Matt Bailey 2

Runners Up
Simon Betterson 2, Rob Jansen 2

the sports gods and fashion police. League Table Pld F A Pts

European Sports It’s hard to


take when
Finbars Celtic 4 48 7 12

Personality: your country


Atlético Cero 4 48 13 12

Runner Up is put out of


the World
Real Monks 4 43 12 12
Triskels- Audrey- Turtles 3 34 9 9
Muhammed Ali did it successfully after Cup in such
taking a stand on the Vietnam War. Kim Clijsters did it an unjust Barones de la Birra 4 36 21 7
after numerous injuries and childbirth. Uncomparable way, so Santana 4 32 19 6
but nonetheless difficult circumstances when stepping think about Atlético Retiro 4 25 15 6
back into the top level of sports after several years what Robbie
of absence. The last mother to win a tennis Grand Keane, Shay Five Corners 4 20 29 6
Slam title was Evonne Goolagong way back in 1980 Given et al Finbars 67 4 12 21 4
at Wimbledon. And Belgian girl Kim’s managed to do it must have gone through in Stade de France. Ireland’s
by winning the US Open after starting unseeded. exit thanks to Thierry Henry’s double handball assist All Blacks 4 26 32 3
Many mothers have, in fairness, done the same for William Gallas’ finish reinforces calls for a videoref A Team Apart 3 12 19 3
as Kim Clijsters, Paula Radcliffe having won the New system to be applied to soccer. FIFA’s late decision to
York Marathon less than a year after giving birth, seed the playoffs also raised suspicions as several big Moores Tribunal 4 17 41 3
back in 2007. But this was a comeback from full teams were facing the prospect of the playoffs and an Madrid Reds 4 29 57 3
retirement, not just a baby break and tennis has an easier draw was given to the eventual competitors.
Studio Banana FC 1 5 18 0
extra-gruelling tournament schedule with extreme But that’s enough of one angry fan’s rant. The boys
power bursts needed to turn a match in your favour. went out and gave a vintage performance reminiscent La Parada Numero 12 3 13 27 0
Us boys can’t really appreciate what girls have to go of their World Cup and European Championship FC Británico de Madrid 4 17 77 0
through, especially high level female athletes – would glories of old. They played an unimpressive first leg
Bolt or Ronaldo get back to their spectacular best if in Dublin, losing 1-0 to the French after running the Top Scorers
they popped a baby out? It was certainly a remarkable Italians close in their qualifying group. The second leg
Emilio 17 Real Monks
sight to see the girl holding her two trophies; the was a different affair and they really took the game to
US Open title and more proudly Jada, her little the French, a shadow of their former selves. They do Beto 15 Santana
18-month-old girl. seem to have come together as a cohesive unit under Dani 14 Atlético Cero
manager Giovanni Trapattoni, so things are looking
European Sports bright for a Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. And who
knows? Robbie Keane may go down in history as the
Mark Dorian 12 Madrid Reds

Personality: greatest Irish leader since James Connolly stuck his


Pete Eaves 12 Triskels

Runner Up fingers up to the Royal Navy’s artillery on the River


Liffey in 1916.
Rob Pinnington 12 Finbars Celtic

WEEK 7 fixtures
Special mention should also be given to New 13/12/09
Jenson Button’s lucky that he had a team Zealand, after qualifying for only their second World
Studio Banana FC Triskels- Audrey- Turtles
this year but, in the wake of Honda’s buyout by Cup. The kiwi footballers, whose country is better-
Ross Brawn, took full advantage of his new boss known for gigantic Maori rugby players, beat Bahrain Atletico Cero Barones de la Birra
and Mercedes engine. Racking up six wins out of 1-0 on aggregate in the All Blacks All Blacks
seven at the start of the season and a total of 95 Asian/Oceania playoffs to
points overall, his team Brawn GP bow out with a progress. The All-Whites Barones de la Birra Atletico Cero
Constructor’s Championship to boot. going to South Africa is Triskels- Audrey- Turtles Real Monks
This year, Mercedes-Benz have bought out the certainly an alternative-
F1 team, leaving Brawn GP with a dubious 100% sounding prospect and La Parada Numero 12 Finbars Celtic
championship record after only one season competing. they will be proudly flying A Team Apart Santana
Button himself was close to moving on to McLaren the flag for the smaller
Finbars 67 Atlético Retiro
for the 2010 season at the time of going to print. footballing nations.

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 21


culture

Does Spanish TV
turn you off?

Frustrating comedy/drama series


invariably let down by either woeful script
writing or embarrassingly poor acting
6.1%
Reality shows whose weekly gala
programmes last about five hours 3%
Heavily politicized news broadcasts
9.1%
Dreadful dubbing into Spanish
The results are in from our internet poll of English-language films 27.3%
about your ‘favourite’ worst thing on Loud interminable commercial
breaks with ads made by people who 24.2%
Spanish television and so are the verdicts think we are incredibly stupid

of our five TV girls. Gossip shows where lots of people shout


at the same time about pointless things 30.3%
arguing, fondling and gossiping with each dysfunctional family drama.
Charlene Lidyard

