1 TABLE OF CONTENTS CONFERENCE VENUE..................................................................................................................... 3 WELCOME DESK ............................................................................................................................ 3 TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE AIRPORT ................................................................................... 4 TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY .................................................................................................... 5 HOTEL AMENITIES ........................................................................................................................ 6 HOTEL RESTAURANTS & BARS....................................................................................................... 7 FOOD, DRINKS & GOING OUT IN MADRID ..................................................................................... 8 MADRID HIGHLIGHTS ..................................................................................................................10 Museums & Monuments ............................................................................................................11 Attractions ................................................................................................................................12 Activities ...................................................................................................................................12 MADRID SHOPPING ......................................................................................................................13 GIRP MOBILE APPLICATION .........................................................................................................13 OTHER REMARKS .........................................................................................................................14 BASIC SPANISH............................................................................................................................15 2 CONFERENCE VENUE The Westin Palace Known for its hospitality since 1912, the iconic “Palace” hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Madrid, at the heart of the “Triangle of Art”. Within walking distance of the city’s most prestigious museums - Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia Museums, among others – Las Letras neighbourhood is also the place to enjoy gastronomy, leisure and shopping in Madrid. The Westin Palace houses several restaurants and bars that will attend any of your culinary needs and preferences. The hotel also offers a Beauty Parlour and Fitness Centre, perched on the top floor of the hotel with stimulating views across Madrid. Easily accessible, the hotel is located a mere 20 minutes from Madrid-Barajas Airport by car. Plaza de las Cortes, 7 28014 Madrid Spain Tel: +34 913 60 80 00 Fax: +34 913 607 774 E-mail: [email protected] WELCOME DESK The GIRP welcome desk will be located in the lobby of the Westin Palace from Saturday to Tuesday. Should you require additional assistance, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to address them to our staff at the welcome desk. Participants are kindly requested to register at the welcome desk to obtain their personal badge and conference bag. OPENING HOURS: 27 May 2017, 28 May 2017, 29 May 2017, 30 May 2017, from from from from 12:00 10:00 08:00 08:00 to to to to 18:00 18:00 18:30 13:15 Payment Payment of the participation fee to the GIRP Annual Meeting & Conference must be settled prior to the conference. For any questions regarding the payment procedure or the relevant documentation, please contact the GIRP office at [email protected]. 3 TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE AIRPORT Taxis Taking a taxi from Madrid-Barajas airport is by far the most convenient and fastest way to get from the airport to the hotel or the city centre. MADRID TAXI Taxis in Madrid are white with a red diagonal stripe. They can be found outside of all 4 terminals at Madrid-Barajas airport. The flat fee from the airport to the city centre of Madrid is 30€ (day & night). Journeys are usually paid for in cash although more and more taxis accept credit cards. Taxis in Madrid can fit up to 4 people with 3 pieces of luggage. The journey from Madrid-Barajas Airport to The Westin Palace takes about 20 minutes. PRE-BOOK A TAXI To avoid facing possible communication issues, you can also pre-book a