Interview with Enrique, guide in Madrid

Today, we met with Enrique, one of our guides in Madrid. Enrique is a true Madrileno and has a contagious joy of life.

He tells us about his passion for his job and his life in the Spanish capital.

To yoazdzu, what is the main quality a guide should have and why?

A good guide should show some empathy. He also must be a great storyteller because this is the only way to connect with the group of clients and get their attention.

I guess you have to do a lot of researches to create your tours. How do you find these little details that make them unique?

I think experience as well as knowing upside down the city is what makes you delivering that uniqueness

What do you like to do during your free time?

When I have free time, I like going to see some exhibitions. I also enjoy live music, theater and of course, spending time with friends and family.

What is your favorite neighborhood / place in your city and why?

The city centre is my favorite part of the city because of its vibes and lively atmosphere.

Something you really like about your city and why?

I love the fact that its inhabitants are social animals.

What do you mean? Are Madrilenos more social than other Spanish people?

Yes, I think Madrid is more lively than any other city in Spain because  there is a lot of movement every day. That makes Madrilenos more social and active.

Is there something that, according to you, should be known about Madrid? (not something famous, something only somebody living here would know)

I think everybody should have lunch in the Pardo. It is a little village in the middle of the woods (El Pardo Forest) famous for its fresh products (some coming from the hunting). Not too far, there are still deers and wild pigs.

According to you, what is Madrid known for? What made its reputation? (food? drink? Sport?…) What are the clichés?

Madrid is definitely known for its social life and its sunlight. Madrid is one of the cities with the most of hours of sunlights per day in the world; that’s probably why we are so social.

Can you tell a little bit more about Madrid social life?
In madrid, people like to meet in the evening at the terraces, drinking coffee, beer, “tinto de verano”, “knap”, or just chitchat. They know how to take the time to relax and enjoy time with each other.

To you, what does it mean to be a typical inhabitant of Madrid?
It means to be a social and simple minded person. Always available for some social time and distraction.