
Each year in Madrid seems to bring with it a fresh crop of people. I grabbed some of them and asked them what exactly they thought of their first few months in the Spanish capital:
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Tahira Lindsay, Washington, DC
I had been waiting months… weeks… and then those last nerve wrecking days for my actual arrival into Spain from the U.S. There is no doubt that I lived comfortably in The States, never having to think twice about what to do or where I was and even through I was excited about my upcoming adventure to Spain, I was without a doubt beginning to rethink my decision as I hulled my overweight suitcases into J.F.K. Airport. My anticipation morphed into anxiety and as the plane began to depart from the runway…hysteria! WHAT HAD I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO!
Fortunately for me, it didn’t take long for that hysteria to subside. And soon enough I had remembered why I decided to go to Madrid—I wanted to experience the culture, be a part of the ¨Spanish way of living¨ but it didn’t take long for the truth to be revealed…all those things that my Spanish professors ranted and raved about, about how cultural Spain was—was total crap. Now don’t get me wrong, Spain still has its customs and its traditions, but these days it seems that those traditional customs are pushed aside for more contemporary ones. Take for instance the siesta, I was told that everyone who was anyone took part in siesta, as if it were a national symbol for all things Spanish but imagine my disappointment every time I wake up after taking part in this wonderful ¨cultural experience¨ and I find out that no one else has.
But one thing is for sure, one of my first, and best impressions of Madrid, was the nightlife. Who knew Spaniards really partied like a rock star! I’d never been to a place where the party doesn’t really get hot until AFTER 3 am- everyday of the week. I mean you can get really tired in this place (more reason why the siesta time should be taken more seriously around here…at least for my sake). Second to nightlife, I was impressed by the style of the Spaniards. There isn’t a day that goes by without me spotting a 65+ year old women stumbling in her 5-inch heels along the cobblestones of Madrid’s most popular streets. I applaud their tenacity, but I feel for their cramped toes.
My first few days in Madrid, were filled with excitement…and a few disappointments, but nothing a little tequila can’t handle. My first impressions of Madrid will always be clear in my mind, and I’m thankful for every experience-sober or not.
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Ellen Marks, San Diego
Almost immediately upon arriving in Madrid, I realized what a huge city it is. Venturing out on the bus and metro to school were very intimidating for me, as I’ve never lived in a big city before. I found myself wandering around Avenida de America with my roommate in attempt to find the metro. We tested our Spanish by asking directions from numerous people and their confused responses really frustrated me. I can’t blame them for not understanding my accent, they were actually really friendly.
Once we found our way, my roommate and I walked Paseo del Prado and Grand Via, both of which were pretty crowded. The Madrileños were out enjoying their city as I was experiencing it for the first time. I loved the fact that Grand Via had so many allies filled with different bars to experience, and I knew I would go back there. I wanted to see the Prado, but I decided to wait until Sunday when it would be free.
After walking all day, tapas and Coca-Cola Light (or Diet Coke, as I previously knew it) were great. The tortilla española completely redefined my concept of a “tortilla,” but I loved it. The croquettes intimidated me since I had no clue exactly what was going to be inside, but were decent. Potatoes ali-oli have become one of my favorites, and the fresh bread with olive oil is a staple.
My first few days in Madrid were a culture shock to say the least. Finding my way was intimidating with the change of location and language barrier, but I’ve gotten used to the public transportation and hope my Spanish is improving. I know I’ll need more time to see all of Madrid, and know that my favorite tapas will be there for me at the end of the day.
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Jin Hen Kim, Arica, Chile
Madrid has personality. As the plane finally approached Barajas airport and I woke up from my ten-hour nap, I saw the Spanish open country and I immediately thought of olives. Appropriate but random. I would have never known olive oil could be a staple food.
Moving around the Madrid airport was an adventure. The terminals are so far apart that the buses took about 10 to 15 minutes to get me from one terminal to the other. I did not know that. I was sweating profusely and looking out the window, thinking I would be left in the Spanish desert to die by myself. Miraculously, I survived to write this piece.
I realized I could survive Madrid once I got into the city. Granted, I got my wallet stolen the first time I went to the PradoMuseum, but I have managed to – 200 euros short – live on beer and free tapas at one of the many terraces around the Plaza Mayor. The many menus of the day have managed to keep me from starving to death. Having a Spanish host lady feeding me olive oil every evening has also helped.
I have had to adapt to Spain. I have picked up some Spanish habits, like rolling my own cigarettes, and not leave any tip at the bars but smile to the servers a lot. Sometimes, I even use the Z (theta) sound. I have even managed to get home taking the night buses (buhos) when the drinks get in the way of my motor skills.
* The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of European Vibe Magazine