trained, Englishspeaking taxi driver to pick you up at the airport. Use this link to pre-book a taxi: https://www.welcomepickups.com/madrid/airport-transfer-book/ AIRPORT PICK UP GIRP agreed on a favourable price with Grand Class for taxi pickups between 25 and 31 May 2017. A trip from the airport ordered with the code ‘GIRP’ costs €65 (VAT not included). There is a 20% supplementary fee for transfers between 21:00 and 07:00. Taxis have to be booked at least 48h in advance. Order a Grand Class airport pick up: o o o Telephone: +34916821560, referencing ‘GIRP’ E-mail: [email protected], referencing ‘GIRP’ Online: www.grandclass.es, referencing ‘GIRP’ as the Promotional Code. NOTE! For online bookings, only VISA or MASTER CARD are accepted. To pay with AMEX, book your airport pick up by phone or E-mail. Public Transport The most convenient way of public transportation from the Madrid-Barajas airport to the city centre is the bus. There is a 24/7 express bus, which takes 50 minutes. The bus is yellow and can be found outside terminals 1, 2 and 4. If you are arriving at terminal T3, there is a free airport shuttle connecting all terminals. You should catch this shuttle, or walk to terminal T2. Tickets cost 5€ per person and can be purchased on the bus. Buses only accept cash. From the bus stop at Plaza de Cibeles, it takes a 6- minute walk on the Paseo del Prado to arrive at the Westin Palace hotel. Car Rental There are six car rental companies in Madrid Barajas airport: Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, Goldcar and Hertz. All car rental offices are located at the arrivals area of terminals T1 and T4. MORE INFORMATION: http://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/transportation/car-rental-madrid-airport.htm 4 TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY Taxis HAIL A TAXI Available taxis have a green LIBRE sign in the windshield and a green light on top. The fare number of either 1, 2 or 3 will be shown next to this light. To hail a taxi, all you need to do is raise your hand. There are more than 15,600 taxis in Madrid, so it is usually not difficult to find one available in the city’s main thoroughfares. There are also several taxi ranks around the city, indicated by a blue sign with a white letter ‘T’. At railway and bus stations and at the airport, taxis must be taken from the corresponding ranks. Throughout the rest of the city, they can easily be stopped in the street. Journeys are usually paid for in cash. TAXI FARES: Transport station supplement: €3.00 Charge for setting the meter going: €2.40 Per kilometer: Fare 1: €1.05 / Fare 2: €1.20 / Fare 3: €1.25 CALL A TAXI If you prefer ordering a taxi by phone, there are several trust-worthy companies operating taxi radios. You should be aware that these companies generally start the taxi meter from the point where the taxi driver is when they receive your call. Radio-Taxi Asociación Gremial: +34 91 447 3232 / +34 91 447 5180 Radio-Taxi Independiente: +34 91 405 5500 / +34 91 405 1213 Radio Taxi de Madrid: +34 91 547 8200 Tele-taxi: +34 91 371 2131 / +34 90 250 1130 UBER & CABIFY For the faithful Uber-users among us, note that Uber is also available in Madrid. No need to make a phone call or schedule a pick-up and with 24/7 availability. DOWNLOAD THE UBER APP: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/uber/id368677368?mt=8 There is also a possibility to order a taxi with Cabify, an ‘Uber-like’ taxi service specifically for Madrid. You can order a car very easily by using the Cabify app and a private driver will pick you up within minutes, wherever you are. DOWNLOAD THE CABIFY APP: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cabify.rider IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cabify-enjoy-the-ride/id476087442?mt=8 5 Public Transport METRO Madrid has an excellent public transportation system with a well-developed metro-network. The metro in Madrid is a very fast and easy means of transportation. During the day, you won’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for a train and the air-conditioned carriages are very spacious. The metro rides from 06:00 to 02:00. You can buy metro tickets at the ticket office or at the automatic ticket machine. A single ticket costs only €1.50, the Metrobús 10-Journey Ticket costs €12.50. MORE INFORMATION: https://www.metromadrid.es/en/index.html TOURIST TRAVEL PASS (Abono Turístico) With the Tourist Travel Pass you can easily use public transportation in Madrid without worrying about