This Austrian filmmaker is fascinated by the calm and the silence that prevails before the storm. He declares that he is interested “in what happens before and after the violent act.” He develops once again this same topic in his latest movie: ‘The White Ribbon‘ (’Das Weisse Band’), awarded as the Golden Globe for best foreign film at the Cannes Festival in May 2009. This is the perfect occasion to talk about this filmmaker who became famous in 1997 with the movie Funny Games. Discover his disturbing style and his talent to reveal the human contradictions.

Michael Haneke’s movies usually touch on topics of the obscure human essence such as childhood, the sadomasochistic behaviour, violence and guilt. Originally from Munich, he was a former student of philosophy, psychology and drama and soon became passionate about the dark side of Mankind. His cinema has the reputation of asking questions without giving an explicit answer, putting in the viewer in an uncomfortable situation with the aim of provoking vivid and emotional reactions. “I think that art should deal with all subject matters. I suppose I did just think that we needed a sense of proportion”, revealed the filmmaker in January. The silences, the laughter, the movements, the events, the behaviours… all tend to be disturbing.

In ‘The White Ribbon’, a black and white film on which he worked for ten years, the protagonists are the children of a Protestant Village of Germany during the years 1913 and 1914. Why? Haneke wanted to show a group of children in this context to illustrate how values are transmitted via Nazism and Fascism, and how these children assimilate them. It has a social, political and religious message because he wants to demonstrate how it can turn innocence into something inhuman, even into terrorism. According to Haneke, The White Ribbon interrogates “the universal problem of the perverted ideal”. One should come to their own conclusions and find their own answers.

Other films by Haneke that received international admiration were Hidden (2005) which won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Prize for best film and best Director in the European Film Awards (2005). In 2001, The Pianist won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. This cinematographic work was developed in France and the United States, with actors like Juliette Binoche, Naomi Watts, Isabelle Huppert and Benoit Magimel.

We are not going to reveal all the talent of this Austrian filmmaker as you can see.There is no one similar to Haneke. We can compare him to the greatness of Madrid – there is nothing like it. Rent the best Apartments in Madrid and let yourself be dazzled by this amazing city.

Have you ever heard of the “telluric” concept? Do you think it is another strange buzz word in the world of art? No, telluric art is not a new or mysterious concept; in fact, it is the most basic description that can be given to an artistic creation: it refers to the earth, the origins and to primitivism. Pablo Picasso was the most passionate artist regarding African art, and many of his artist friends had statues or primitive masks in their workshops.

They represent the origin, the simplicity, the spirit and the natural force, which are some characteristics of the European artistic vanguards. Now you can visit the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid where there is a wide Telluric Art selection from 1930 to 1936. While Europe was plunged into two world wars and traumatized by the atrocities, artists were looking for the humanity in the natural things: the Earth.

Alberto Sánchez, Benjamín Palencia, Julio González, Oscar Domínguez and Maruja Mallo are some of the artists that better represent this kind of art. Although their names do not sound as much like those of Picasso, Dalí and Miró, they were colleagues and they travelled to Paris when the city was the core of the European vanguards. There was developed the Surrealism, and the Spanish painter Oscar Domínguez is one of its major exponents. In his first creations, we can see the black sands of Tenerife and later he invented the painting technique of Decalcomania: a process that involves applying black gouache on the paper, which is then placed on the top of another sheet on which someone exerts a light pressure. They are separated before they dry and you get a similar picture.

The sculptors such as Alberto Sánchez and Julio González (a Catalan specialized in iron sculptures) are noted for their simple beauty and wild, the geometry of the volume, the strength of the expression, the dynamic forms and the severity that they can transmit. Their statues seem to be the incarnation of weight and lightness, two essential human states.

When it comes to painting, you have surely heard to talk about Benjamin Palencia or one of the few surrealist women artists, Maruja Mallo. She focused on very characteristic female portraits, pioneers of American pop art, and she had a cosmic period during which dedicated to the recreation of nature in her series of Marinas. Pottery was also one of her exploration avenues, like the genius Picasso. Palencia was fascinated by the Castilian landscapes, the dreamlike colours, Fauvism and Cubism.

In the other rooms of the Reina Sofia Museum, you will find the surreal and abstract creations, of the Spanish artists and the 27th Generation or the Noucentisme. Here you will see how much telluric art has been represented in twentieth century vanguards. Joan Miró, the Catalan artist was perhaps the most telluric artist with his infinite blue, his concern for detail and his strong symbolism of the coloured spots. The Animals, the nature and the cosmic world were his favourite subjects.

