5 (More) Things I Love About Madrid

Hey Everyone,

  So earlier this week for my 1 year anniversary, I posted 5 Things I Love About Madrid, and of course in a year you accumulate (hopefully) more than just a few things that you enjoy about a place, so I've decided to add a few more.

6. Food

Spanish cuisine is great! Although different from the various spices we're used to having in foods from other cultures, Spanish food is a category of it's own. From tortilla de patata (spanish omelette), paella, lentejas (lentil stew), the varieties of ham (which I have yet to convince my sister it is not bacon), salmorejo, empanadas, and so many other great delicious dishes to choose from.

7. Culture and diversity

Madrid has so many cultural activities that you can take part of. Go to the Prado Museum during the day then a flamenco show at night, or a brazilian jazz concert, or an English improv show or a capoeira workshop . Take day trips to go and see the house where Cervantes was born, and the list goes on and on.

8.  Fiestas!

The nightlife in Spain is no joke. I mean the party doesn't even start to get crackin' until 3 am, and there's usually a decision in the morning if you should either have breakfast or go to sleep. With always something fun to do partying in Madrid is a good time. On top of that you have traditional parties or festivals that towns all over the country do year round for added fun! This year I went to Las Fallas of Valencia!

9.  Getting/Staying Healthy In Spain is so much easier!

Since I've been in Madrid I've lost a good amount of weight (still an ongoing battle), but I really think that it was easier for me to start accomplishing my goals because Spain has a generally (not always) healthier lifestyle. Groceries are cheaper, people eat fruit for dessert, going for a walk is a frequent activity, climbing all those stairs to get to your apartment.

10. Mis Amores!

                       

All of the great people I've met here! You really can make a place 6,000 miles away from where you were born and raised feel like home, I know these people (definitely not all pictured) have been a huge part of that, and that this experience wouldn't have been as valuable.

Well there's my top 10.

What are some of the favorite things you have about where you are?

I've also did a list of 7 things I Miss While Abroad.

Thoughts and comments always appreciated!

Catch ya next time!

<3 CathyArely

5 Things I Love About Madrid

Hey Hey all,

  So today marks the 1 year anniversary of my landing in Madrid. How fast 365 days go by. Since I wasn't able to go see my friends and family this summer like a big chunk of my Spain Posse, I decided to make a list of things that I really enjoy about this place that I'm in so that I'm not thinking so much about who I'm missing back home, because I mean... I LIVE IN MADRID! So here's my top 5 (in no particular order).

1. Transportation

Need to get to the other side of the city? Commute out to a suburb? The Madrid metro is a great way to get to where you to be. For those of you who don't know me well, I am not really that fond of driving. Here, all I have to do is pop on my headphones and I get to where I need to go either by bus or metro!

2. Pace of life

Despite being a big city capital the Spanish lifestyle at times (when you're not trying to get something productive/bureaucratic done) can be comfortably slow. Taking a stroll, or sitting and enjoy a coffee or tinto de verano (wine with lime soda), or a beer for a few hours is not seen as a waste. Take the time to read the newspaper daily, or a book. 

3. Theater- Madrid Players and beyond

Yes, I know I come from California, the place where everyone who heads to follow their dreams, but I have found a special niche here in Madrid. With our September show debut tonight (Sept 14), it's been nice to feel needed, appreciated while doing something that I love so much. In addition living so close to the city center there's access to all of the big musicals that come to Madrid like the Lion King.

4. Travel

Being in Europe makes it so much easier to travel to major destinations since they are so much closer. I've enjoyed Spring Break in Paris and a tour of Italy. Now onto plans for Portugal, London, Barcelona, Ireland, Berlin, and so many other places before time runs out.

5. All Spanish All the Time (mostly)

Creo que es obvious that I like Español very mucho (well actually Spanglish). Being in Spain let's me hear and enjoy the marvelous language all around me, and of course the opportunity to fine tune my idioma skills. 

Originally this was supposed to be a top 10 blog post, I've run out of time so keep an eye out for a part 2 at another date.

Here's to a great season 2 of Madrid life :)

<3 CathyArely