If we're talking about sense, as in feeling ... I think I've begun to capture the essence of this place. I'd call Madrid smug, but not in an arrogant sense. It is without any doubt a city that has its proverbial ?!>} together ... and seems to know it!
If we're talking about sense as in good sense, there are abundant examples. I'll speak to 4. (1) The Prado, one of the world's most prestigious art museums, offers free admission on weekdays between 6 and 8 pm, traditionally, a slow period. Art lovers across all economic strata now have every reason to stop by any day of the week after work. (2) The ubiquitous public transportation system (initially published as "pubic" until Fred brought it to my attention) is second to none, and seniors have unlimited network access for a nominal monthly sum according to an elderly man in the Atocha Station (site of the 2004 train bombing) who asked ME for directions (big laugh). The airport and all bus, train and subway stations are interconnected and incredibly well signed/indicated. In 4 days of heavy use, I've not experienced the first inconvenience or disruption of service. (3) In the grocery store, clients are responsible for weighing produce before check-out. At a weigh station, the client places the item of produce on a scale and enters the number that corresponds to that item; a ticket is printed and scanned at the register. (4) Even the uniformity of trash pick throughout the city is remarkable; every building or store has a grey and orange receptacle that is wheeled to the curb on designated days; no piles of cardboard boxes and bags littering city streets.
If we're talking good cents ... the cost of living and quality of life equation makes Madrid my #1 choice in the world. To be honest, I never expected that. Granted, quality of life considerations differ from one person to the next, but one can live very well here without breaking the bank.
If we're talking good scents, I'd have to say people just smell good here, and the fragrances are light and fresh. I remember this from my first trip to Spain many years ago, and I'm reminded of this again. No other place appeals to my olfactory sense quite like this. And after spending a good hour in a perfume shop today, I'm traveling back with one of those scents. Next time you see me, cozy up and check it out. (And when you're in Madrid, go see Juanma at Equivalenza, calle Hortaleza, 27, and check out as many scents as your nose will permit.)
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