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Writing an Informal Letter by Alejandro Álvarez Valdés (Av2 Mon, 2009-10) – About 375 words

Dear Mary,

Thanks a lot for your letter. I'm sorry I couldn't write sooner, but I was busy studying for my final exams.

It's really good news that you are planning to visit Madrid in a few weeks. Let me know when you are arriving and I'll pick you up at the Barajas Airport.

By the way, have you decided where you are going to stay when you come to Madrid? You can stay at my house if you like, or if you prefer to sleep in a hotel near the city centre I can provide you with the name of a couple of interesting and cheap hotels — namely, the first one is called Hotel Petit Palace and the second one is the Hesperia Emperatriz Hotel, both very near the Main Square and the Sol underground station.

As you know, the capital is a very interesting place to visit as well. Although it's a modern city, it has a lot of monuments and other historical places. We can visit the lovely parks, famous buildings, art galleries and art museums that you can find in the historical city centre. For example, we shouldn't miss the striking Prado Museum, or going for a walk in the Main Square, where you must try the typical food, a battered squidrings sandwich! Other interesting sights are the Retiro Park, the bullfigthing ring of Las Ventas and the Royal Palace, one of the most impressive monuments in the city. Then, how about going to the Bernabeu stadium? I think you have a unique opportunity of visiting the best football stadium in Spain.

Ah! I almost forgot, don't forget to bring some smart clothes so as to hang out with me and my friends at night. You'll learn about the nightlife of Madrid and I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot.

I've also been thinking about your trip around the Community of Madrid. First of all, I would like to show you some beautiful towns you shouldn't miss, such as Grinón, Chinchón or Alcalá de Henares. I think you will love them.

Let me know if you have any questions about the trip. I'll do my best to solve them.

I'm looking forward to meeting you soon!

All the best,

Alex