Come to Madrid to immerse yourself in the corridors of human nature and at night, discover the wilder side of the capital with the famous Madrid nightlife. To enjoy the best amenities, rent apartments in Madrid.

While some 40,000 visitors will attend the fifth edition of the Modern and Contemporary Art Exhibition in Madrid, a new exhibition will be presented: this is Just Madrid, whose goal is the promotion of international emerging artists. From 18th to 21st February, the Lonja and the Nave de Terneras, two industrial spaces made of metal, brick and glass will embrace this new cultural event. If you want to discover the new geniuses of the artistic creations, we recommend a stroll through its 25 galleries. If you are interested in contemporary art, you can not miss this first edition – innovation is always something fascinating.

The fair is focused and directed to the emerging artists on the international scene (70% come from foreign galleries) and the Spanish scene. This is a small fair, but with quality and careful artistic selection; Just Madrid invites you to stroll through some innovative and dynamic galleries. Maybe these new artists will become famous in the near future! The exhibited works will be specially designed for the stands of the fair, under three main concepts: innovation, risk and new formats.

Do not forget the Big Size Outside, a selection of sculptures exhibited outside. The fair will show about 32 exhibitors from 11 different countries and seven curatorial projects. Its interest for collectors, curators and other art world staff is indisputable. And for you, it’s a perfect opportunity to get close to the most contemporary art creations: it is the right moment to expand your artistic preferences.

In February you’ll have four days to discover the buildings of the Junta Municipal of the Arganzuela District, full of international art developments. They are located near the Matadero de Madrid, an experimental and creative space managed by the Town Hall of Madrid, close to the MNCARS (the National Art Reina Sofia Museum) and well connected to any areas of the city by underground (Legazpi) and bus. To not miss the other fairs that will take place at the same time, take advantage of the bus-shuttle service to the Arc-IFEMA exhibition.

Another visit you can not miss if you come to Madrid is the Museo Del Prado, whose visitors have increased by 4% in 2008, reaching around two and a half million visitors. But the Spanish capital not only has a varied cultural offer but also a lively nightlife: come and discover its lively nightlife. And for a truly memorable stay, rent Madrid apartments, they are cheap and comfortable and will allow you to relax after a hard day walking around the museums or a hard night of partying!

You lie in your bed and try to open your eyes. It’s difficult, because as soon as you open half an eye, you become aware of a severe throbbing headache. Your throat is sore and dry. Moaning and groaning you try to sit up. Wow, a little dizzy, but nothing compared to the sudden wave of nausea that follows. You stumble to the bathroom, and feel like you are going to die. And all you can think is: I WILL NEVER EVER DRINK AGAIN.

When we are celebrating, partying or just hanging out with friends, we like to have a drink or two – even three. And then the moment arrives when you go to the bathroom, sit down, and say to yourself: “Oh God, I am so drunk…” By then it’s usually too late anyway, so you keep on drinking, say some things that you know you’ll regret the next morning, and then (without knowing how) you arrive home where you fall into bed without bothering to take out your contact lenses or remove your make-up. And the next morning, you feel more dead than alive.

Unfortunately, even after all these years there still doesn’t exist a miracle cure for hangovers. But not all hope is lost; here are some tips and tricks to beat the monster! First rule: be prepared. Put a bottle of water and some painkillers on your night table. Leave the door open so fresh air can enter into your bedroom. But the most important is to drink a few glasses of water before going to sleep as alcohol dehydrates your body.

If you wake up with a headache, avoid ‘heavy’ painkillers like ibuprofen. Your stomach is empty and sensitive, so the best option is to take a tablet that you can dissolve in water. Try to eat something with it; the best thing is to drink some soup as you’ll feel much better afterwards. Don’t go back to bed, you’ll feel even groggier when you wake up. Better to spend a lazy afternoon on the sofa.

Some say a raw egg in the morning is the secret (because eggs contain cysteine, which is said to reduce the toxic effects of alcohol) but the idea alone is enough to make us vomit. The oldest trick in the book, however, is to drink more alcohol although we don’t advise you to try it out. Just trust us on this one, it doesn’t work.

Are there any methods to avoid a hangover? Sure, don’t drink. And if you do, don’t mix your drinks. ‘Beer after wine and you’ll feel fine, wine after beer and you’ll feel queer’ is what they say, but if you start with one kind of alcohol, stick with it. According to a study by the Brown University, dark alcohol (Bourbon or Whiskey) produces a worse hangover than clear alcohol (like vodka).

There’s no better excuse to get drunk than during a party night in Madrid! The Spanish capital never sleeps, and seduces you with hundreds of bars and clubs. Dance the night away, enjoy some free chupitos (shots) and have the time of your life. Rent the best Madrid apartments and beat that hangover!

