Submitted by Emma Straw on the 2020 spring semester study abroad program in Madrid, Spain…
I thought I’d kick off week three with some observations I’ve made about Madrid.
First, Spaniards never seem to be in a rush. Everyone is either walking at a leisurely pace or they’re stopped in the middle of a sidewalk, talking or smoking a cigarette. The only time I’ve ever seen anyone rush to get somewhere is if they’re trying to get on the metro right before it leaves. And even then, some people just continue their slow walk and wait for the next one. It’s a big change from the U.S., where everyone always seems to be in such a rush.
Second, smoking cigarettes is very common, and it’s allowed just about everywhere.
Third, and probably my favorite observation, dogs are allowed just about everywhere, too! In cafés, check. In restaurants, check. In stores, check. I might just have to move to Madrid permanently just so I can bring my dog everywhere I go!
Fourth, dogs are really well behaved. People will walk their dogs without a leash and the dogs won’t wander, even when other dogs are around them.
Fifth (and my last dog observation), people love to make their dogs wear coats. I’ve seen hundreds of little dogs walking around Madrid in parkas and rain jackets! (I’ll try and get a picture for the next post.)
To end this post, my final observation (which is actually my opinion) is that Spanish coffee is by far the best coffee I’ve ever had. I don’t want to think about what I’m going to do when I can’t order a café con leche back in the United States.
Well, I plan to add to this list over the next few months and I’ll make sure to get a picture of some dogs in coats for next time!