D
other. With drama, love, revenge and many The news, which in my experience has
ramatic pause. Camera cringe-worthy acting moments it definitely always been a rather monotonous,
in first frame shows us a provides entertainment, if only in the form objective and sombre affair, is vehemently
teardrop falling ever so of sniggering about how bad it really is. partisan in Spain. Political and debate
slightly down the face of Watching people tear each others programmes, such as Alto y Claro, are
our actress. The camera is clothes off to the theme tune of Usher’s the worst. The anxiety at not getting
so close that you can practically count Yeah first thing in the morning is a their opinion in is visible on the faces of
the number of pores on her completely little disconcerting I admit, and yet the the journalists as they grit their teeth
made-up face. Time to key the overly alternatives of Spanish terrestrial don’t Física o and attempt the near impossible feat of
simplified and louder than necessary provide me with many options. So for Química respectfully listening to their colleagues.
music to hammer home the point. now, instead of attempting to follow Alto y Claro? Interesting title. The show is
Throw in an über-cheesy story line the Spanish news, I’m quite happy to definitely alto, but claro? It seems that the
straight from the notorious telenovelas entangle myself in the complicated love reporters spend more time trying to stop
and yep, you’ve got it, Spanish dramatic lives of Romeo y Julieta. each other from interrupting than actually
programmes. What programme could expressing their own opinions—except the
live up to all that awesome badness, Janelle Collins opinion that everyone else should shut up
and yet still not be awesome? Física o After watching about all I need to see and listen. That’s not very claro to me.
Química to be exact. This show makes on Spanish television, I’ve concluded
being an over dramatic, badly produced that Spanish TV series have one thing Verónica Méndez
TV melodrama an art. You know the in common and that’s my “favourite” Fama
To an outsider, sitting at the dinner table
feeling when you see a car crash? You worst thing; they are the generic versions with my Spanish family would be the
shouldn’t stay to watch because it’s not of American TV. Now you’re probably equivalent of watching a scene from a
good to do so, yet you do out of some thinking, “What, generic?” But yes, Spanish primetime family drama. There are only
sort of sick fascination. This is how I feel TV series are just sad imitations of drama two volume levels at the dinner table:
each and every time I feast my eyes on series you can find in the United States. loud and louder. While it may seem
a new chapter. They are so bad, they are One night I turned on the TV, flicked they are having some sort of existential
fundamentally bad. through the channels and saw people crisis or philosophical debate they are
dancing. As horrific as it was for my eyes actually rambling on about nothing. To
Harriet Rockliff to behold, it turned out to be a show called an outsider in Spain this becomes too
I don’t think I realised the full horror of the Fama. This show just so happens to be familiar a situation. The Spanish love it.
South American soap opera until I started a bad combination of any reality show Sé Lo Que Hicisteis is like watching a live
working, getting up early, and spending 10 in the US where people have to live in a tabloid magazine, as everything becomes
minutes in front of the TV every morning house together mixed with the show So there are gossip and drama. The dialogue between
eating breakfast. Whereas in the evenings
I like to relax and put a good English film
You Think You Can Dance. While this show,
Fama, isn’t one of the worst shows I’ve
also the the pair is completely over dramatized
and the supposed satire very wide of the
on, I attempt to improve my Spanish in the seen, there are also the shows, Tú Si Que shows, Tú Si mark. Then there are the actual drama
mornings and force myself to watch the Vales, 60/90/60: Diario de una Adolescente Que Vales, shows like Física O Química where drama
terrestrial channels. Somehow over the
last few weeks, I have managed to tune
and Física o Química, that add to the mess
of what is Spanish TV. 60/90/60: is taken to a whole new level; and in an
hour the characters deal with a range of
in just in time for the spectacularly bad Diario de una issues from suicides to parent’s death,
Romeo y Julieta. Sima Kalmens Adolescente all while a CSI-type music plays in the
I’m still not exactly sure what is going on in Turn on the television, tune into any background. To anyone coming to Spain,
this programme, but it somehow captures unscripted show, and you will be greeted and Física o watching television is part of immersing
me. As may be expected from the name, warmly with aggravated interjections and Química, that oneself in the culture, that way whether
the central story is based on Shakespeare’s
play; two young lovers separated by their
frustrated fist clutching—without fail.
Thirty minutes and plenty of eye-rolling add to the sitting at the dinner table or engaging in
colloquial conversation one is not taken
opposing families. In this modern version, and shouting later, you realize that you mess of what completely by surprise for the Spaniards’
scantly dressed school kids run around are, in fact, watching the news and not a is Spanish TV knack for over dramatization.

22 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


Culture
WORDS by
Helen Macrae

Nightmare Flatshares
Sharing an apartment in Madrid? If you moved into a new place in the autumn, the honeymoon
period with your flatmates is probably over, everyone’s bad habits are starting to come out and
the pettiest of grievances have you considering murder. Read Helen’s collection of experiences
and share your own on www.europeanvibe.com.

B
efore I even turned the key of you who moved in September this is could eliminate the unknown factor if you
in the lock I could sense particularly relevant; now we’re a couple move in with friends, although this comes
something was amiss. As the of months down the line and the honey- accompanied with its own pitfalls, since
door swung open before me, moon period is officially over, your new falling out could also mean irreversibly
the sight that greeted my flatmates may be starting to morph from damaging a friendship. Naturally, you can
eyes led me to the inescap- normal people into something altogether also do your best to be a good flatmate
able conclusion that either a) more sinister. and thereby avoid ructions: wash regularly,
we’d been burgled, b) a herd of rhinoceros keep a lid on noisy music/parties/sex,
had somehow found their way into the Tiny things start to niggle at you. Usually do your share of the cleaning (especially
building or c) unbeknownst to me, World it’s something ridiculously petty that you’d important in Spain, a nation of housework
War III had broken out whilst I was at work be too ashamed to ever bring up, but living fanatics), don’t nick your flatmates’ food
and our flat had been the target of some with it day in day out slowly chips away at and remember to buy loo roll. Sadly, it’s
particularly ferocious carpet-bombing. your sanity until you eventually crack. In hard to change the habits of a lifetime
After gingerly picking my way through the the past I’ve fallen out with flatmates over (eight years of flatshares and I still have to
carnage of what had once been our living issues as trivial as the exact positioning of be reminded the cleaning doesn’t do itself,
room, I headed down the corridor, past the sofa in the living room, the throwing sorry Isa!) so perhaps the only real way to
the clotheshorse over which were draped away of a plant that was already dead avoid conflict is to live alone. Tiny things
the pitiful remains of the washing I’d
hung up there that morning, past the girls’
and cereal bowls being left unwashed
around the house with the dregs still in

