{"id":1225,"date":"2015-08-03T12:31:25","date_gmt":"2015-08-03T11:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/?p=1225"},"modified":"2015-08-03T12:51:39","modified_gmt":"2015-08-03T11:51:39","slug":"swimming-in-madrids-melting-pot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/2015\/08\/03\/swimming-in-madrids-melting-pot\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming in Madrid\u2019s Melting Pot"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Summer<\/strong> is in full swing and much of the mass-holiday-exodus has begun. Sometimes it seems as if half the city has made a beeline for the beach, leaving the city ticking along at a slower yet eminently more relaxed pace. So where does that leave those left behind to deal with scorching summer temperatures and all that extra time on their hands? Well, when it comes to riding out the leisurely month of August, Madrile\u00f1os head to the pools<\/strong><\/a>.\"\"<\/p>\n

Dotted around the city, these municipal hotspots are not just the ideal place to cool down, they are also vibrant microcosms of the city\u2019s inclusive, laid back, and friendly atmosphere. One of Madrid\u2019s most popular pools is the Centro Deportivo Municipal de Casa de Campo<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 known more colloquially as \u201cLa Piscina de Lago<\/strong>.\u201d If you\u2019re looking for some respite from the Spanish capital\u2019s interminable heat wave, the Lago pool is not only a refreshing solution, it will also give you a glimpse into an authentic aspect of summer life here in Madrid.<\/p>\n

To avoid sticking out like a bright beach towel, you might want to brush up on the local poolside etiquette before you pack your bag. Learn how to get there, get au fait<\/em> with the pool\u2019s dress code, find out how to stake out the best spot on the grass<\/strong>, and navigate through the surprisingly complex cafeteria<\/strong>. With these tips, the only thing you\u2019ll need to worry about is your tan.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Getting There<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>Despite its location on the edge of Casa de Campo<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Madrid\u2019s largest urban park \u2013getting to the Lago pool is a surprisingly quick and easy metro ride away from the city centre. Catch the number 10 line from either Tribunal<\/strong> or Plaza de Espa\u00f1a<\/strong> in the direction of Puerta del Sur<\/strong> \u2013 the station for Lago<\/strong> (which is conveniently named Lago) is just two stops from Plaza de Espa\u00f1a. Once you arrive you only have to exit the turnstiles, veer a little to the right, walk uphill along the footpath and you\u2019ll arrive at the gate and pay booth. Keep in mind that opening hours are from 11am to 9pm (although staff might start shuffling you out at about 8.30pm) and you\u2019ll need to pay a \u20ac5 entrance fee on weekdays and \u20ac6 on the weekends. These are set prices that are applied to all of Madrid\u2019s municipal<\/strong> pools.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

2. The Rules<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>The first thing you\u2019ll notice after you climb a few steps and then round the corner of the main building is a big sign saying Solo Pies Descalzos<\/em><\/strong> (Barefoot Only) and a local staff member is usually on hand to enforce the policy. The basis for this rule is hygiene but strangely, it is also applied to the cafeteria. However, so many people walking around barefoot is reminiscent of a scene from the beach \u2013 and maybe that\u2019s the idea. Other conventions to be aware of include giving yourself a quick shower<\/strong> before jumping into the deep blue pool (these showers are conveniently located alongside the pool itself) and not jumping into the water fully clothed \u2013 but that\u2019s just common sense isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Staking Out Your Spot<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now for the important stuff \u2013 where to sit. There\u2019s plenty of grass to lay down your towel. The stretch along the back of the pool is the most popular because it is the most sun-soaked. The two expanses of grass alongside the staircase leading up to the cafeteria are good if you\u2019re looking for a touch of shade<\/strong>. On the busy days people even begin claiming the space on the pavers around the pool. Don\u2019t be dismayed if every strand of the lawn is occupied \u2013 head to higher ground and be ready to pounce as soon as you see someone bundling up their belongings. As soon as they leave, move in and claim your real estate. If you arrive early enough to get a spot on the grass, your towel will need to be slotted into whatever free space is available. It may end up just centimetres from the neighbouring group \u2013 so choose your territory wisely. If you\u2019re a non-smoker scan the ground for cigarette packets and sit far away from them as possible. If you\u2019re looking to meet<\/strong> some locals<\/strong>, sitting next to the largest, loudest, and liveliest group will inevitably result in much laughter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Summer Social Scene<\/strong><\/p>\n

Madrid\u2019s pools are a microcosm of the city\u2019s social spirit<\/strong>. People of all ages, backgrounds, and bikini colours congregate here and interact with ease. From the young children filling up their water pistols at the fountain, to the Latino groups blasting out their reggaeton or merengue music from small portable speakers, the atmosphere is diverse, festive and relaxed. Elderly women and gentlemen still frequent the pool to work on their lifetime tans, Madrid\u2019s colourful gay community is well-represented on the grassed slopes, while plenty of neighbourhood teenagers run around making the most of their summer school break. People have few qualms about striking up a conversation with the group next to them. Don\u2019t worry if your Spanish<\/strong> isn\u2019t up to scratch \u2013 the fact that the cafeteria serves alcohol usually gives the locals enough liquid courage to flex their English-speaking muscles.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Food and Drinks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Perched on a small embankment overlooking the pool, the cafeteria serves a selection of Spanish-themed cuisine<\/strong> and very Spanish-sized drinks. However, before heading up to the bar to place your order, you\u2019ll need to line up at the clunky ticket machines first. These two machines look like relics from a 1980s science-fiction film and are somewhat confusing for first-time users. You\u2019ll need to scan all of the buttons to find exactly what you want. Unfortunately it\u2019s all in Spanish, so you might need to ask someone for help to translate. Once you\u2019ve made your selection, head up to the lively bar and give them your ticket(s). The food ranges from Spanish staples such as bocadillos de jam\u00f3n<\/em><\/strong> (Iberian ham baguettes) to croquetas<\/em><\/strong> (croquettes), patatas bravas<\/em> (everyone knows las bravas<\/em>!) and tortilla espa\u00f1ola<\/em><\/strong> (Spanish omelette). There are also larger meals that include steaks, chicken or pork sirloin fillets served with fries, salad and fried egg. The best part of it all is the drinks selection. You can order a curiously named \u201cMini<\/em>\u201d (which is actually served in the biggest cup on the market) filled with tinto de verano<\/em><\/strong> (half red wine, half soda) or sangria<\/em>. For coffee-lovers there\u2019s even a caf\u00e9 frapp\u00e9 machine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Now that you know how to navigate through one of Madrid\u2019s most colourful and convivial public pools, try and make a day of it. Pack your towel, sunscreen, and shades and be prepared to get an authentic taste of Madrid\u2019s summer life<\/strong>. Sure, the Spanish capital is hours away from the coast, but that doesn\u2019t mean people can\u2019t enjoy themselves during summer. And, if lounging around this pool all day puts you in the mood for a night on the tiles, you can always head next door to the outdoor nightclub AKUA<\/a><\/strong> (www.facebook.com\/AkuaTerrazadeverano<\/a>), which is even open during the day on Sundays. Just remember to pack your dancing shoes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summer is in full swing and much of the mass-holiday-exodus has begun. Sometimes it seems as if half the city has made a beeline for the beach, leaving the city ticking along at a slower yet eminently more relaxed pace. So where does that leave those left behind to deal with scorching summer temperatures and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":1226,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5,7],"tags":[155,189,132,9],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1225"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1225"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1225\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1239,"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1225\/revisions\/1239"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1225"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.esmadrid.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}