Living in Madrid, for nearly a month was a beautiful experience because it was something different. I realize that Madrid is similar to New York City in the sense that Madrid is also a city that never sleeps. But being there was not like being in New York City or anywhere in the United States because of the vibrancy of the city; the Spanish culture dripped from the sweat of the people and the busyness of the streets. Live music on the subway train, acts in the middle of the day on the streets, sangria, dancing in the streets, ham hanging out of store windows, siestas and fans waving in each direction was the everyday (or almost every day) scene in Madrid. And although seeing things like that on a daily or weekly basis could become mundane, it caused me to appreciate the simple things in life that would make one happy such as food, music, and the laziness that the summer heat brings. Aside from the music, food, and naps I also enjoyed trying to speak Spanish and being fully surrounded by the language. It was truly amazing experience because I was immersed in Spanish and felt as if my understanding increased greatly.
As I mentioned in the 'Pre-Madrid' post, Paris was not all what it's cracked up to be; the city was cold, dark and wet. In comparison to Madrid which was hot, sunny, and inviting, entering Paris was like entering a sub-division of hell. While I was there I got a cold, I ate cheese all the time (which is torture for a person who is lactose-intolerant), I couldn't speak/practice Spanish and everything was expensive! How can you go to Paris and eat only McDonald's?! What a shame. The country was too wet and expensive which was very annoying. Other than seeing the Eiffel Tower which I have to admit is a beautiful sight (and experience) to see in not only the day but especially at night, Paris is a city I would not want to go to again.
Aside from some problems with the Forspro administration (with lack of communication), the overall program was great because it was a learning, enriching experience. The students that I met were not only nice but funny. It was amazing how they too were enthusiastic about learning the Spanish language and the Spanish culture. It was refreshing to be around students with and without Spanish background collaborating with one another to understand the city of Madrid and the other neighboring cities visited. As I mentioned in my 'Pre-Madrid' blog the overall program was a true voyage from the long 9-10 hour plane ride entering into the city, to the day/ night travelling, to meeting different students with sometimes not so friendly attitudes, going to do different cities, catching a cold, smelling stinky subways, to getting back on 9-10 hour flight back to Atlanta.