Despite the drawbacks though, I like start to
bathroom (a quick glance inside reveal-
ing something resembling Cousin It from
the bottom (although you try chipping off
week-old hardened Shreddies and milk,
flatsharing. It allows you to make new
friends, become more tolerant and learn
niggle
the Addams Family lurking in the plughole actually physically impossible). Of course, a lot about other people and yourself, and at you.
and, bizarrely, more shoes strewn across
the floor), swiftly past the boys’ bathroom,
matters might well be more serious. Un-
like some of my friends, I’ve never had
if nothing else it gives you some great
stories to tell. Remember that time your Usually it’s
which had such a horrible stench emanat-
ing from within I didn’t dare stick my head
to put up with a housemate playing the
bagpipes in the basement on a Saturday
flatmates rolled in at 11am with a couple
of ugly-as-sin Latina prostitutes? Or
something
round the door, and finally into the kitchen, morning, nor have I ever received a call the Halloween when you had nothing in ridiculously
where it looked like someone had decided
to empty the rubbish bin all over the floor,
from my landlady while I was out telling
me I couldn’t go home and all my stuff had
the house and your housemates had the
bright idea of giving away porn and beer petty that
paint the walls with ketchup and spray
something that looked suspiciously like red
been put in storage. And thankfully, I’ve
never gotten up for breakfast to find the
to eight-year-old trick-or-treaters? And
how about the one when you all threw
you’d be too
wine onto the ceiling... hob on, the charred remains of something that crazy party and the neighbours put ashamed to
Ok, that particular episode actually
left in a wok and blood all over the kitchen
work surfaces, walls and floor after an
a brick through the window? Sure, the
flat in Italy was incredibly messy, things ever bring
occurred when I was living in Italy not alcoholic flatmate stumbled home with the
munchies and cut himself whilst trying to
had a habit of disappearing and we had a
slew of complaints from the neighbours
up, but
Madrid, and sharing with a lot of people
in a slightly weird situation (seven make a midnight snack. for clomping round the flat in our heels, living with
student-types like myself plus the land-
lord’s hunchback, potbellied, mentally- So, how do you avoid nightmare flat-
but at the same time we had great fun,
and with so many people there was it day in day
not-quite-all-there brother who lived in shares? Well, there are the obvious things always something entertaining going on. out slowly
the cupboard...long story) but it could
have been anywhere. The point is, unless
to look out for when you’re checking out
a potential pad. S&M gear hanging in the
Plus, at the end of our stay we all pulled
together and cleaned the place from chips away
you’re either still living at home (if you’re
over the age of 30 then shame on you!) or
cupboards, creatures living in the fridge
and inhabitants who can’t string a sen-
top to bottom, even tippexing over the
red wine stains on the kitchen ceiling. at your
rich enough to have your own place, you’ll tence together are probably all bad signs. Despite a few dodgy moments when the sanity
have shared a flat or house at some point
and will have experienced those all-too-
Alas, it’s pretty difficult to assess whether
someone’s a loony or not after chatting
landlord was inspecting the kitchen, all
of us standing there with baited breath until you
familiar arguments over the washing up,
paying the gas bill and whose turn it is
to them for a mere 10 minutes, and even
people who initially seem quite normal
praying he wouldn’t look up, we managed
to get our deposits back. So all’s well that
eventually
to put the rubbish out. Perhaps for some can turn out to be flatmates from hell. You ends well. crack.
december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 23
books
WORDS by
Charlotte Smith

The Amazon Kindle 2


Charlotte Smith reviews the device that will top a lot of Christmas lists reading experience quite unlike
reading from a paperback as they
across Europe this year. Could it herald the death of books on paper? have embedded sounds, quizzes,
games and songs and lots more –

I
f you’re feeling crushed by downloads with your Kindle 2), this makes sense.
possessing too many books or newspaper and magazine Another aspect of the e-book that
then the electronic book subscriptions. could prove favourable is the saving
(e-book) could provide the of trees and the environment –
answer to travelling light with It seems to me that a lot of the that’s if the market for Kindles and
your library. selling points of the Kindle describe the like take off in a serious fashion
The Kindle 2 - the latest offering the joy of a proper book with a – this is yet to happen. Currently an
from Amazon (and only available front and back cover and pages in enormous seven million paperbacks
through Amazon on-line) - is in between. in the UK alone end up in landfills
close competition with the Sony However, the natural ink and paper each year, even so all books made
Reader, an earlier version of the experience is surely what a book of paper eventually disintegrate and
e-book. does best (at a fraction of the price). it could be argued that the sense
Newspapers are still available to of a book’s mortality gives it even
Amazon Kindle 2 is a lightweight download free from the internet more life force – besides, you can
paperback-size e-book reader. It everyday and as for downloading by all your second hand novels on
boasts an exceptional wireless a book before you board the plane, Amazon, Abebooks or ebay for a
reading experience thanks to how about popping into the nearest fraction of the price of downloadable
a revolutionary new display bookstore beforehand and killing e-books even after shipping costs,
technology known as electronic that annoying half an hour before and when you’ve finished with your
ink. It certainly pulls at your eyes a you board browsing the many titles books you can sell them on or give
lot less than the harmful glare of a until you finally slide the book of them away as thoughtful presents.
computer screen. In fact, in Amazon’s your choice off the shelf and run
opinion, reading Kindle's screen is as your hand over the silky new cover, If I’m honest, there is one feature
sharp and natural as reading ink on taking it to a charming bookseller of the Kindle that really appeals to
paper. Using the same 3G network and purchasing it with hard cash? me and that’s its ability to read to
as advanced mobile phones, Amazon you - you can choose from a female
delivers your content using its own Please note that I am not a or male voice and I like this idea -
wireless delivery system, Amazon technophobe; I use my laptop, the although many talking books are of
Whispernet. There are no yearly internet, a mobile phone, MP3 course already available in CD and
contracts or monthly wireless bills player and iPod but I also love cassette format but the choice is
either and, through Whispernet, everything about a book; the smell, limited.
you can order any book (if the title the sound, the feel, the design, the
is available) and receive it in one
minute. Newspaper subscriptions
covers (especially the new Penguin
books) the coffee stains and carrying there is one Having said all this Kindle 2 is set
to be a welcome development in the
are also delivered wirelessly each
morning (at an extra cost) and most
it in my bag.
And the idea of glaring at yet feature of run-up to Christmas. It will offer the
customer over 200,000 English-
magazines reach you before they hit
the newsstands.
another screen after using
computers for work and play seems
the Kindle language titles and Bloomsbury,
publisher of Harry Potter, is
So if you haven't read the book for
ridiculous, aren’t you supposed to
curl up on a comfortable sofa or bed
that really optimistic about a Christmas boost
tomorrow night's book club or if and just read with enough light to appeals to to booksellers from the UK launch
of the Kindle e-book.
you’ve finished your latest novel
and want to download the sequel
illuminate your wonderful novel
and not a light that reflects straight me and that’s If you are going to order your
while you board a plane, then
Amazon has potentially answered
back into your eyes on your new
electronic book! its ability Kindle 2 for Christmas or request
it as an expensive present, then
your prayers. But at what cost? You
can order your Kindle for around Ok, no more rallying against the
to read to I truly hope you enjoy all that it
has to offer – most importantly
180€ but that’s before shipping e-book as I can see how they could
be useful.
you - you can convenience and more space on
and handling fees and of course
the purchase of your smart black In the future, school kids and choose from your bookshelves.
I, on the other hand, am about to
protective leather case that isn’t
included in the advertised price –
teachers like me may be able to do
all their schoolwork and download a female or turn off my laptop and relax in bed
with my second-hand book, the
taking the price up to about 230€.
Neither does this price include
all of their heavy textbooks in
e-book format onto a portable
male voice same book my mum read on the
beach in Gandía this summer, the
downloading fees of individual
e-books (at about 13.99€ - although
device. There are also interactive
e-books available from places such
and I like same book that sprinkles golden
sand onto my duvet every time I
you do receive some free bestseller as www.ebook.com which is a this idea turn a page.