buying a ticket every time. This pass permits unlimited travel on all forms of public transport in Madrid. The pass is valid for 1 (€8.40), 2 (€14.20), 3 (€18.40), 5 (€26.80) or 7 (€35.40) consecutive days. The Tourist Travel Pass can be purchased at all stations on the network of Metro. MORE INFORMATION: https://www.metromadrid.es/en/viaja_en_metro/Tarifasybilletes/abonos/contenido02.html HOTEL AMENITIES Wellness and Beauty Parlour The Westin Palace offers a wellness and beauty service that relies on the professionals of R’difusión to bring relaxation to your body and mind. R’difusión provides facial treatments, massages and manicures/pedicures. There is also a hairdresser and make-up artist. OPENING HOURS: From Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 LANGUAGES: Spanish, English and German MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS: Telephone: Extension 7616 (inside the hotel) & (+34) 914 292 508 (outside the hotel) E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.rdifusion.es Fitness Studio Open 24 hours a day, the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio aims to energize both body and mind. Perched on the top floor of the hotel with stimulating views across Madrid, the health and fitness facility offers plenty of potential for toning and powering up at your own pace. Fitness equipment: weights, mats and bands Stationary bikes and treadmills Changing rooms for men and women with Westin Heavenly Shower and sauna Physiotherapy and beauty treatments available Open air deck to relax with a fresh drink Other options to keep fit are jogging in Madrid (Recommended running route) 6 New Balance fitness gear lending service To help you pack light and stay fit at the same time, the Westin Palace offers a fitness gear lending service. For only €5.00 you can rent New Balance clothing and shoes and maintain your workout routine wherever you go, without having to worry about packing sneakers and fitness clothing. HOTEL RESTAURANTS & BARS The restaurants and bars of the Westin Palace have been in the centre of the cultural and leisure scene of the city for a century. From the impressive dome of La Rotonda restaurant, with its famous Sunday Opera & Brunch, to the 1912 Museo English style bar, through the spaces dedicated to high-Asian cuisine, Asia Gallery and Green T Sushi Bar, the Westin Palace will attend any of your culinary needs and preferences. La Rotonda Restaurant La Rotonda is the perfect place for guests to refuel. Beneath the magnificent stained glass dome, elegant table settings are flooded with natural light during the day and illuminated by the soft glow of wall lamps and candles after night falls. Energize your morning thanks to the extensive breakfast buffet which features a wide range of fresh seafood and traditional dishes from around the globe and experience the spectacular Sunday Opera & Brunch which is famous among the locals. OPENING HOURS: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 to 11:00 Lunch & Dinner: Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 23:30 Sunday Opera & Brunch: 13:30 to 15:30 Sunday Dinner: 18:00 to 23:30 RESERVE A TABLE: Online or by phone Tel: +34 913 607 667 E-mail: [email protected] MORE INFORMATION: http://www.larotondapalace.com/en/ Asia Gallery A mouth-watering range of Cantonese delights awaits discovery in Asia Gallery, the hotel’s hauteChinese dining venue with an exotically decorated interior. There are ten varieties of the traditional southern Chinese delicacy ‘dim sum’, sautéed lobster with Szechuan pepper, duck breast with plum sauce, the favourite Pekin duck and three exciting degustation menus. As soon as you enter the restaurant its atmospheric decor immediately catches the eye. The entrance hall is furnished with oriental pieces and a statuesque Buddha. OPENING HOURS: Open daily from 13:30 to 16:30 and 20:30 to 24:00 RESERVE A TABLE: Tel: +34 913 600 049 E-mail: [email protected] MORE INFORMATION: http://www.asiagallerymadrid.com/en/ 7 1912 Museo Bar With its animated crowd of locals and guests, the hotel’s vibrant 1912 Museo Bar is the perfect place to relax. Once a favourite watering hole of Ernest Hemingway - a fan of its excellent cocktails - and Salvador Dalí, the buzzy bar maintains a happening profile. The 1912 Museo Bar is the meeting point for Madrid locals and visitors, who are seeking to taste a delicious cocktail, gin tonic, coffee or an aperitif in a calm and exclusive atmosphere. OPENING HOURS: Open daily from 11:30 to 