Carlos Berlanga (1959-2002), Spanish singer and composer whose artistic streak was inexhaustible, was one of the biggest names in the Madrid nightlife. To mark the 50th anniversary of his birth, the Madrid art space El Águila pays him tribute with 260 personal items until 7th March. Come and discover some of his most curious facets and the origin of the famous Movida Madrileña – Madrid’s drug-fuelled artistic movement.

Posters, comics, photos, videos, songs and a variety of documents were rescued from some old friends, family and private collections for the exhibition “Viaje alrededor de Carlos Berlanga” (Trip around Carlos Berlanga). Up to 186 songs were played across Spain after Franco’s regime. Before 1975, when General Franco died, the people could not enjoy long party nights. After his death, the Movida Madrileña appeared in which the figure of Carlos Berlanga played an important role.

This multidisciplinary artist, who began his singing career creating the band Alaska y los Pegamoides (1979), later called Alaska y Dinarama (1983), was also a designer and painter. In fact, one of his most famous illustrations was the poster he created for “Matador”, a film by Pedro Almodovar (1986).His colourful style has a strong Picasso influence and traits of Salvador Dalí.

His song “Bailando” is one of the best known, since it even had success in other countries. Although it may seem tacky, this was the prototype of the classic Spanish Pop song and Madrid nightlife, a historic hit that you will hear in one of the rooms of the exhibition. “A quién le importa” is another one you can not stop listening to.

Alaska is now a solo artist and she continues releasing albums with this special style that characterizes her. She is a collective symbol for gays, lesbians and transsexuals.

Today, the “Movida Madrileña” nightlife can be enjoyed in many neighbourhoods: each one has its own identity. Discover the gay district of Chueca, Huertas, La Latina, Malasaña, or nightclubs such as Capital and Mondo, which are only some examples of the great Madrid nightlife. The clubs remain open til dawn so there’s no excuse to miss a party in Madrid!

Come to the old El Águila brewery to visit this unique exhibition and take advantage of your stay in the Spanish capital and spend a few unforgettable party nights. Rent Madrid apartments, the most economical and comfortable apartments online.

Once upon a time there were a lot of important personalities of the international political landscape who met first in Rio de Janeiro (1992) for passing the first United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Later they assembled again in Kyoto (1997) for negotiating the famous Kyoto Protocol and showing the world how brave they all are. After that the conference was held in The Hague in 2000 where the negotiations were a complete failure. A lot of more important conferences then followed where everyone tried to be the hero saving the world. What will happen at this year’s world conference on climate change in Copenhagen? Will those strange men in their black suits finally reach an agreement or will they just continue waffling on?

Each day we can see it in the press: natural disasters, flooding, increases in the sea levels, the poles are melting, hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. Nature seems to be going crazy, but we aren’t as innocent as we may seem. Although we think about acting environmental friendly as we go by bike to work instead of taking the car, we don’t really help very much our nature with our behaviour. At the moment there seems to be only two little devils in the world regarding pollution: USA and China. Both countries are competing for the title for who can emit the greatest quantity of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere. The two countries produce together over 40% of the global CO2 emissions. Just looking at this scary figure makes it difficult for us to breathe!

And like in every bad Hollywood movie the villain denies everything and tries to escape secretly and silently out the back door. That was exactly what the USA and China tried to do at this year’s forum of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) where both states put the blame on each other and nobody dared to take the first step. The behaviour of the politicians was very similar to that of young children playing in the garden “Come on, you have to start, if not, I don’t want to any more”. Very embarrassing, isn’t it?

However, the debates are going on at full stretch in Copenhagen. And they aren’t really peaceful and pleasant. They are debating primarily about money and the level of CO2 emissions. The developing countries are apparently ignored and Barak Obama has to protect his new climate politics in his own country which criticizes and fears that its new president could promise too much at the conference in Copenhagen. As you can see, there is more aimless chatter on the agenda and a good and appropriate rescue plan for our planet seems to be very far away.

Don’t get depressed by those politicians and just try to be a good example for society. Although you may feel alone in this matter, each citizen of the world can participate immensely to stop or slow down the global warming. Don’t give up! What about some healthy and eco-friendly holidays in one of the most enchanting European cities? Rent the best apartments in Madrid and enjoy an economic and environmental friendly accommodation. Discover the green side of Spain!

Have you ever wondered what causes an orgasm? In general, we speak about the G spot or having a good knowledge of one’s body in the case of women; and about a long excitation and a large number of strategies in the case of men. But things are not as simple as they seem. There may be something – either an object or a part of your body that really awakes your sexual desire. If, for example, you need to look into the eyes of your sexual partner or wear special clothing or garments to achieve an orgasm, you are a fetishist.