24 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


discover madrid
WORDS by
Helen Macrae

Metro: Tribunal) you’ll find anything


from peep-toe shoes to headscarves to
wedding dresses, and they’ll even make
any necessary alterations so you can
get the perfect fit. Or you could head to
Retro City (Corredera Alta de San Pablo
4, Metro: Tribunal) for bargains galore,
a massive collection of Barbies and, if
you’re lucky, a glimpse of the resident
Pug dog nestled amongst the hangers
(squeal!).
For culinary delights
you’re in the right city.

Shopping
food Chocoholics should toddle
over to Xocoa (Gavinia 3,
Metro: Chueca), a Catalan
company with outlets all
over Spain (there are another two in

in Madrid
Madrid at General Díaz Porlier 15 and
Plaza República Dominicana 1) selling
scrummy sweet treats in all shapes and
sizes. Their chocolate bars come in a
huge variety of flavours and the funky
packaging makes them perfect for
presents. If you like cheese then you’ll
Whether you’re a shopaholic love Poncelet (Argensola 27, Metro:
Alonso Martínez) from the moment
looking for a good dose of shopahol you walk in and the amazing aromas
hit your nostrils. They stock cheeses
or just looking to take the pain from Spain and all over Europe,
along with gift hampers and all the
out of Christmas shoppaing, you’ll compliments you could wish for (from
crackers and chutneys through to
get what you’re looking for inside fondue sets and port) and they’ll even
Helen Macrae’s stash of Madrid vacuum pack your purchases so you
don’t stink out your suitcase on your
shopping secrets. journey home to see the folks. Finally,

A
choose a nice drop of wine to go with
your cheese from the massive selection
long with stumbling La Integral (León 25, Metro: Antón at Lavinia (Ortega y Gasset 16, Metro:
out of bars at 6am, Martín) boasts a wonderful collection of Nuñez de Balboa) and enjoy a few
reading over people’s wind-up toys, knickknacks and art. If you tapas in their Espacio Gastronómico
shoulders on the Metro want something along a Spanish theme while you’re at it.
and squealing at little and you’re fed up with the usual tourist
Pug dogs being walked shite then try Madrid3 (Cruz 35, Metro: Those of you who haven’t
in the Retiro, shopping Sol) for original gifts and Madrid regalia, discovered the world
is one of my favourite
things to do in Madrid. With hundreds
served up by lovely owner Javier. other of Lomography should
hotfoot it to one of the
upon hundreds of fabulous tiendas, the I love my H&M, Bershka La Maison de la Lomography Shops
Spanish capital is a mecca to all those and Blanco as much as the Lanterne Rouge (Echegaray 5, Metro:
who worship at the alter of retail, and Clothing
and
next person, but when you Sevilla / Argensola 1, Metro: Alonso
with Christmas just round the corner Accessories end up wearing exactly Martínez/Chueca) and find out just what
you’ve got the perfect excuse to go out the same outfit as the next this cult photography phenomenon
and put a nice big dent in your bank person, you know it’s time is all about. From the classic Fisheye
balance. The twinkling lights, the smell to go independent. Luckily, there are to the Pop 9 (9 images in one frame),
of roasting chestnuts and the chimes shedloads of unique little shops in their range of cameras and accessories
of gloriously kitsch Cortylandia will Madrid for fashionistas to get suited make ideal gifts for snap-happy friends
make you feel all festive as you explore and booted. For those hard-to-buy-for and relatives. If you’re looking for
the streets off Sol, skip down Gran Vía, friends, head to La Maison de la something a little more x-rated, check
wander along Calle Fuencarral, stroll Lanterne Rouge (Ballesta 4, Metro: out La Juguetería (Travesía de San
La Maison
through Barrio Salamanca or visit Callao) and check out the funky clothes Mateo 12, Metro: Tribunal/Chueca). Its
one the shopping centres further out and accessories displayed around the boudoir-like interior gives it a much
of the city, all full of shops brimming original bar fittings. Sister shop La classier feel than most of the sex-shops
with yuletide treats. Unfortunately, Maison (Valverde 29, Metro: Gran Vía) around Chueca, and its impressive
they’ll also be brimming with ferocious stocks yet more fabulous clothes and array of adult playthings means you’re
Christmas shoppers, hungry for bargains has more of an exclusive air about it, bound to find something that tickles
(and possibly blood). If the thought of with prices to match. Perennial favourite your fancy.
negotiating a scrum in Zara makes you Mercado de Fuencarral (Fuencarral
want to stick your head in a blender, 35, Metro: Tribunal) is still going strong Of course, this is just a small
then fear not! Here’s my guide to and never fails to disappoint. Catering selection of the countless shopping
Madrid’s hidden shopping gems: no to those looking for the latest trends, opportunities on offer in Madrid. From
crowds, better service and way cooler something a little different or just stuff chain stores to traditional markets,
presents. that’s plain weird (gasmasks anyone?) I love my H&M, random Chino bazaars to seasonal
street stalls that spring up around
Buried in the heart of
I love it all, although Uglyshop
downstairs in the basement is probably
Bershka and Christmas, there’s something for
Malasaña, Nest Boutique my personal favourite for its amazing Blanco as much everyone. If you want to escape the
Gifts (Plaza San Ildefonso 3, jewellery and colourful clothes. as the next crowds try less obvious areas: the
Metro: Tribunal) is run by
friendly Nadine and offers a If you like your clothes
person, but backstreets of Malasaña and Calle
Ballesta (give the prostitutes a wave!),
fantastic selection of quirky to have a bit of history, when you end trendy Barrio Las Salesas and the
little gifts, from jewellery and stationery Vintage Madrid has an ample range up wearing side streets around Antón Martín
through to things for the home and
presents for children. Also great for retro
of vintage shops to satisfy
your cravings. Madrileño
exactly the and Huertas. Most places are open
Monday-Saturday around 10am until
greetings cards if you’re sick of the usual institution Pepita Is Dead same outfit 9pm and some bigger shops are even
Garfield/Micky Mouse/fluffy kitten- (Doctor Fourquet 10, Metro: Lavapiés) as the next open on Sundays, giving you oodles
type-crap on offer. Fast Cool (Costanilla has been open for nearly 20 years and person, you of browsing time. I’m off to make my
Christmas list right now in fact.
de los Desamparados 6, Metro: Antón
Martín) not only has a great name but is
stocks fabulous 60s-style clothes for
women, men and children, as well
know it’s
also an art gallery and shop stocking a as great selection of accessories. At time to go Anyone know if Father Christmas
variety of offbeat gifts, whereas nearby Lotta Vintage (Hernán Cortés 9, independent. delivers Pug dogs?

