Introduction to Madrid

 If you’d asked me to describe Madrid, Spain four years ago, what I would’ve told you was very different from my perspective now.

The way in which I view the city has been ever changing and each year that I continue on in this journey, that is my experience living in Madrid, my perspective on the city changes again.  I thought there is no better way to start out a summer of blog posts on the experiences of an expat in Madrid than to start by painting a picture as to what the city is to me. While the list is much longer, Narrowing it down I would say Madrid to me (as a humble expat from the suburbs of Chicago) is a city full of delicious food, endless events and activities, and kind, interesting people from all over the world. 

      When it comes to food, Spanish tapas are not your only option. There is a wide variety of restaurants with cuisines from all over the world.  As an auxiliar, fine dining might not be in the weekly budget but that doesn't mean you still can’t have yourself a high quality meal out. Choose from one of the many small businesses in your barrio that can range from classic Spanish raciones to cuisines such as Indian, Italian, Peruvian and so much more.  It doesn’t take long to catch on to the local hotspots that not only have an incredibly delicious menu but also one that doesn’t break the bank on a Friday night out.

      Keeping yourself busy in the city is an easy problem to be solved when you live in Madrid, Spain. Regardless of where your interests and hobbies take you, there is most certainly a club or group that you can find.  I myself am a lover of sports and social events and activities.  One way I've been able to incorporate my passions into my routine here in Madrid has been through playing on a volleyball team these past four years.  The team has become my safe space where I get to immerse myself a bit more into Spanish culture, practice a sport I love and where we have created a community of people that support one another both on and off the court.  This is just one example of the many ways you can share your passion with others. I know Auxiliares that partake in art and pottery courses, dance groups, language meetups and so much more. Genuinely the list goes on and on.  Madrid makes it possible to continue your passions or even try something new while also allowing you to immerse yourself even more into the culture.

      Lastly but what I would consider most important is the community of people I have met here in the city.  One of my favorite qualities to Madrid are the people I have made relationships with over the past four years.  Being so far away from home, the relationships I have made here have a new importance in my life. The community of international people in the city is such a welcoming kind of space for like minded people.  Most everyone that has made the decision to get up and move to another country has certain qualities in common that make them interesting, open minded people. Not only that, but it is so interesting and fun getting to meet people from all over the world on a regular basis.  Every day brings out new curiosity and a simple conversation with a random stranger can be a new cultural learning experience.  I am so grateful for the one of a kind relationships I have made here while living in Madrid.