First Week in Madrid: First Impressions
Wow, what a start to this incredible experience! I have been living in Madrid for about a week now and have loved every second. I wasn’t sure exactly what I expected the first week to look like, but this has to surpass all expectations. We have been able to see and experience so much culture in so little time. It makes me excited that I still have four months left to continue learning all that I can about the beautiful city of Madrid.
A couple of first impressions:
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- Fitting In: Everyone somehow knows that I am from the United States (whether that be my blonde hair, blue eyes, or my lack of fashion), so they immediately switch from Spanish to English when addressing me. While this is a nice gesture, I came here to practice Spanish! I want to speak, hear, and just be immersed in the language, but being unable to blend in has presented me with a unique challenge. Everyone dresses to be fashionable here, so I wonder if my American style makes me stand out, even though I feel as if I’m “dressing nicely” every day just to fit in.
- Time: Having spent the previous summer in Argentina, where people stay up late and sleep in late, I knew that Madrid would operate on a similar schedule. This has proven to be true. We eat dinner around 8, which many people would still consider early. One of our roommates was very surprised one evening when we were eating dinner so early because it’s expected to eat around 9 or 10 here. I am slowly starting to get used to this time difference, and it has only been a week 🙂
- Relax: Generally, people living here seem to take their time, not rush, and just enjoy each other’s company. I have noticed this in a couple of ways. First, people walk very slowly compared to the United States. I find myself getting impatient with all the slow walkers and need to remind myself that I’m not in a rush and that it’s okay to slow down the pace sometimes. The culture here is also to take their time when ordering food and talking with friends. When I go to a restaurant, I like to order right away, eat my food, and then get out of there as soon as I am done. It is so different here. They take their time chatting with their friends, and the waiters don’t even bring the check or ask to order until much later than I’m used to. So far, this has been refreshing and a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things. They also do the “siesta hora” when the whole city closes for a little bit just so that people can take a quick nap in the middle of the day. I love it.
- School: School so far has been going well despite only having three days of it this first week. Typically, the school week is Monday-Thursday morning classes. I love having Fridays off every single week. My first impression of the teachers and the classes has been incredible, and I am so excited to get into a routine with my new class schedule.