02:00 Green T Sushi Bar Green T is a small and cosy Sushi Bar where guests can enjoy Japanese live cooking and some Spanish "Tapas". It is also a perfect place for cocktail lovers offering a wide selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices. The decor of the room blends antique oriental furniture with some unique Spanish vintage that creates a very pleasant atmosphere to unwind and relax. OPENING HOURS: Lunch: 13:00 to 16:00 Dinner: 20:00 to 24:00 FOOD, DRINKS & GOING OUT IN MADRID Well known for its delicious tapas and Spanish dishes, Madrid is an excellent city for food lovers and culinary enthusiasts. Most Spaniards eat lunch, which is their most important meal of the day, between 13:00 and 16:00. Because of this late lunch, the Madrileños go out for dinner around 22:00. The Spanish kitchen is a melting pot of flavours and spices and all Spanish regions are represented in the Madrilenian cuisine. A typical dish is the cocido madrileño, a traditional stew with chickpeas, meat and vegetables. Tapas are also very popular in Madrid. You can order these small, tasty appetizers every hour of the day in one of the many tapas bars of Madrid, but also on street corners and market squares. Tapas are usually enjoyed with a glass of wine and good company. Madrid offers a wide range of bars, restaurants and clubs. Popular areas of entertainment are: FUN FACT The word ‘tapas’ derives from the Spanish verb ‘tapar’, which means ‘to cover’. Because of this meaning, it is said that tapas originated from the custom to literally cover a drink with a piece of bread or ham, to prevent that any flies would enter the glass. La Latina and Lavapiés Recommended for good tapas is La Latina, located in the medieval area of the city. Walk around the district, taste fine wines and food and enjoy the views of the gorgeous Royal Palace. Lavapiés is the Madrilenian multicultural neighbourhood, where you can have a taste of a more exotic cuisine. 8 Area around Puerta del Sol Puerta del Sol, Spanish for Gate of the Sun, is a busy and well-known shopping hub in Madrid. It is the place to be to do a “Tapeo”, which is a kind of pub crawl where you go from one tapas bar to the next and which is very popular in Madrid. In the square of Puerta del Sol you will also find the statue of El Oso y el Madroño or “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree”. The statue is the symbol of Madrid. Attentive readers might have noticed that it is also the logo of our Annual Meeting & Conference. Plaza de Santa Ana (Huertas) The Plaza de Santa Ana is the place for nightlife in Madrid. This atmospheric square is located in the Huertas district, with many tapas bars and restaurants. In the nearby Calle Echegaray and Calle del Príncipe, you can find many bars and clubs. Special recommendation Atlantik Corner Atlantik Corner is a cosy seafood restaurant two streets away from the hotel. The menu expresses the magic and virtues of all the people belonging to the Atlantic Ocean. They offer mainly Portuguese and Galician courses, but also some references to the Mexican, Moroccan and Brazilian cuisine. Atlantik Corner offers a free welcome drink to GIRP participants! OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday: from 13:30 to 16:00 and from 20:30 to 24:00 Closed on Mondays RESERVE A TABLE: http://atlantikcorner.com/reservation-form LOCATION: Calle Ventura de la Vega, 11 28014 Madrid Alabaster Alabaster is a high-end restaurant, located very close to the Buen Retiro Park and Puerta de Alcalá. Alabaster unites tradition and avant-garde in its dishes, with a focus on the absolute quality of the product. Enjoy a gastronomic adventure in a harmonious and modern design. OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday: from 13:30 to 15:30 and from 19:00 to 23:30 Closed on Sundays RESERVE A TABLE: http://www.restaurantealabaster.com/reservas.php LOCATION: Montalbán 9 28014 Madrid 9 MADRID HIGHLIGHTS Being the capital of Spain, Madrid is a very vibrant city with a colourful history and many architectural gems. Apart from the lively and cosy streets, Madrid also offers realms of nature where you can take a breath from the busy city. Madrid has many famous touristic sights such as the Palacio Real, the Buen Retiro Park and the Museum Triangle (Prado, Reina Sofia and ThyssenBornemisza Museum). Thanks to the many pedestrian areas in the centre and the excellent metro-network, you can easily discover the heart of Spain. TIP Get a free city map at the Westin Palace