Enjoying the Great Outdoors and the Big Screen

  Madrileño summers are filled with things to do, some things are more crowded than others and some last longer than others. In Madrid, there is something called Veranos de la Villa. It is a series of music, theatre, concerts, movies and other events taking place throughout Madrid in July and a teensy bit of August.

  We attended one event, Open Star, that took place near Madrids Planetarium (which I guess I will have to visit one day!). The tickets we bought ahead of time on the internet, for 12 euro a pop, plus a 1 euro convenience charge per ticket, but I think its worth not waiting in line and being able to leisurely choose your seat before you get there.

  Gates open at 8, meanwhile the movie beings around 1045 pm. Why such a large gap? Well inside they have a few places to eat dinner, typical spanish food and also crepes. There is also a little stand to buy candy by the kilo, and of course, a myriad of places to buy beer, wine and mojitos. Unfortunately, I will have to report back about the food next year, this time we opted for a picnic outside of the theatre, complete with Gazpacho (made by moi) and a bottle of white wine.

  The theatre is quite impressive, complete with the humongous screen and hundreds of beach style canvas and wood chairs to kick back in.

  Movies are all dubbed in Spanish (surprise surprise) and the only downfall I see is that your neighbor has every right to smoke his cigarette and blow smoke in your direction... not cool.  But all in all, its a fun thing to do one Madrileño summer night... and after the movie the front of the theatre turns into a night club, complete with DJ and smoke machines and 2x1 beers!