You can not remove your eyes from her hips, the movements of her ankle hypnotize you, you like her hands, the smell of his clothes, the gesture he makes when he smokes a cigarette…fortunately, sexual arousal has many origins. But in fetishism, if the person does not have that particular object or does not see that thing that he or she likes so much to reach an orgasm, this can be a nuisance. The characteristic of a fetishist is that the excitement that comes from the outer element exceeds that generated by the couple.

If you need to wear, smell, or touch your partner’s clothes, see a certain colour or listen to certain music, you may be a fetishist… It is a paraphilia, a sexual behaviour where the predominant source is not the other person or the sexual relationship, but an outside activity. It has nothing to do with sexual toys, since a fetishist will feel really frustrated without his fetish. If there are no boots, no used panties or no feet, there is no orgasm!

The origin of this behaviour would be found in childhood and in the early sexual experiences. For example, if the fetishist began his sexual life playing with small breasts, this could quite easily become an obsession: from then, only touching small breasts, he will reach the orgasm. It is not considered a disorder if it occurs in a short period of time – about six months and it has no impact on ones private life. It may even be something good in your relationship, if you feel a special admiration for an object or part of your body, and you share it with your partner.

To find out, there is nothing better than to be with your partner in a comfortable and charming place. With its exciting nightlife, the Spanish capital will be an ideal destination for you and your loved one. Rent apartments in Madrid and get the best accommodation.

Some people argue that monogamy is an invention or, worse, an imposition of religious and civil institutions that goes against human nature. Should we think that those who say this use it to systematically betray their partner? Or are those with the most discreet manner the most unfaithful? Or as the saying goes: “his bark is worse than his bite!”… Let’s say you discover that he/she’s unfaithful!

It is not necessary to read hidden SMS messages as he/she may already have deleted the most embarrassing ones. Don’t try to access his email account or investigate all his Facebook contacts: it won’t be very effective. Concentrate on his/her behaviour: if he has changed his schedules and customs, if he gets nervous or he babbles when you ask him about the tennis match last Friday with a supposed colleague – instead of going to the cinema with you.

If your partner has never been indifferent, and suddenly he works for long hours or he alleges a lot of dinners with his colleagues, pay attention! Does he receive many SMS messages, or does he turn off his mobile phone? Maybe you should start to worry… But don’t think these distant attitudes can be the unique causes of a possible infidelity. Gifts for no reason or other details can be symptoms of a sense of guilt. A decrease in sexual desire is also a good indicator that there may be another important person in his life.

If you are thinking to persecute him furtively when he gets out of work, we would like to dissuade you. He can discover you and you will make a fool of yourself. You can hire a private investigator instead!

Do you want to win back your soul mate? Take her/him on a romantic get away from our routine and daily life! Maybe you’ll find the perfect connection again with some romantic and passionate moments! You can go to the vibrant Spanish capital: you just have to find an idyllic love nest, and renting apartments in Madrid you will find yours!

Too much sugar, perfume or noise….just about everything consumed excessively is bad for our health, but is it the same with sex? Even Marilyn Monroe said that she didn’t want to be just any kind of symbol, but she wanted to be considered a real sex-symbol. The cinema, literature and arts world would be very boring without temptation and erotic moments, right? The arts have always been inspired from the mysticism of eros and thanatos, love and death, orgasm and agony, ecstasy. Welcome to the exposition ‘Las lágrimas de Eros’ (The Tears of Eros) in the fantastic Thyssen Museum in Madrid and the Caja Madrid Foundation. Until the 31st of January 2010, you’ll have the possibility to discover the invisible magic of over 119 chef-d’œuvres of the history of art. Fetishism, temptation, voyeurism, homosexuality, power, offences – art just breaks each kind of taboo.

Venus, Cleopatra, Ophelia, Apollo and a lot of more mythological personalities tell us a lot of stories which can also be ours. In this way the myth of Saint Sebastian, a young Christian martyr, who was painted with an expression of agony and ecstasy in a lot of works of art, has become the symbol of the gay community. The sphinx, the earthly monster, and the siren, the three dangerous bird-women of the sea, personify together the role of the femme fatal: the sphinx represents the temptation and the siren stands for the mortal danger of the sea. Without a doubt you know some of those art pieces by Dalí, Courbet, Magritte, Munich, Picasso, Cézanne and Andy Warhol.