reception desk. MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS Cibeles Fountain You cannot leave Madrid without having seen the Cibeles Fountain, which pictures the Roman goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by lions. The fountain is a landmark and considered a symbol of Madrid. It is the place where the victories of the Real Madrid Football Club are celebrated. Golden Triangle of Art Feel the privilege of being located in the "Golden Triangle of Art" of Madrid, which is made up of the most renowned museums of the city such as Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. MUSEO DEL PRADO The Museo del Prado, located in the center of Madrid, was founded as a Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures in 1819 under King Ferdinand VII. The Prado features one of the world’s most famous collections of European art, dating from the 12 th to the early 20th century and unquestionably the best single collection of Spanish art. The museum displays numerous works by Francisco de Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, as well as the magnificent Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez. OPENING HOURS: From Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 20:00 Sundays and holidays 10:00 to 19:00 TICKETS: Standard price €15 MORE INFORMATION: https://www.museodelprado.es/en MUSEO REINA SOFIA The Reina Sofia Museum is Spain’s national museum for modern and contemporary art and is one of the largest in the world. The museum mainly features Spanish artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Juan Gris, and more. One of the highlights of the collection is the Guernica masterpiece of Pablo Picasso. OPENING HOURS (Main venue): Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00 Closed on Tuesday TICKETS: Standard price €8/ Free with accreditation MORE INFORMATION: http://www.museoreinasofia.es/en 10 MUESO THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA The museum, which was founded in 1988, currently houses the art collection of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, acquired by the Spanish government and the private collection of Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza. Duccio, Van Eyck, Carpaccio, Lucas Cranach, Dürer, Caravaggio, Rubens, Frans Hals, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Kirchner, Mondrian, Klee, Hopper, Rauschenberg ... These are just some of the great masters of art history whose works are on display at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid. OPENING HOURS: Monday 12:00 to 16:00 (Temporary exhibition closed) From Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 19:00 TICKETS: Standard price €12 MORE INFORMATION: http://www.museothyssen.org/en Plaza Mayor The Plaza Major is one of the central squares of the city and a major tourist attraction in the heart of the Salamanca district. Plaza Mayor has been the scene of a diverse range of events and local celebrations since 1577. It is surrounded by traditional shops and cosy cafes and terraces. Puerta de Alcalá Next to the Buen Retiro Park, the Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá), is a neo-classical monument located in the Plaza de la Independencia. The Alcalá gate was part of the walls of King Philip IV and is regarded as the first modern, post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe. Palacio Real The Palacio Real is the royal palace of Madrid. It is the working palace of the king of Spain Felipe VI. Built by architect Juvarra in 1734, the Palacio Real is the largest royal palace in the world. It covers an area of 135.000 m² and counts 3418 rooms. Since 1931, the royal family does not have their main residence in this palace, but in the more modest Zarzuela palace in the outskirts of Madrid. Almudena Cathedral of Madrid The "Santa María la Real de La Almudena" is the cathedral of Madrid and is situated across the Royal Palace. The construction of the cathedral started in 1883 and was only finished over a hundred years later in 1993, when it was officially inaugurated by Pope John Paul II. The cathedral is dedicated to “Virgen de la Almudena”, the medieval icon of Virgin Mary who is also the patron-saint of Madrid. The name Almudena has Arabic origins: al mudayna means “the castle”. Legend has it that when the Moors invaded the Fortress of Madrid in the 8th century, citizens hid an image of Virgin Mary in the city walls. When Madrid was finally reconquered from the Moors in the 15 th century, the city walls crumbled and the Virgin revealed herself again. 