Madrid views.

The Buen Retiro Park (or simply El Retiro) is the one of the largest parks of the city of Madrid, Spain. The park belonged to the Spanish monarchy until the late 19th century, when it became a public park.

Monument to Alfonso XII, in El Retiro.

 The Puerta del Sol (Spanish for "Gate of the Sun") is one of the best known and busiest places in Madrid. This is the centre (km 0) of the radial network of Spanish roads. The square also contains the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. The New Year's celebration has been broadcast live on "La 1" since December 31, 1962.

 

 

 

Km 0 of the radial network of Spanish roads.

Gran Vía (literally "Great Way") is an ornate and upscale shopping street located in central Madrid. It leads from Calle de Alcalá, close to Plaza de Cibeles, to Plaza de España.

The lively street is one of the city's most important shopping areas, with a large number of hotels and large movie theaters; it is also noted for the grand architecture prevalent among many of its buildings. Now, most of the theaters are being replaced by shopping malls.

It is considered a showcase of early 20th century architecture, with patterns ranging from Vienna Secession style, Plateresque, Neo-Mudéjar, Art Deco and others.

 

 

Gran vía at night.

 Plaza de España (or "Spain Square") is a large square, and popular tourist destination, located in central Madrid, Spain, at the western end of the Gran Vía. It features a monument to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, and is bordered by two of Madrid's most prominent skyscrapers. Also, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is a short walk south from the plaza.

 Cuatro Torres Business Area (CTBA) (Four Towers Business Area) is a business district located in the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid (Spain), on the former Ciudad Deportiva of Real Madrid. The area contains the tallest skyscrapers in Madrid and Spain (Torre Espacio, Torre de Cristal, Torre PwC and Torre Caja Madrid). The construction of the buildings finished in 2008. The complex was formerly known as Madrid Arena.

 The Puerta de Europa towers (Gate of Europe or just Torres KIO) are twin office buildings in Madrid. The towers have a height of 114 m (374 ft) and have 26 floors. They were constructed from 1989 to 1996. The Puerta de Europa is the second tallest twin towers in Spain after the Torres de Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The Palacio Real de Madrid (The Royal Palace of Madrid) is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family in the city of Madrid, but it is only used for state ceremonies. King Juan Carlos and the Royal Family do not reside in the palace, choosing instead the more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid. The palace is owned by the Spanish State and administered by the Patrimonio Nacional, a public agency of the Ministry of the Presidency. The palace is located on Calle de Bailén (Bailén Street), in the Western part of downtown Madrid, East of the Manzanares River, and is accessible from the Ópera metro station. The palace is partially open to public, except when it is being used for official business.

 The Madrid Cable Car ride starts at the Pintor Rosales and ends at Casa de Campo. On the way flies over the Rose Garden Park West, near the station Principe Pio, the shrine of San Antonio de la Florida and the Manzanares River and ends with the square of the Lost Steps of Country House (Mount Garabitas) . This terminal has a restaurant-bar and a car park and walk in the other parking Rosales, with 350 seats and a restaurant, El Balcon de Rosales, operated by the same company that owns the cable car.

 The Plaza de Colón (Columbus Square, in English) is located in the Alonso Martínez district of Madrid, Spain. This plaza and its fountain commemorate the explorer Christopher Columbus, whose name in Spanish was Cristóbal Colón.

 The Madrid Amusement Park is the amusement park of the city of Madrid (Spain) at the House, specifically in the area of Bataan. The park has two entrances: the main and children's area. Access to the park can be done by car or Metro stop in Batan, which gives access to the park by the playground. Is also accessible by bus line 33 of the EMT.

Top three attractions.

London Eye:  The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, completed in 1999 and opened in March 2000 was the largest wheel-viewpoint of the world until the opening of the Star of Nanchang in May 2006 and the Singapore Flyer back in 2008 . The London Eye reaches a height of 135 m on the western end of Jubilee Gardens, on the South Bank of the Thames, London Borough of Lambeth, between Westminster and Hungerford Bridges. The wheel is next to County Hall and outside the offices of the Ministry of Defence. From as high as can be seen 40km away.

London Helicopter: In recent times, the tour helicopters have become a favorite among tourists. Meet the City of London from that point of view, is a fantastic experience. It would be ideal as you can hire a private helicopter to enjoy this ride.

Many tourist attractions can be enjoyed in London, but the helicopter tour is a unique and unforgettable adventure. The flight started from the city center and then continue the ride Nereo on all most important monuments and buildings in London and go out and fly around the outskirts of the city.