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 25


celebrileños

Elsa Pataky
WORDS by
Ryan Craggs

W
hether buying Pataky began working profession-
Our inaugural focus on a celebrity from booze for botellón ally in other languages for the first
time. On top of Spanish, English,
Madrid is the second sexiest woman in the or simply load-
ing up on ham- and French, the starlet also speaks
world according to Spanish FHM. Ryan Craggs flavoured Lays
for the football match, invariably,
Romanian (as a native tongue) and
Italian.
wondered what it was that was giving him the los chinos are a fixture of madrileño
life. And in nearly every store sits Pataky’s prominence at an inter-
urge to buy ice cream in the depths of winter: another smouldering fixture, one national level began taking her
hot enough to steam up even the career to greater heights. 2003
it was madrileña actress and model Elsa Pataky. iciest of freezers. proved a big year for her, as she
guest-starred as a regular on Los
Her name is Elsa Pataky. Serrano, was featured in the films
El furgón, Atraco a las 3... y media,
Yes, saying that an ice cream ad and Beyond Re-Animator, and posed
smoulders mixes metaphors and for the Spanish version of Playboy.
sounds entirely counterproductive In 2004, she ended her relation-
to enjoying the creamy treat. But ship with Nieto and began dating
Nestlé knows what it’s doing by anarchic French comedian Michaël
having this sultry vixen as the face Youn.
of its products. So long as the food
giant employs Pataky, more men The film Ninette, released in 2005,
will drool over the ice cream case established Pataky’s ability to be
than even coin-toting children dur- more than just eye candy. Her turn
ing a sweltering Spanish summer. in the title role garnered critical
Tough to argue with that. acclaim and moved her closer to
leading-lady status. She began
Despite how her name sounds, this dating Adrien Brody the following
sexpot is a native madrileña. Born year, and remained with the Oscar-
Elsa Lafuente Pataky to a Spanish winner until May 2009—giving
biochemist father and a publicist hope to men everywhere. She also
mother of Romanian-Hungarian made her first dip into the Ameri-
descent, the actress and model is can film pool, as a sexy mother in
a biochemical marvel herself, and the campy film, Snakes on a Plane.
her stunning features need no
further publicity. Encouraged to By then one of the most desired
act at a young age by her maternal women on the planet, Pataky had
grandfather, a famous Hungarian her first public scandal in 2007
actor, Pataky honours the man who when unauthorized topless photos
inspired her by taking his surname were snapped by paparazzi during
for the stage. an Elle magazine shoot in Cancún.
The photos were published in
As a Journalism and Dramatic Arts Interviú magazine, though that
student at La Universidad CEU San magazine later had to make dam-
Pablo, Pataky was also a member age payments to Elle.
of the Teatro Cámara de Ángel
Gutiérrez, a theatre company in Máncora took Pataky for her first
Madrid. When the TV programme turn in a drama, though sub-
Al Salir de Clase came calling, the sequent films in 2008 fell into
young minx left her studies to comedy, action, and thriller genres.
focus on acting and modelling full- Santos became another success
time. The show was something for the Spanish star, and in 2009
like Spain’s version of Beverly Hills she starred in Giallo and Give ‘em
90210, and the role proved Pataky’s Hell, Malone. Currently, she has a
big break. She appeared in 191 number of films in post-production,
episodes of the series, which led to including Mr. Nice, Hollywood Unti-
roles in feature films. tled, and DiDi Hollywood, and there’s
no sign of her slowing down.
Pataky made her feature film debut
in the film Clara in 1999, followed At 33 years old, Elsa Pataky is in
by Tatawo the same year, but her her acting prime. She’s stun-
first big success came in the film El ningly beautiful, multi-lingual, and
arte de morir, a thriller featuring a talented. Though she may not have
number of other hot young actors. crossed over to Hollywood in the
During this period, she began dat- same way as Penelope Cruz or Paz
ing motorcycle racer Fonsi Nieto. Vega, her multi-platform success
is undeniable. As an actress, she
The Canadian production Queen can be seen in several works every
Of Swords came next for Pataky in year, and as a model, she has an
2000, when she starred as Señora omnipresence that’s tough to deny.
Vera Hidalgo. Based on the Legend Few men would attempt to do so
Nestlé knows what it’s of Zorro lore, the series focused on
the years between recent Zorro
anyway—though they’re probably
having to buy more chocolate-cov-