11 ATTRACTIONS Botanical Gardens Have a relaxing stroll at the Botanical Gardens of Madrid, located in front of the Prado Museum. The garden was founded on the banks of the Manzanares River in 1755 by King Ferdinand VI of Spain and later moved to its current location by King Charles III. This green oasis in the city centre contains about 30.000 plants and flowers and 1500 types of trees. Buen Retiro Park The Buen Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in Madrid. The name of this magnificent former royal park literally means “Park of the Pleasant Retreat”. Start your running routine in the relaxing green environment of the Buen Retiro or discover the peaceful lake, rose garden and beautiful sculptures and monuments. The Antón Martín Market In the bohemian district of Huertas, Antón Martín is one of the most traditional markets in the city. Buy local products from more than 60 stalls and find organic products, clothes, herbs, wine, and regional specialties at very reasonable prices. ACTIVITIES Madrid en Bicicleta Madrid is the perfect city to discover by bike. With BajaBikes, you can go on a guided tour and see the most beautiful places of Madrid or you can rent a bike yourself and discover the amazing metropolis at your own pace. BajaBikes offers guided tours in English, Spanish, Dutch and German. A regular Highlights Bike Tour costs €25, a Tapas Bike Tour costs €32,50. MORE INFORMATION: https://www.bajabikes.eu/en/madrid-sightseeing/ Flamenco Flamenco is the music, song and dance from Spain. Typical for this genre of music are the Arabic sounds, the exuberant musical embellishments around the theme and the strong rhythms. For €35, you can enjoy a Flamenco show with a glass of Cava in the extraordinary ‘Torres Bermejas’, a replica of the Alhambra of Granada. You can make a reservation on the website, via e-mail or phone. MORE INFORMATION: http://torresbermejas.com/en/reservas-individuales/ Santiago Bernabéu stadium – Real Madrid The Informal Dinner on Saturday 27 May will take place at the Puerta 57 restaurant, with a unique view over the famous football pitch. The "Estadio Santiago Bernabéu" is the football stadium of Real Madrid. You can watch a game of the famous football team or take a stadium tour through the Bernabéu stadium. A visit of the stadium costs €18. MORE INFORMATION: http://www.realmadrid.com/en/santiago-bernabeu-stadium 12 MADRID SHOPPING Apart from the cultural and architectural highlights, Madrid offers many trendy shopping facilities. In the afternoon, the Madrileños close their shops, restaurants and museums to enjoy their well-deserved ‘siesta’, but in the evening, everything stays open longer. Chueca & Malasaña Fuencarral Street, Chueca and Malasaña neighbourhood is ideal for vintage, hipster or designer shopping. Stroll through this very nice pedestrian area with real Soho style and plenty of restaurants and bars for a break. The Golden Mile in the Salamanca District Calle de Serrano is known as the "Golden Mile" of shops in Madrid because of the unique styling to be found there. This is your luxury shopping area with exclusive brands as Loewe, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Tiffany & Co. The Gran Via The Gran Via and the Puerta del Sol are home to many large department stores such as El Corte Ingles and international clothes stores such as Zara, H&M and Mango. Supermarkets and department stores are usually open all day from 10:00 to 21:00, including Sundays. Some shops in the city centre stay open until 22:00, while smaller neighbourhood shops generally open at 10:00, close for the 'siesta' period at 14:00, open again around 17:00 and then close for the day around 20:30. GIRP MOBILE APPLICATION The GIRP Mobile Application is the ultimate digital tool to guide you through the Annual Meeting & Conference. The app provides up-to-the-minute updates and info on the event. Sessions, speakers, sponsors, participants, maps and practical information, it can all be found in the GIRP Event App. Thanks to the interactive features of the GIRP Event App, you can also post comments or questions and connect with other participants. With the GIRP Mobile Application, GIRP wants to ensure smooth and swift communication and at the same time contribute to a more sustainable environment. Networking Log in to your account using your Registration Code in order to create, share and exchange your digital business card. Schedule See the full social event and