Cruise on the River Thames: The best way to see the monuments and the grandeur of London is from the deck of a boat. With this pass-off can sail the Thames upstream and downstream, landing whenever you please, for a whole day.

The Thames runs through London with a story at every turn. Aboard a River Red Rover will travel in comfort and class, and can go up and down freely in any of the stops to see the world famous London attractions. The boats have open upper decks for a better appreciation of the monuments, as well as less comfortable lounges. Relax and enjoy the view, the story-board, soft drinks and full bar service while passing in front of the famous sights of London.

Every 40 minutes a ship sails from the piers of Westminster Pier, Waterloo Pier (near the London Eye), Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier (near the Cutty Sark). With one ticket you can hop on and off as often as desired throughout the day at any of these piers. The shortest path between the piers is 20 to 30 minutes, the round trip takes about two full hours.

Starting point: the ships sail from the following piers at different times of day: Westminster Pier, Waterloo Pier, Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier.

Check out:
         10.20 - 16.20 h of April 1 to October 31
         10.20 - 15.40 pm on November 1 to March 31

Every 40 minutes sail a boat. The time of the last departure is the final hour to complete the journey back and forth.

Cruise on the River Thames.

Activities.

Entertainment in London: London is one of the world mecca of entertainment and has a daily schedule of class events. To guide you when planning your holiday entertaining in London, we give you the hot spots of the city:

 

CINEMA:
For the best cinema in London you have to go without doubt to the area of ​​Leicester Square, home of the main theaters of the capital.If you like the film "arthouse" you can go to the Gate Cinema, ICA Cinema and the National Film Theatre.
Stay tuned to a film festival in the city. It is very popular and easy for the Spanish Latin American Film Festival.Finally, for a different experience we recommend the IMAX cinema in Waterloo.
 

COMEDY:
The key to the delightful English comedy at the Comedy Store, not to mention other interesting options like Jongleurs or Comedy Café.

 

DANCE:The most visited center of dance in London is the Sadler's Wells Theatre for either contemporary dance, ballet or the opera. Do not forget also other prominent places like the Royal Festival Hall or the Barbican center. If you like the most experimental dance come close to the ICA.
 

MUSIC:
- Classic: The three key points of classical music are the Barbican Centre in London (where he plays the London Symphony Orchestra), the South Bank Centre and the Royal Albert Hall (where plays the London Philharmonic Orchestra). Learn about the fantastic music seasons and special seasonal concerts.
- Rock / Jazz / Pop:
There are thousands of places in London to enjoy modern music. By way of example we can cite the Camden area and its vibrant music or the Brixton Academy. The best local jazz in the city is said to Ronnie Scott's.

 

CLUBS:
Infinite variety of all sizes and public, the most famous are in Leicester Square and Charing Cross.
OPERA:
Two essential points: The English National Opera and Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.
 

THEATRE AND MUSICAL:
You have to divide the theater offer several options:
1. Shakespeare and other classics of all time: The Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre, the Royal Court and the Globe Theatre.
2. Musical and other productions of West End.
The best shows in London are in London's West End, around Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. Outside of this area is worth to watch out for shows Almeida Theatre, The Lyric and the Young Vic
To see the musical in theaters look in ViatorCom
They are now emphasizing: We Will Rock You, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, The Lion King, Fame, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Mamma Mia, Stomp, Les Miserables, The Rat Pack, Mary Poppins, Billy Elliot and Phantom Opera.

Billy Elliot, in London.

 For information about the shows you can search the internet or buy in London Time Out magazine.

Eating out.

Although London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, the price of the restaurants is quite restrained and do not be a fortune to eat in conditions. Some restaurants may charge a tax or fee for optional cover.

If you do not have enough time or money, in London can find lots of fast food, hamburger joints, pizza and kebabs are easy to locate anywhere in the city.
typical dishes

While in London you can find food from all nationalities and backgrounds, also cooked some British dishes among which we would highlight the following: fish and chips (the most typical dish of London), roast beef, steak and kidney pie, yorkshire pudding, baked beans, apple pie.

Typical dish in UK.

Recommended areas:

Although you will find restaurants and fast food outlets anywhere in London, some of the most recommended are the charming neighborhood of Covent Garden, around Leicester Square and Soho area.

The asian food lovers can find their paradise in Chinatown, where many restaurants offer very complete menus from 8 lbs.

