If you can still recall what a book looks like, and you’re looking for something to do to this week and are in Madrid, obviously this information is less useful if you reside in Sao Paolo, head on over to the Feria del Libro (The Book Fair) in the Retiro Park. The Feria del Libro is one of Madrid’s great springtime traditions, in addition to killing bulls. There are hundreds of stalls run by publishers and book stores, and all books are sold at a 10% discount. (Let me add a little disclaimer – I think al books are sold at a 10% discount). There are also special tents propped up for young readers, storytellers, author signings and, of course, bars. So there is something there for everyone.
The easiest way to enter is via O’Donnell Street, or pretty much anywhere along Menéndez Pelayo Street; but you come through another entrance and are not familiar with the park, just ask anyone and they’ll send you in the right direction.
Today (Sunday) the weather is gorgeous (as the English would say), but unless you are Spanish and therefore are genetically designed to enjoy walking amid 50,000 people, I would recommend stopping by any time during the week. The fair is open every day and will continue through next Sunday, June 12th. Remember this is Spain here, so it closes at midday, incredible as it may seem:
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Mon – Fri: 10:30am-2:00pm and then 6:00pm – 9:30pm
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Sat – Sun: 10:30am-2:30pm and then 5:30pm-9:00pm
I think I’ll steer clear until tomorrow, when things are a considerably less congested.