doing by having this sultry films. In that same year, Pataky


signed her contract with Nestlé.
ered something-or-others from the
freezer to drop down their pants

vixen as the face of its


Over the next few years her star after they leave the store.
continued rising, and she took a
number of roles in TV and film. One thing’s for sure: Elsa Pataky,
products. Since some of these roles were in
UK and French-based productions,
you can melt my ice cream any
time.

26 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09


Film Interview
WORDS by

DanieLavEnder
Charlene Lidyard

She’s beautiful, she can act and she’s married to one of the world’s greatest living actors;
if things go right for her over the next year, you might be seeing a whole lot more of her.
Daniela Lavender spoke to EV’s Charlene Lidyard at the Seville Film Festival.

D
aniela Lavender – Brazilian take things seriously. Watching movies when I was in the British Shakespeare
beauty, fashionista and actress, here is also a different experience; they Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
not the kind of person you have a different narrative style and pace I have always admired my husband and
run into everyday. I had the creating an overall great environment. for me he’s one of the great actors.
opportunity to steal 30 minutes from
her busy schedule (as she was helping Are you promoting any particular film? You mention performing
to promote her husband Sir Ben I am accompanying my husband, Sir Shakespeare, which is often regarded
Kingsley’s latest movie) in an attempt Ben Kingsley, who is receiving the Gold as a whole other level of acting.
to delve into the mind and world of Giraldillo award in recognition of his Can you tell us a bit more about the
showbiz insider. professional career. We are also here to concept and whether you prefer the
promote his latest film, 50 Dead Men. stage or the set?
Welcome to Spain. Can you tell me I prefer the set. I needed to do Shakespeare
how your experience has been at the Sounds interesting, are you working for the growth as an actress to get to that
Seville Film Festival? on any other projects, perhaps one ‘next level’. The opportunity appeared and
There are so many wonderful, nice together? I thought, “I can’t do it.” However, I worked
people. I love Spain and Europe in general Yes, we are working on the Taj Mahal very hard and was very determined and
because people take their time here. project together. I am thrilled to be all the hard work and dedication paid off.
There is a slower pace to everything working with him and to have this The amazing part is how intellectually
that they do that allows for them to opportunity. We also worked together challenging Shakespeare is. I was serious
about my preparation, because I hadn’t had
any experience in stage work before, and
I hadn’t had it’s a different English. I didn’t understand
any experience and I had four days to prepare for the
director. Ben helped me. He was very clear
in stage and made everything so alive and had a
work before. deep understanding of the characters. His
assistance was wonderful and helped me
Ben helped perfect my character.
me, he was Best memory of Shakespeare?
very clear The standing ovations that you receive.
and made People from around the world grow up
knowing Shakespeare and his ability to
everything reach people and deeply affect them
so alive and across cultures. We know about his
genius and I got the chance to experience
had a deep it. Every time we were on stage, people
understanding were moved. I witnessed his unbelievable
power to alter your reality no matter
of the what your background.
characters. …and on set?
His assistance The moment between “action” and “cut”,
when it’s truly magical. Everything stands
was still. That moment when you create
wonderful something from nothing, you see a totally
different reality.
and helped me
perfect Everyone has an inspiration. Who is
yours?
my character I like Sophia Loren. I like her fashion
style. She’s classical, passionate and
constant, and she doesn’t just go with
the flow, she has her own style and she’s
always Sophia. Other stars, they change
so much. She’s certain. Her acting is also
wonderful, and I admire her for that.
Any suggestions for an acting
hopeful desiring to break into this
cutthroat business?
If you can do anything else, anything else
in the world and find a way to be happy,
do it. Only go into acting if you will be
miserable if you don’t. I think being an
actor has to do with your central need as
a person. I don’t think you can do it just
because you want to be famous. That
kind of mentality won’t sustain. It’s also
important to always focus on the work,
keep acting. Keep your focus away from
the appealing side-things that can distract
you and destroy you. If you keep the
focus on the work, and find a way to keep
working, you will be able to enjoy this life
and keep yourself truly alive. Lastly, part
of the luck of this business is destiny, I
believe in destiny.

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 27


Free Services/Classifieds
services 30 words max: (not applicable to businesses) accommodation, clubs, intercambios. Send to sales@europeanvibe.com

Paid Services/Classifieds
Prices: - plain 15€; with colour 25€ (17th of each month) Payment must be received by the deadline. Call 91 549 77 11 or email: sales@europeanvibe.com to arrange payment.

