Bright shop windows, strong winds, and zero regrets.
So, storytime.
The other day, I decided to step out for a walk. One of those walks I do occasionally where there is no agenda, no route, no destination in mind. Living smack in the city centre gives you that freedom. You can head anywhere and let your feet decide.
In my head, the plan was simple. Walk towards Retiro. Greenery. Trees. Fresh air. A wholesome, responsible kind of walk.
I started strolling from Cibeles towards Puerta de Alcalá, fully convinced that I was about to enter the park and do something very nature aligned. And then, I swear, mother nature intervened. Strong winds appeared out of nowhere. The kind that push you slightly off course and make decisions for you. Somehow, instead of crossing into Retiro, my feet crossed the street. Next thing I knew, I was walking straight into Calle Velázquez.
Who am I to fight destiny?
And just like that, my peaceful park walk turned into a stroll through Barrio Salamanca.
The shop windows were glowing. Bright lights twinkling like little stars, calling out to me softly but persistently. I walked past Loewe, including the Casa Loewe, which always feels like an experience in itself. Then came Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, and so many others lined up like they were waiting for my approval. I was not shopping, of course. I was just looking. Professionally.
What I loved even more was people watching. Locals and tourists alike, dressed impeccably, carrying shopping bags with that particular confidence that only Barrio Salamanca seems to inspire. Everyone looked like they had somewhere important to be. Or at least somewhere stylish to arrive at. It brought me so much joy, just observing, imagining stories, pretending for a moment that I too had just stepped out of a fitting room with a new season wardrobe.
I then made my way towards Calle Serrano, because once you are in it, you might as well commit. There is something oddly satisfying about checking out the new collections, seeing what colours, cuts, and styles are about to dominate the next few months. Even if you do not buy anything, it makes you feel plugged into the rhythm of fashion and the city.
I also popped into WOW Concept, the store on Calle de Serrano (number 52) now sits in the building where an El Corte Inglés used to be. I spent years shopping there. Walking through those floors now, reimagined and repurposed, always brings back memories. I miss it a little, if I am being honest.
Eventually, I turned back and walked down again towards Puerta de Alcalá, heading in the general direction of Gran Vía. Retiro was technically still there, across the street, but I did not look. Not once. The lights from Ramses and the other restaurants were far too distracting, and I found myself very intentionally walking on the opposite side of the road. Out of sight, out of mind.
Oh well. I will go to Retiro another time for a walk.
These are the small joys and perks of living in Madrid’s city centre, and I take full advantage of them whenever I can. Jokes aside, I consider myself incredibly lucky to live here. Some people complain about the noise, the traffic, the crowds. Maybe when I am eighty, I will too. But for now, I am fully living my juventud, strong winds, luxury shop windows, and all.
— Raulito
Rolly Time 
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