I told myself on the last post that I’d start posting regularly but, as you can see, I failed miserably. So, As I come to the end of month six, I figured it was due time to update you on my adventures in Madrid. They say the majority of fetal growth occurs during the second tri-mester of a pregnancy ( and just to clarify NO I am not pregnant). I saw the same thing happen to me during my second trimester as a Madrileña. It is pretty surreal to look back and see a completely different person than what you have become. But, before I get ahead of myself, let’s go back a few months to re-cap.

Month Four// “HOLY… WHAT A WEEK!”


April, also known as month four marked the beginning of the Spring season and with it the blooming of many things; Among them, unexpected friendships. It seems like overnight my social network was expanding and my agenda kept filling. Birthday parties, Flat parties, concerts and pub crawls filled my days and in mid April, i was lucky enough to travel to the Andalucian region ( Granada, Sevilla) to celebrate Semana Santa (Holy week) the Spanish way. I discovered that Granada could possibly be my second favorite city in Spain due to its bohemian/gypsy vibe  and Arabic influences. I also met quite a lot of people while staying at hostels. Accompanied by the my best girls here, Kelly and Danielle, we ended our Semana Santa in the pristine town of Lagos, Portugal and truly had an unforgettable vacation complete with my first sunburn of 2011. 

Things I learned this month:

  • The KKK were inspired for their costume attire by the Nazarenos of Semana Santa Processions ( a bit shocking for an American in Europe to witness)
  • Great friends are found in the most unlikely places
  • Tequila can mix with pretty much anything. 
  • If you don’t close the shutters while you are getting dressed, your neighbors will surely see you. 

Month Five// “Birthdays and Budding friendships”


As May drew near, I started to feel a tinge of sadness come over me; My 26th birthday (May 8th) would soon arrive and it was be my first one outside of the US and without my birthday twin (My younger sister). Also, I was entering my “Mid to late twenties” and my social circles were mostly in their early twenties (sigh, the good ol’ years…) So, it was no surprise that the morning of my actual birthday I had a bout of homesickness and tears. Nothing for too long of course, because soon my street filled with eager protesters on a march and I welcomed year 26 with the sounds of trumpets, drums and colorful banners. I was surprised by my very best friend with a care package filled with goodies and things I never knew I’d miss ( such as American Fashion Magazines) The month also launched me into the dating scene and I made some new friends (wink, wink). Overall May delivered some fun times, new friends and scandalous adventures alongside my best girls. 

Things I learned this month:

  • Birthday parties stop including balloons and party favors after age 25.
  • Dating is a universal ritual with minor differences among cultures
  • That I am a female McGuyver on rainy days and can create interesting toys.
  • That some friends are for life and no matter where in the world you are, they will always love you the same as if you were next to them ( That one’s for you, Leslie) 

Month Six// ” Summer heat,  You SUCK”


After living in Florida for two decades, you’d probably assume I’d be the expert in all things hot and humid ( get your mind out of the gutter, I’m talking ‘bout the weather) but, Although I had been warned since January about the exhaustive heat Madrid summers contain, I had no idea what I would encounter. June entered in a smoltering way as summertime often does and within the first two weeks, I was off for a couple days to the Mediterranean coastal town of Alicante, Spain for some burning ( or tanning, as some may call it). The heat was expected in the beach town and I happily enjoyed my time with friends hoping that the pavement-melting calor wouldn’t be as strong back in the city…

Things I learned this month: 

  • Sunburns are the single most uncomfortable feeling in the world.
  • Stealing rowboats on the Retiro Park lake is quite fun
  • Public commuting is the Government’s way to control obesity… especially in the calorie melting Summertime.
  • Watermelon with lime is a God send for hot afternoons. 

Clearly, I was wrong and upon my return to Madrid I was greeted with the most miserable introduction to Summer: Face glistening, incessant sweating, dry heat. Not only has my water consumption increased but, my frequency of showers has as well and as I write this, I am sitting on the balcony dressed in my swimsuit to avoid going completely nude in public ( much to my inner exhibitionist’s dismay). I have no idea how I will survive two more months of this heat without an Air Conditioner or backyard swimming pool so if I happen to melt before summers’ end, hope you’ve enjoyed reading, live long and prosper 

-S