Language Academies
www.trainingexpress.es

CARPE DIEM
SPANISH SCHOOL
WHAT YOU WANT
AND MORE!
• Flexible schedules Enjoy your life in Madrid to the full!
Want to Seize the Work for Training Express,
have fun day and join • Accommodation
while learning Carpe Diem • Small groups, max leaders in language learning
Spanish? school in 7 students per class  
Madrid • DELE Exam Great work opportunities
C/ Fuencarral, 13 2º derecha. 28004 preparation Excellent rates per hour
Tel: 915223122 www.carpemadrid.com • Private lessons Free spanish lessons
and much much more...
Language exchange
in Australia and are now in Spain. Email
australianalumnispain@gmail.com to
Interested and have an EU work permit? Contact us NOW:
receive updates on upcoming events. jobs@trainingexpress.es TEL: 91-5211554
MADRIDBABEL: Meet Spanish/ Writers’ group Writers with work
International people from 30 different in progress and a view to publication
nationalities & exchange languages welcome. Call Charlie on 91 816 2419, or
absolutely FREE every WEDNESDAY e-mail madridwriters@patchword.com We are
evening from 21:30 till late. Join us at Café Madrid Players, English-language looking for:
Madrid (c/Escalinata, s/n - metro Opera). theatrical group. We put on plays, small
Ask for Fran (madridbabel@yahoo.es). productions, do in-house readings, Dynamic, motivated
Website: www.madridbabel.com improvisations, etc. We meet every professionals with a
Thursday. For info call 91 521 16 98 or 91 university degree and

Internships
564 57 01. You are looking for: TEFL, with 1+ years
teaching experience,
A well-established,
eligible to work in
Internships now available with a Sports Clubs centrally located school Spain
professional, young and growing Madrid Attractive salaries
based company. Gain knowledge and Madrid Hash House Harriers: meets
experience in the work place in the areas every weekend rain, shine or credit crunch. Free Spanish classes
of Graphic Design, Marketing, PR and We sprint, run or crawl a trail for about
Journalism. Flexible hours available and full one hour somewhere outside Madrid and Are you an English Teacher? Come work with us!
references given on completion of Internship. return to a welcoming can or three of beer.
Send a full CV to info@europeanvibe.com Visit www.madridhhh.com  www.americanlanguage.es
Cricket in Madrid Madrid Cricket efl@americanlanguage.es
Club is looking for players of all levels
Clubs and nationalities. Play in the Spanish 91-445 5511
league! Contact David (670087637) or C/ Rodríguez San Pedro, 2
MADRID FRIENDS Gay social group Manny (627557572) Metro: San Bernardo
meets Thursdays at 9pm in Chueca. Madrid Lions Rugby Club needs you!
Everyone welcome. for more-info All nationalities and player levels welcome.
contact Stefan on 650984329 or Matt on More information from Charlie on 636 067
646091735, email: madrid.frenz@yahoo.es 716 and website www.madridlionsrfc.com
The British Ladies Association
would welcome new members of any
nationality. Our activities are raising Miscellaneous
money for charities, monthly meetings
with speakers and also visits to places of For sale: 210-page book “Photovoltaic
interest. www.blamadrid.com Design & Installation” edited by Solar
English Reading Circle at the Energy International, price 60 euros.
International Institute Library. Monthly 637245335
meetings to discuss English literature in Proinc Construction 918464363
English. For more information visit Proinc.constucciones@gmail.com
www.iie.es or write to biblioteca@iie.es. Pancarta.es is Spain’s leading
Public Speaking and Networking print service for international clients.
Group. International group that meets Everything from exhibitions to business
to improve public speaking skills. cards. All in English! www.pancarta.es
2nd & 4th Thursday each month at 622 142 385 - 931 924 153
2030 Bar Locandita (C/Fuencarral 148) Writers with Talent If you think
Contact:standingovationmadrid@yahoo. you are a talented writer and would
com or Chris 695 513 466. like to see some of your articles and
Australian Alumni Association interviews published, send some
of Spain Meet, network and socialize examples of your work and a CV to
with people who have studied or lived editor@europeanvibe.com

Teach English
with Hot English Language Services AngloINFO is your online information
We are continuously recruiting source for Madrid – all in English!
TEFL-qualified, native English teachers
to give company classes at our 4 The AngloFILE Business Directory 4 INFOrmation Pages
prestigious clients’ offices. A comprehensive and easy-to-use Relevant, dependable, practical help
directory of local English-speaking essential to life in Spain: your local
businesses in Madrid reference library
We offer good rates of pay and timetables
and excellent pedagogical support from 4 What’s On Guide 4 Classifieds & Discussions
Forthcoming events and activities Buying and selling, local jobs and
our teaching and editorial team, plus our accommodation, friendly advice
for English-speakers throughout
very own teaching method. the Madrid region! and answers to questions

Please send your CV to: teacherinfo@hotenglishmagazine.com  Plus: Much, much more..!


or call 91 455 0273 www.hotenglishmagazine.com Find it fast at:
www.angloinfo.com
28 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09
services

Support Groups Useful Telephone


Numbers
zalo
Eloy
Gon Alcoholics Anonymous Madrid National information 11818 /
Glorieta
de Quevedo nto meeting. Daily meetings in English  11850 / 11828
Segu
iana Juan Bravo 40, Call 913091947 or International information 11825
Felic
Plaza de
Olavide Santa
o Lu
lio visit website: www.madridaa.com Madrid tourism Centre: Plaza
Carden

im und Therapy Group Peter 936759276 or Mayor, 27 (bajo), 91 588 16 36 turismo@


Ra Santa
Claudia 934177860 munimadrid.es Metro: Sol.
Trafa
Fuen

al Cis

Lost and Found: Paseo del Molino, 7


Engra
lgar

91 527 95 90 Metro: Legazpi


car

neros

Beauty, health and


ral

Cancellation of credit cards


cia

Fitness
na

90 0 971231 (free call)


