I’m about to enter my last week here in Madrid, and I’ve spent the past week trying to explore anything that I have yet to explore. On Tuesday, I got to watch the semi-finals for the Euros at a large screen that the mayor had set up.
The spirit and pride that everyone there had was contagious, and every goal was marked by jumping, fireworks, and celebration.
The atmosphere was electric, with people draped in their national flags, faces painted in team colors, and various chants filling the air. Friends and strangers were high-fiving and hugging. It was an unforgettable experience that I got to repeat yesterday during the Spain vs. England finals. But I’ll get back to that later.
On Wednesday we had our farewell lunch with the rest of our program, because the students from Chapman university end a week before we do. We got to eat on a terrace, and the meal was structured where a bunch of shareable plates came out before our individual entrees. This gave me the chance to try a lot of different foods. Following that, the group decided to head to the pool to cool off a little from the Madrid heat. The public pools in Madrid are really interesting, because you have to either get tickets ahead of time or get there early enough that they don’t sell out for the day. The first pool that we went to had already been sold out for the day, so unfortunately, we learned this the hard way and had to find another public pool that still had tickets available.
The rest of the week was spent with goodbyes and reminiscing with the rest of our group about some of the memories we made here.
On Saturday, I visited San Miguel Market, which is a super busy spot full of amazing food in the heart of Madrid.
The market’s housed in this cool old building with an iron framework that gives it a vintage vibe. Inside, it smelled incredible with all the fresh tapas, seafood, and baked goods. There were stalls everywhere, packed with colorful produce, tasty cheeses, cured meats, and all kinds of pastries. I wandered around and got to try some different jams, cheeses, etc. The place was buzzing with chatter from vendors and shoppers. It was a fun dive into Spanish culture and food, definitely one of the highlights of my trip. The ambiance and excitement was definitely one of my favorite parts of the experience.
Following that, we went to Parque de las Siete Tetas, where many locals hang out, particularly during sunset because the view is gorgeous. You can see almost the entire city and get a gorgeous view of the sunset. The park was dotted with groups of friends, couples, and families, all relaxing on the grass or sitting on blankets, enjoying picnics. There were people playing guitars, kids running around, and a general sense of community and relaxation. We found a great spot on one of the hills, where we could see the skyline and the famous landmarks of Madrid. I could see the general neighborhood of my homestay, the royal palace, and so many other places that I had visited. The atmosphere was peaceful yet lively, with everyone taking in the stunning view.
It was genuinely the perfect end to the day, and really a great time for me to reflect and appreciate the time that I spent here.
Finally, on Sunday, we got to watch the finals of the euros at the big screen set up by the mayor once again, and the celebrations definitely did not fall short of expectations. It was a very similar experience to watching the semifinals, but the crowd was even more boisterous and lively. I truly felt so lucky that I got to experience this during my time here.
Professional Success:
In Madrid, professional success is seen as a balance between work and personal life. It’s not just about having a high salary or title, but also about enjoying life outside of work. Building strong relationships with colleagues is very important, and people often network during social events like long lunches. A successful employee in Madrid is adaptable, works well in teams, and communicates clearly. They show passion and commitment to their job but also value their personal time. Unlike in the US, where, at least in my opinion, long working hours might be a sign of dedication, in Madrid, being efficient during work hours is more important. Decision-making usually involves getting input from everyone, and communication is often more indirect. To be successful in Madrid, it’s important to understand and respect these cultural differences, balancing professional goals with personal well-being and fostering good relationships with colleagues.