Oh what a night in Espana!
I've been in Spain for about 3 whole days. Most of my time has been spent in orientation meetings and exploring and getting to know the city. The information they throw at us can be overwhelming and frustrating. At times, we want to just cut loose, relax, and not think about the millions of tasks we have ahead of us. But because we don't know the city well, we are unsure of where to go or what to do.
After going through the oh- so- important meetings of finding our own pisos, we felt very distressed. My friend Emili and I plan to share a piso, if possible and we began to seach for them today. We looked in Segunda Mano, which is the Spanish equivalent of the classifieds and circled places that looked favorable. We attempted to call the landlords and discuss the apartments, but got no where (many did not answer their phones). With long orientation meetings, long walks around a strange city, surprising and curious cafeteria food, a placement exam, the very difficult classes looming, and trying to find apartments in a city we've known for three days...we tend to find ourselves tired and cranky. I assume this is normal, but we definitely need to destress. That was exactly our aim this evening...
Kyle, Katie and I decided to wonder around our dorm to find people in our program to go out with, but many were MIA. We sat in our courtyard discussing our options and after much debating and basically getting no where, we reluctantly decided to head to bed. But not quite. Two Spaniards who appear to work in the dorm approached us and inquired of our plans. Lame as we sounded, we said we were headed to bed. One of the Spaniards, Angel, said, "What?! Now? it's only 1:00AM! The night is just getting started in Spain!" It was at that moment that he asked us to head out with him and meet his friends at a bar! Our friend Matt from Wisconsin joined us as well. I was super excited and a tad nervous because I don't know all the Spanish customs but we happily agreed to join him. On the way to the bar we discussed the distinct cultural differences between the U.S and Spain. Angel is really nice and understanding of American customs and he really enjoyed explaining the Spanish way of life.
We arrived at the bar and I began to feel really nervous. I wanted so badly to fit in. I get a strong vibe that everywhere we go, whether along or in a group, we stand out as Americans. It's obvious to Spaniards. I don't want to be just another American in Spain. I want to be part of the Spanish culture. And so Angel introduced us to his friends and they all were SO friendly and nice and completely understanded that our Spanish isn't perfect. We met his friend Carmen, who is the most fun gal I think I've ever met in my life. She took a strong interest in us and made us feel as comfortable as possible in our new culture. We danced, sang, played fooseball, talked about EVERYTHING, and Carmen and Angel just really helped us loosen up a bit. Angel bought the five of us a popular Spanish drink (i don't remember the name) to share and of course, as the Americans we are, it was gone in 15 minutes. The Spanish drink very slowly and I felt like an idiot because I drink quickly. But no fear, I wasn't drinking to get drunk. I just wanted to experience Madrid nightlife for the first time. As 2:30AM approached, Angel invited us to continue the party but we unfortunately had to get up the next morning early to look for pisos. He gladly walked us back to our dorm and gave us his number and Carmen's! They said to call us anytime and to stop by that bar because that's their place and they would love to see us there again! How wonderful of them!
Yes, I was still a bit weary of my appearance and actions. I probably will be for awhile until I completely adjust to Spanish life. But I am so grateful (and I told this to both Angel and Carmen) that we were able to go out and meet Spaniards and experience Spanish nightlife for the first time. This is exactly what I need! They were more than happy to take us out! What a night, Madrid!
After going through the oh- so- important meetings of finding our own pisos, we felt very distressed. My friend Emili and I plan to share a piso, if possible and we began to seach for them today. We looked in Segunda Mano, which is the Spanish equivalent of the classifieds and circled places that looked favorable. We attempted to call the landlords and discuss the apartments, but got no where (many did not answer their phones). With long orientation meetings, long walks around a strange city, surprising and curious cafeteria food, a placement exam, the very difficult classes looming, and trying to find apartments in a city we've known for three days...we tend to find ourselves tired and cranky. I assume this is normal, but we definitely need to destress. That was exactly our aim this evening...
Kyle, Katie and I decided to wonder around our dorm to find people in our program to go out with, but many were MIA. We sat in our courtyard discussing our options and after much debating and basically getting no where, we reluctantly decided to head to bed. But not quite. Two Spaniards who appear to work in the dorm approached us and inquired of our plans. Lame as we sounded, we said we were headed to bed. One of the Spaniards, Angel, said, "What?! Now? it's only 1:00AM! The night is just getting started in Spain!" It was at that moment that he asked us to head out with him and meet his friends at a bar! Our friend Matt from Wisconsin joined us as well. I was super excited and a tad nervous because I don't know all the Spanish customs but we happily agreed to join him. On the way to the bar we discussed the distinct cultural differences between the U.S and Spain. Angel is really nice and understanding of American customs and he really enjoyed explaining the Spanish way of life.
We arrived at the bar and I began to feel really nervous. I wanted so badly to fit in. I get a strong vibe that everywhere we go, whether along or in a group, we stand out as Americans. It's obvious to Spaniards. I don't want to be just another American in Spain. I want to be part of the Spanish culture. And so Angel introduced us to his friends and they all were SO friendly and nice and completely understanded that our Spanish isn't perfect. We met his friend Carmen, who is the most fun gal I think I've ever met in my life. She took a strong interest in us and made us feel as comfortable as possible in our new culture. We danced, sang, played fooseball, talked about EVERYTHING, and Carmen and Angel just really helped us loosen up a bit. Angel bought the five of us a popular Spanish drink (i don't remember the name) to share and of course, as the Americans we are, it was gone in 15 minutes. The Spanish drink very slowly and I felt like an idiot because I drink quickly. But no fear, I wasn't drinking to get drunk. I just wanted to experience Madrid nightlife for the first time. As 2:30AM approached, Angel invited us to continue the party but we unfortunately had to get up the next morning early to look for pisos. He gladly walked us back to our dorm and gave us his number and Carmen's! They said to call us anytime and to stop by that bar because that's their place and they would love to see us there again! How wonderful of them!
Yes, I was still a bit weary of my appearance and actions. I probably will be for awhile until I completely adjust to Spanish life. But I am so grateful (and I told this to both Angel and Carmen) that we were able to go out and meet Spaniards and experience Spanish nightlife for the first time. This is exactly what I need! They were more than happy to take us out! What a night, Madrid!