As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, you can find any food at any price, from small restaurants with gastronomic temples budget to exorbitant prices.

Chinatown

Acomodation.

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world appealing to all kinds of people and backgrounds especially those looking for a good time attracting young travellers with its amazing night life and diversity of cultures and except for those young travellers on a budget you might not get to see the real London this is why we offer cheap accomodation in a great atmosphere.

London Backpackers: Is situated only 30 seconds from the well lit local underground station which will take you directly into the heart of London in about 20 minutes. All your needs can be catered for through local amenities.

Facilities: 

Secure Keyless Door Entry System: for your security we have keyless code door entry systems throughout hostel.

Free Linen & Blankets.

In House Travel & Accommodation Desk: If you are looking to travel on from London, our staff will be more than happy to assist you booking your train, flight or coach tickets. Also if you are looking to base yourself in London on a permanent basis, have a in-house residential lettings officer, who covers the surrounding areas for renting flats and houses.

Free Literature for Sightseeing: all the information you need to tour the United Kingdom. They keep up to date information for all travelling/tourist related activities you may wish to persue. 

Free Internet Access: high Speed Internet Access. Free at all times.

Cooking: space is provided for you to store both refrigerated and dry foods. A variety of places to eat out can be found in easy walking distance including Italian, Chinese and Japanese restaurants as well as Kebab houses, Pizza parlours and a Malaysian / Chinese takeaway.

TV lounge: you can relax and watch Britain's finest TV channels, as well as Satellite channels. A collection of magazines, books, newspapers and board games can be found in the TV lounge for everyone's use.

Games room:  we also have a games room, with a pool table, dart board, and a home-made backgammon board.

Modern and clean bathrooms: showers, toilets and washbasins with mirrors can all be found in the upstairs toilets. There is also guaranteed hot water 24 hours a day.

Modern bathrooms.

Cleanest bedrooms.

Mascots of London Olympics Games.

Wenlock, named after the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock that helped inspire Pierre de Coubertin to launch the modern Olympics, and Mandeville, inspired by the Buckinghamshire town of Stoke Mandeville, where the Paralympics were founded, will become very familiar in the next two years. The chairman of the London organising committee of the Olympic games (Locog), Lord Coe, said the mascots were aimed squarely at children and designed with the digital age in mind. He said they had the most positive reaction in workshops to road test them.

Wenlock and Mandeville

Olympic Sports.

A) Let´s find out what sports are offered at the London Olympic Games!

The following sports, although not included in the official program of the Olympic Games are recognized as Olympic sports by the IOC

Underwater activities, Chess, Dance Sport, Bandy, Billiards, Baseball, Bowling, Bridge, Cricket, Sports Aviation, Sports balls, Climbing, Water Skiing, Floorball, Golf, Game of the rope, Korfball, Karate, Mountain Climbing, Motorcycle, Jet Ski , Netball, Orienteering, Pelota, Polo, Skating, Racquetball, Rugby, Rescue and lifesaving, Softball. Speedcubing, Squash, Sumo, Surf and Wushu.

2.B) Choose five sports and write further information about them.

First sport: Climbing, mountaineering is an activity which involves making ascents on steep walls of using physical force and mental self. It is considered climbing climb all being easy, difficult or impossible

Second sport: Surfing is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave, which is carrying the surfer towards the shore. Waves suitable for surfing are found primarily in the ocean, but are also sometimes found in lakes and rivers, and also in manmade wave pools.

Third sport: Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runsball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond. Players on the batting team take turns hitting against the pitcher of the fielding team, which tries to stop them from scoring runs by getting hitters out in any of several ways. A player on the batting team can stop at any of the bases and later advance via a teammate's hit or other means. The teams switch between batting and fielding whenever the fielding team records three outs. One turn at bat for each team constitutes an inning and nine innings make up a professional game. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins.

Fourth sport: Squash is a high-speed racquet sport played by two players (or in doubles 4 players on court at a time) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. Squash is recognized by the IOC and remains in contention for incorporation in a future Olympic programme.

Fifth sport: Dancesport denotes competitive ballroom dancing as contrasted to social or exhibition dancing. In the case of wheelchair dancesport at least one of the dancers is in a wheelchair.

depending on the physical state of the person) with the lower extremities (feet and legs, in some cases it could also get to use the knee, if any wall side) and upper extremities (arms and hands). In climbing there is considerable danger heights in order to have security protection equipment