Madrid
Everyone claims that Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and that may be true, but I think that Madrid could tie. The architecture in Madrid resembles that of a wedding cake and it is all over the city. There are cobblestone streets everywhere and dangling lights. I was lucky enough to study abroad here for the summer. I went through a program outside of my college alone. I was a little scared since I did not know anyone else going, but everything turned out better than expected. Some of my favorite people to this day are those I met on my travel expeditions.
I spent my mornings in class and afternoons just walking around; I would take the subway and get off at a different exit each day. I always found something interesting at every stop. I met a group of three other girls and we became really good friends. I still keep in touch with them to this day. My friends wanted to lay around at the dorm pool every day, but I was on a hunt for a new adventure. There is so much to do in Madrid. The shopping is amazing, there are parks, museums, great food, and lastly amazing nightlife. If you like to party, then this is definitely the place to be. Also, the afternoon Siesta, where everything shuts down so people can sleep, is NO JOKE. The siesta for shops and businesses is from 2-5pm. For bars and restaurants it is 4pm to 8pm.
If you are familiar with Salvador Dali and like his work, then Madrid is definitely the place to be. The Reina Sofia museum holds quite a collection of his work. Some of my best days were walking around with headphone staring at his paintings. I went back to Reina more than once. If you are feeling even more adventurous then you can take a train to the Dali Theatre and Museum in Catalonia which is north of Barcelona. His work is even more intriguing when you see it up close.
I will always remember the great times I had in Madrid and the wonderful people that I met. My independence grew stronger since I ventured out there alone. Coming home was one of the most depressing times of my life. I woke up sad every day, but I knew that there would be even better adventures that awaited me in the future.
Things to Try
- Patatas Bravas
- Jamon (it is everywhere)
- Cider Bar (Sidra)
Places to See
- Prado Museum
- Reina Sofia Museum
- Retiro Park
- El Rastro
- Palacio de Cristal
- Plaza Mayor Square
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Sabatini Gardens
- Madrid Bull fight
- Flamenco show
