Like most people, I usually don’t look forward to Mondays, but today felt different. With it being my last week in Madrid, I caught myself soaking in the familiar sights on my commute, already feeling a rush of nostalgia for my now-familiar routine. The past week has been a whirlwind of exploration, tinged with the shadow of goodbyes.
Weekend Adventures
This past Thursday was the last day for the German interns, and we decided to have a proper farewell Friday after work. We headed to a café together and (after realizing that we would all need to pass through it on the way back home) decided to spend some time exploring El Retiro as a fun final activity before they boarded their flight Saturday morning. Our route led to a garden that I hadn’t been to yet, and they happily assisted my endeavors to fill up my phone storage with more flower photos.
We were all sad to say goodbye, but I hope to see them in Berlin someday for the annual Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures). They had told me about this event during their first week in the office, and I still haven’t been able to get the images of beautiful costumes and wide smiles out of my mind. Hopefully by then I can have a basic understanding of German!
After heading opposite directions, the remaining intern and I made some weekend plans, realizing we wanted to visit many of the same places. That afternoon we met at Templo del Debod, which had a gorgeous view of the city. Nearby was Parque del Oeste, and we were able to walk around as the sun set (and stumbled upon another rose garden). Part of the reason for us being in this area was because it was close to a Cine de Verano, an outdoor summer cinema. I really appreciated being able to bring our own food, and throughout the film we ate grapes, granola, and rice cakes that we had purchased from a nearby grocery store. The showing was in the evening, and as the hours crept on, it became the first time that I regretted not bringing another layer while in Madrid.
Luckily, the movie as well as the audience were more than enough to distract me from my slight discomfort. I loved the energy from the crowd, with people oooh-ing at the kisses and laughing at small jokes throughout the film. As the credits came on screen and I joined in the applause, I thought about how this movie had a much more communal atmosphere compared to the theaters I’ve been to in the United States. I don’t know if it was because it was held outside or if this is the norm for all theaters in Spain, but I appreciated us sharing the viewing experience.
On Saturday, I went to pick up my pottery piece from a few weeks ago and was pretty pleased with the results. The painting process for ceramics requires a lot of trust since the colors end up being very different after being fired in the kiln. There was also a donut shop on the same block as the pottery store, and I figured it wouldn’t hurt to stop by and grab something from there too. Feeling re-energized, I decided to visit the Banksy museum, which I pass by everyday on my way to work. I was impressed with the range of art styles showcased, only having known Banksy for his stencil graffiti. When discussing the museum with my host mom that night, she mentioned that she had a book on Banksy, and I eagerly skimmed through the extra art and stories.
I wrapped up the weekend with an early trip to El Rastro, thankful to avoid the heat and the worst of the crowds. Although I had finished my shopping quickly, I took some time after to wander and admire the wide array of antique items on display. It was sad to think that this was my last Sunday in Madrid, and I knew it would be a while until I saw the market again.
Reflection
Seeing the blend of languages and multicultural atmosphere has strengthened my desire to learn languages (with a slight bias toward German and French after speaking with the other interns). I have admired how they texted and communicated seamlessly, sometimes with a blend of three languages in one conversation. It was a nice reminder of how interconnected our world is.
This sense of connection also carries into the mindset of the workplace. As a small nonprofit office, our work station can get cramped and rarely looks pretty. However, the welcoming atmosphere and energy never falters. Whether it’s collaborating on an Instagram post, chatting with the kind old man at the front desk, or showing someone into the meeting room, building meaningful relationships grounds every interaction. While a person can be considered successful in the United States sitting at their desk and completing set tasks, here you need to tackle ambiguity and take time to form strong connections with your coworkers. This communal attitude is one that extends outside of the workplace; it is a core component of Spain that I felt during my walks through El Retiro and during the echoing applause as the film came to a close. This is what will linger with me long after I have left Madrid.