business schedule with session times, descriptions, speakers, room names and maps. Tap the “Add to Schedule” icon within your favourite sessions to create a personalised agenda. The agenda can be found in the pull-out tab at the top of the event home screen. Activity Feed Under the Activity Feed, you can join the conversation by posting comments in the Event Feed. Follow the latest tweets from @GIRPBrussels or about the event (#GIRPAMC) on the Social Wall and get news and update notifications during the event in the Notifications tab. 13 App and Event Info Want to discover the full possibility of the GIRP App? Or having problems using the App? Find all the information in the About This App section. To know more about the event and its practical details, such as Registration Desk Opening Hours, WiFi instructions or Dress Code, go into the Event Info section. App Questions? Need help on your account? Contact mobile app support at [email protected] or visit the GIRP Welcome Desk. OTHER REMARKS Language Remark Despite Madrid being a very touristic city, it is important to note that English is not commonly spoken by the local population. Therefore, it might be a good suggestion to freshen up those Spanish language skills. Have a look on the next page, for some basic Spanish sentences. Spanish Hours Spanish life beats to the will of the sun. This means that locals stay inside at the hottest time of the day for a siesta – which literally means “nap” – in the early afternoon. The siesta for shops and businesses is from approximately 14:00 to 17:00. Bars and restaurants shut down from about 16:00 to 20:00. Because of the long siesta, Spanish people go out for dinner around 22:00, which is quite late compared to dinner time in Northern European countries. Yet, as quiet as everything may seem in the afternoon when everything shuts down, the more alive it will become in the evening. Currency The currency used in Spain is the Euro. Power Plug In Spain the power sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For our non-European guests, it is recommended to bring a power plug adapter and possibly also a voltage converter. Shuttle Bus to Restaurants The restaurants of the Welcome Dinner and the Gala Dinner are within walking distance from the Westin Palace. However, for those who prefer, GIRP has foreseen shuttle buses from the hotel. Madrid Tourist Card For our cultural enthusiasts who are planning to visit a lot of museums and historic sites in Madrid, it might be useful to get a Madrid Tourist Card. This card gives you free access to more than 50 museums and monuments in Madrid, including Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. As a Madrid Tourist Card holder you can skip the line and avoid queues at many of the essential sites and attractions in Madrid. The card also includes exclusive discounts at several restaurants and shops. It is important to note, that the card does not give access to public transportation. The card activates on first use, not when it is purchased and will be valid for a chosen time period of 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours. Along with the card you will also receive a free guidebook and map to help you navigate the city and plan your day. 14 PRICES: 24 hours: €47,00 48 hours: €60,00 72 hours: €67,00 120 hours: €77,00 MORE INFORMATION: http://www.madridcard.com/en/inicio BASIC SPANISH Welcome Yes No Hello Good morning Good afternoon Good evening How are you? I am fine Thank you You’re welcome Please What is your name? My name is… Nice to meet you Good bye See you later I like… I would like… Bon appetit Good Delicious Cheers! I’m sorry Excuse me How much does it cost? What time is it? Where is the restroom? I do not understand. I do not speak Spanish. Do you speak English? I don’t know Please say that again How do you say...? Why? Where is…? Left Right Bienvenido Si No ¡Hola! Buenos días Buenas tardes Buenas noches ¿Cómo estás? / ¿Cómo está? / ¿Qué tal? Estoy bien Gracias / Muchas graciass De nada Por favor ¿Cómo se llama? Me llamo… / Mi nombre es... Mucho gusto ¡Adiós! Hasta luego Me gusta… Me gustaría… ¡Buen provecho! Bueno delicioso ¡Salud! Lo siento / Perdon Perdoneme / Disculpe ¿Cuánto cuesta? ¿Qué hora es? ¿ Dónde están los aseos? / ¿Dónde está el baño? No comprendo. No hablo español ¿Habla inglés? No sé / No lo sé ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor? ¿Cómo se dice...? ¿Por què? ¿Dónde está? Izquierda Derecho 15
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