Hi from Madrid! It’s hard to believe that I’ve only been here for 2.5 weeks. Between exploring Madrid, traveling to places like Lisbon, Segovia, and Ávila, and even going skiing, it’s been a fun start to the semester. Here are some of the highlights so far.
Exploring Madrid
Madrid has so much to offer. I’ve been wandering around Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and other neighborhoods like Malasaña and La Latina. El Retiro Park has been a favorite spot for relaxing and people watching. I have also enjoyed shopping on Gran Via, especially at Zara and Uniqlo. Of course, the food has been a highlight too—churros at San Ginés and plenty of tapas and paella.
Weekend Trips
I’ve already had the chance to travel a bit. Lisbon was amazing with its colorful streets and great seafood. I also visited Cascais, a neighboring beach town near Lisbon, and thoroughly enjoyed taking in the scenery from the beach. The warm weather in Portugal was a refreshing change and made me look forward to the arrival of spring, especially since Madrid has been quite chilly. Back in Spain, Segovia’s aqueduct and castle were super impressive, and Ávila’s medieval walls were really fun to explore. Both are great day trips that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Madrid. Both towns were a simple train ride away and offered a much different experience than the city.
Skiing in Spain
I didn’t expect to go skiing while I’m here, but Puerto de Navacerrada ski resort is only an hour away. The views were incredible and the runs were not nearly as crowded as ski resorts in America. I hope to go skiing again with the new friends I have made here.
School Life at UC3M
I’ve been enjoying my classes at UC3M in Getafe so far. It’s been great to interact with students from all over the world and hear different perspectives in class discussions. I’ve also made some friends from various countries, which has been one of the best parts of the experience. I’m looking forward to continuing to meet new people and learning more both inside and outside the classroom.
Cultural Differences in Spain
One of the biggest cultural differences I’ve noticed in Spain is the daily schedule, especially when it comes to eating. Meals here happen much later than I’m used to as lunch is often around 2 or 3 PM, and dinner can be as late as 9 or 10 PM. I do however enjoy the leisurely pace and how meals are treated as a time to relax and socialize. Another difference is the emphasis on spending time outdoors, whether it’s strolling through the streets or gathering at plazas, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere of daily life. This is something I never do in College Station, but I really enjoy being able to spend more time outdoors taking in the scenery.
Looking Ahead
It’s been a busy couple of weeks, and there’s still so much to see and do. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Madrid and taking a few more trips while I’m here. Stay tuned for more updates soon!
