The Wonder of Madrid through Fresh Eyes

After I came back from winter break, I had lived in Madrid for almost 4 months. I had a comfortable routine, beloved nearby eateries, and regular weekday activities. Somehow, I normalized living in an international European city. But normal isn't what I came for...

It took having friends and family visit to realize how exciting an existence I was living. Even when I think I know the city, Madrid will surprise me, reminding me that I live in a unique and diverse city that deserves my awe and wonder. 

In January, my friend from college named Gabby visited from Rome, where she is spending a post-grad year abroad. Because it was Gabby's first time in Spain, I played tour guide for the weekend, planning trips to the Prado, Royal Palace, and Puerta del Sol, as well as some local favorites. In my everyday life, I don't consciously remember that Madrid has a storied history that spans hundreds of years, numerous wars, and infamous European kings and queens. Nobility strolled around Plaza Mayor 200 years before the Revolutionary War, dwarfing the United States' short history. Gabby was full of curiosity and fascination, which was apparent as she soaked in every street than we happened upon. Simply walking around these touristy areas I usually avoided reminded me of the depth of Madrid's culture and history. 

I enjoyed Gabby's company as we explored the city in part because she studied architecture in university, so she had insights about the old buildings and monuments we marveled at. However, the best part was simply watching the amazement cross her face at the beauty of Madrid. In turn, Gabby's reaction inspired me to see Madrid through fresh eyes, akin to how special and beautiful the city looked when I arrived back in September.  That weekend was the perfect way to start the year off, rekindling my love for my abnormal and amazing life. 

​I came out of the weekend with three main insights on the remainder of my time in Madrid. 

1. I wanted to be constantly on the lookout for new experiences. I had gotten too comfortable in the bubble that I'd created. Madrid has so much to offer that I don't have a reason to be bored on a Friday night. 

2. I wanted to spend more of my time in gratitude. There are so many parts of Madrid that make my heart flutter, if I dedicate time to noticing the little things. 

3. I needed to romanticize my life more.  Fall in love with a life of my own creation. Late night walks. Solo wine bar visits. Madrid is a city with every possibility.

Just a month later, my mom and sister, Kate, visited Madrid for a girls' trip. The week, simply put, was pure magic. My two best friends in a city I called home. Again, I hit the key tourist spots, but luckily, both of my visitors are well-traveled, so they wanted to see Madrid beyond the basics. Creating the itinerary, I got to choose spots that I wanted to try. I was able to take chances because my mom and sister were up for anything. I was nervous, because I wanted them to love Madrid. February was also important, because I had to decide very soon if I wanted to stay in Madrid for another year and renew my contract. I wanted my next year to be spent in a big, international city, like London or New York. 

After a week spent hopping from ritzy cocktail bars to multicultural markets to vibrant jazz bars, my mom and sister were obsessed with Madrid.

They loved that there were hole-in-the-wall tapas bars, quaint cafes, and trendy vintage shops on every street and corner. In the short time they were here, they got a taste of my life, and because they saw my life, Madrid had been cemented as my home. Most importantly, they shocked me by concluding that if I really wanted to experience life in a big city, I need not look further than Madrid. My mom who lived in London and my sister who lives in New York affirmed the fact that there is life abundant in Madrid. That week with my favorite people and my city pushed me to renew my teaching contract and commit to a second year in Madrid. 

After a year, I still have so much to explore in this city that I've grown so fond of. I just needed a fresh perspective to see how amazing and full of opportunity Madrid is.