What’s a Madrilleno?

My Fun Freedom (SFP) sister-in-law, Becca, has a certain zest for life that I envy. She adores many things with relish and before the birth of her son, I’d say Spain and my brother were on the top of that list. So, not surprisingly Spain’s overarching Spanish personality type is my brother’s—extroverted Organic Freedom (ENFP). Today, Becca will show you how to have as fabulous a time in Madrid as she always does even if you encounter some not so super nice Madrillenos (people from Madrid).

Interestingly, the South of Spain is apparently more laid back Organic Freedom than the North and I’d have to agree because I found that Madrillenos can be some mean SOBs, pardon my French. Seriously, they make Parisians seem like sweet, small town Midwesterners. But, before we delve into how to really do Madrid, I’m going to break personality code 101—no personality is better than another—by dumping on Organic Freedoms and why I had a tough time in Spain on my first visit.

Mainly I’m just dumping on my siblings who are both Organic Freedoms. I used to accuse them both of being either incompetent or lazy but as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that they’re actually quite competent and just deep down really lazy. Or at least they are in my uptight Classic Freedom (SFJ) judgement. So naturally, just as my siblings drive me crazy, Spain drove me crazy. Beyond the brusqueness of many Madrillenos, what killed me was the serious mid-afternoon siesta where EVERYTHING was closed in a big city like Madrid. It was maddening. Even in Paris things are open after lunch. And the 11pm dinnertime??? Don’t get me started.

It’s taken me 38 years to appreciate my siblings for who they are, so it’ll take me a couple more trips to Spain (WITH Becca) to feel the same way about Spain and Madrid as she does. She makes everything fun.

Becca’s Take on Madrid

As [Kelly] experienced, Madrid is the type of city where “no” is always the first response but if you just stick around long enough the answer will invariably change to “yes”. Remember that it was the seat of Franco not too log ago so they are still working on changing their attitude. Old habits die hard but that’s what gives them their flare.

I find that it is also a city best experienced in the style of an old man. So divey tapas bars where you see old men eating jamon and clapping out a jaleo beat while drinking cheap but delicious vino tinto?  Those are the places you want to be. Museo de Jamon for a dollar jamon sandwich and fresh squeezed orange juice?  Yes, please. All of the tapas bars on Calle de la Victoria between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Santa Ana are delicious and fun. Taberna angel Sierra in the chueca is great for mushrooms and drinks and vermouth on tap. I know that there are amazing modernist and fancy restaurants but that is not what Madrid is for me. I like to kick it old school in Madrid.  But. Zalacaín is a must for classic, perfect Spanish cuisine. King Juan Carlos II is a fan.

As far as culture goes, you can’t miss the big three – Prado, Reina Sophia (guernica!!), Thyssen-Bornemiza. But the Sorolla museum is a collection of the artist’s master works in his private mansion—Off the beaten path and so lovely.

If you’re [in Madrid] on a Sunday hit up the Rastro flea market. But pretty much if you just start off in Puerta de Sol and spiral out from there, you can’t go wrong. Just don’t take no for an answer.