Hanging Around Under the Madrileño Sun

It’s official everyone—I’m a Spaniard…Well, besides the fact that I’m actually half Spanish (my last name is Calderón), I feel as though I’ve truly immersed myself into the Spanish culture. Between my last time studying abroad and during the month that I’ve been here so far, I’ve drunk sangria, eaten paella and tapas, taken many siestas, partied til’ the sunrise, attended a fútbol match, and have even taken a flamenco class. So what was the one thing that has just made my cultural immersion feel ever so complete—I finally hung my sheets, towels, shirts, pants, bras and underwear outside my window to dry for all to see! For those who aren’t aware, here in Europe dryers are hard to come by. Last time when I was in Madrid studying abroad I was living with a host mom, host dad and six other American girls. Since there were so many of us my host mom had a dryer and therefore I never had this experience. Take a look below at the picture I took of my bed sheets hanging outside my window for the first time!

My bed sheets aren’t the only things that have been taking in the sun during the beautiful afternoons in Madrid—I have too! At least once a week, if not more, I find myself walking through a park, which many Spaniards enjoy on-the-reg. Between watching kids play, seeing couples hand in hand, looking at all the jewelry or tasty treats being sold by vendors, and even watching street performers dance, juggle and sing for a couple extra Euros, this is one Spanish tradition I absolutely love and have enjoyed on multiple occasions. I don’t know what it is, but each of the parks I’ve visited here in Madrid brings about a sense of happiness to me that no nightclub or bar could bring—and that’s saying a lot for me. After a long week of dealing with young, sometimes loud and unruly children, these walks are my “me-time.” On one of my recent strolls, I stumbled upon el estadio de Vicente Calderón, home to Atlético de Madrid, one of Madrid’s most loved soccer teams. When I studied abroad in Madrid two years ago I wanted to take a picture with the famed stadium in which I share the same last name, but never had the opportunity. Below are some pictures from my walks in the parks and of course with my stadium.