This outrageous exposition will really impress you. Commence an incredible trip through the passionate universe of sexual drive and human behaviour. You can even see a video of David Beckham sleeping, which is related to the myth of Endymion who spent a night on Mount Latmos while the goddess of the moon fell in love with him. Selene, the goddess’ name, asked Zeus to put Endymion into an eternal sleep so that she could always enjoy his incredible beauty. Therefore, Beckham symbolizes the sensitive masculine body, the erotic object and sexual dominance. Do you know, for example, that decapitation is a symbol of power between the two genders? The drama of David and Goliath stands exactly for this symbol: the head as a bag for a possible fetish interpretation.

From innocence to the seduction of Eve, to the torture of passion and death….this exposition presents you a spectacular voyage of discovery through the amazing world of art. Gain from your stay in Madrid and enjoy the most erotic paintings, sculptures and photography of the international history of art. You can also buy a very special present: for only 3,50€ you’ll get a set of three condoms with the picture of Eve and the snake. Like the famous French journalist Claude Mauriac said: “We are all the same. We fear death and are crazy about sex”. Do think that as well?

Now, you only have to book your flights to the amazing Spanish capital. Rent the best apartments in Madrid and wake up your hidden drives and passions. Art is always very surprising.

Madrid nightlife is a world reference. It is one of the world’s liveliest cities, a city that never sleeps. Madrid nightlife is known because of its wide choice and its extensive schedule, unique throughout the world: it goes on all night until the sun rises! Madrid clubs and pubs are open all year, all week around. While in most European countries the party finishes around 3 am, in Madrid it extends until the small hours. Madrid’s nightlife has something for everybody, whatever your preferences, age or nationality.

Spanish nightlife starts very late, no matter if you are going out for dinner or to party. Restaurants start serving dinner at 20.00 pm until 23.30 pm, and pubs don’t get busy until 24.00. In fact, if you go at 24:00 to a club, you will find it empty. Madrileños like to be on the street all the time, going from bar to bar, from bar to nightclub, and from nightclub to after-hours.

After the fall of Franco’s dictatorship, in the mid-eighties, Spain experienced a visceral change, going from a strong repression to a complete freedom. Currently it is raising the popular term “movida madrileña”, which is related to a change in Madrid’s nightlife. Nightlife is so plentiful in Madrid that the city can be divided into night districts. Each one carries a special style, music or people.

Chueca (metro Chueca)
Chueca is the gay neighbourhood of Madrid, where gay and straight people can freely mix. It has the most diverse atmosphere of the city. Chueca nightlife is sleek and refined. The most fashionable restaurants in Madrid are located in this area.

Huertas (metro Sol)
Huertas is the Madrid tourist centre. This is the land of Irish pubs, pop music and foreigners and the perfect area to go and party from Monday to Thursday. There are some authentic tapas bars around.

La Latina (Metro La Latina)
La Latina is in fashion. It is the oldest part of the city and the perfect neighbourhood to have a quiet drink. La Latina is a Sunday afternoon favourite. You will find madrileños packed into the bars, drinking beer in the squares or chilling out at sought-after terrace spots. It is also a great area to try tapas, and have some drinks on any night of the week. It has a laid-back vibe.

Malasaña o zona de Fuencarral (metro Bilbao o Tribunal)
In Malasaña you’ll find young, alternative, rocker and punk people. This is the most alternative area of the capital. Many people compare Malasaña with Camden Town in London or the East Village of New York. Malasaña may not be the counterculture hotbed it was during “La Movida”, but it still packs a punch all around Plaza Dos de Mayo and its surroundings.

Lavapiés (Metro Lavapiés)
If you want to enjoy a multicultural atmosphere, head to Lavapiés. It’s inhabited by hippies and a large immigrant population, but places to have a drink or a meal with a sleeker look are sprouting up everywhere. The prices here are a bit cheaper than the rest of Madrid. From Indian restaurants and Brazilian bars to clandestine chill-outs and flamenco locals or heavy metal pubs, Lavapiés is, hands-down, the city’s multicultural scene.

Argüelles – Moncloa (metro Moncloa)
Located in the north west of the city, it is the prime university area. Here you’ll find a young atmosphere from the early afternoon in the tapas area and cafes till night time. It is famous because of the “bajos de Argüelles”: they are the basements or ground floors of the buildings, full of bars and pubs. Close to Argüelles there is Moncloa, with most of the electronic music clubs of the city.

Most nightclubs open from Thursday to Saturday from midnight. Closing time depends on the club, but usually it is stretched until 7:00 in the morning. For those who love to party, the after-hours are open until 12:00am the following day. Find out all about the exciting nightlife in Madrid. Give yourself the genuine experience of getting Apartments in Madrid for a few days in the city.