a
ch

SHIATSU-ACUPUNCTURE Emergencies: 112


Lu

Lumbar, sciatic, stiff neck, muscular National police: 091


pains, menstrual disorders, allergies, Municipal police: 092
Carran
za Plaza de
Bilbao asthma, insomnia, stress, depression, Complaints by phone: 90 210
Calle
d e Sag migrains, diarrhea, constipation, etc, 2112 / 91 548 8537 (Tourist and foreigner
asta C/ Raimundo Lulio, 18 Carmen Yagüe customer service dept)
914 480 460 Tfno: 639833036, E mail:
carmenxinya31@yahoo.es Teacher
Teletaxi: 91 371 2131 / 91 371 3711
Barajas airport (T1, T2 & T3): 91
Iglesia, salida Sagunto 3, 16, 61, 147 in the Japanese Shiatsu college in 305 8343 T4: 90 240 4704 www.aena.es
Madrid. Graduate in Traditional Chinese Railway: 902 24 02 02 www.renfe.es
www.gimnasiochamberi.com Medicine. Metros: Anton Martin y Tetuan 24-HOUR PHARMACIES
Aerobics club Cheryl 677244074 C/Conde de Peñalver, 27.
info@7starfitness.com Tel: 91 402 43 04 Metro: Goya-Lista.
Personal Trainer www.davidhughes.es C/Ferraz, 13 Tel: 91 547 05 72.
Tel: 662164877 Metro: Ventura Rodríguez.
Hair and Make up artist Shimanda C/ Goya, 89 Tel: 91 435 49 58.
914457149/699362500 Shimanda11@ Metro: Goya.
hotmail.co.uk C/ Mayor, 59 Tel: 91 559 23 95.
US Psychotherapist David Hugener Metro: Sol.
915942208 C/ Atocha, 46 Tel: 91 369 20 00.
Mobile Hairdresser Sally 918425443 Metro: Atocha.

YOUR ROLLERBLADE SHOP IN MADRID Pick up your free copy of European Vibe
SKATE SALES AND RENTALS - ACCESSORIES -
SPARE PARTS -  REPAIR SHOP
magazine from any of the places listed.
To Be On Our Distribution List Email: info@europeanvibe.com
- numbers indicate Madrid metro lines Cercanías
C/MANUELA MALASAÑA, 28 LSI Madrid Idiomas Plus Internet Center
Alcalá de Gregorio
WEB: www.serueda.es Molly Malones Marañón International Bookshop Inti de Oro
EMAIL: serueda@serueda.es Henares Schiller International Los Amigos- Miau
Instituto de Hotelería y Booksellers
TEL: 91 591 5210 Turismo University Backpackers’ Hostel Regina
The Things That You Miss Hospital del O’Brien’s
Norte Vanadillo Sol
Avenida de Callao The Food Hall Zeppelin Viajes Artemisa
América Curry’s Cine Ideal
Centro de Estudios Studio 54 Iglesia Plaza de C.E.E. Idiomas
Internacional - CIS Mercado de la Anyway España Dubliners
Reina A y Z Spanish Lang. Actual Plus Fontana d’Oro
Avenida de la Paz British Council Connect@ El Piccollino della
Universal Music Chamartín University of Mississippi Las Mil y Una Noches Farfalla
Of. Turismo Chamartín TGI Friday’s Hispania Center
Siam
CLÍNICA DENTAL PLAZA PROSPERIDAD Alonso Cano
Club de Español Chueca
Islas Filipinas
American Store
Hotel Moderno
Hostal El Pilar
El Cano Tavern Areia Príncipe Pío Hostal Los Amigos
International House Circus Noodle Bar La Latina Hotel Florida Norte Hostal Oriente
High Quality General Dentistry Clinic with Finnegans La Taquería de Birra Moore’s (Plaza Mayor)
Ciudad El Estragon Quevedo
English speaking dentist trained in the USA.  O’Conners
Universitaria Wonderfood
Naturbier
Pasajes O’Connell Street
Call Dr. Milo Garcia for an appointment and Tulane University Lavapiés O’Neill’s
visit our webpage for more information. Universitaria Café Barbieri República Talking Point
Alonso Martínez Complutense La Librería de Lavapies Argentina Tierra
Dr. Milo Garica Tempone (servicio de Schiller University
Plaza Prosperidad, 3, 2B, 28002, Madrid Areia Vanadio
Tel: 91 415 8197 Blood Brothers informacion) Manuel Taste of America
Email: clinicaplazaprosperidad@yahoo.es British Council IES Programme Becerra Tetuán
www.clinicadentalplazaprosperidad.com British Embassy Tandoori Station Retiro OISE (Academia de
Club Ivy Colón Ele. Madrid
Español)
Funiversal Hard Rock Café Metropolitano Unidad Medica
St. Louis University Tribunal
Antón Martín Concha Espina Suffolk University Rubén Darío
N.Y.U. State University Cannibal
Hotel Tryp Atocha Mercado Fuencarral
Inti de Oro Moncloa of New York
Cuzco Syracuse University Moore’s
Zoe Café American Store
Larry’s Bar European Vibe Office The Causeway Triskel Tavern
Warner Public House University of Boston
Argüelles Tirso de
Always School of Noviciado San Molina
English Diego de León J & J Books and Coffee Bernardo Cat’s Hostel
Orange Café Bo Finn Kabokla ¡Juan Por Dios! Mad Hostel
Finbar’s Scruffy Murphy’s Wall Street
Icade University Esperanza Universidad
Enforex Sony BMG Núñez de Santiago Autónoma
Balboa Bernabéu Cantoblanco
Banco de Francos St. George’s Church Monks Vicios y Placeres
España Rodríguez USA Embassy EBC
James Joyce Universidad Antonio de Guts Velázquez
Hostel in Madrid 50 meters Tandem Nebrija Ópera Irish Rover English Centre
Gran Vía

Thamesis
Gran
Vía
Academia Contacto
from Puerta del Sol Plaza de Teatro Aeropuerto Goya Bangkok Sevilla Univ. Rey Juan Carlos
Pre

Oriente Real
ra

T1-T2-T3 Casa del Libro Beer Station Al Natural


cia

nte

C/Carretas, 13
do

Mo
s

Ventura
Palacio Opera calá
Real Calle
Aren Calle
Al
Barajas Information Todo Españo Café Madrid Babylon Idiomas
91 531 26 26
al

Catedral de
Calle Ma
yor
Sol C arrera de S
an Jeró
nimo El Imperfecto Cubik Rodríguez
Bilbao Gran Vía
Calle Carretas

Eureka Tony’s Café Las Mil y Una Noches


Ntra. Sra.

info@hostalelpilar.net
de la
Almudena HOSTAL
Plaza EL PILAR
Mayor La Musa Carpe Diem Hostal Oriente Interpublic Shamrocks Irish Bar

december ’09 www.europeanvibe.com 29


party photos

30 www.europeanvibe.com december ’09

You might also like