Experiencing the amazing country of Spain for the first time was an unforgettable experience rich with a deep culture. Studying outside my own familiar country and immersed in a brand new culture started out as quite an adjustment. First, being surrounded with only the Spanish language, both in school and with my host, was a long and slow adjustment. However experiencing the city of Madrid and its people showed and helped me to learn a great deal of culture. Surrounded with so much to see and do, such as the museums, exquisite buildings, lots of great shopping and even an escape to nature at the Retro park gave me a rich understanding of this country and its people. One of my favorite experiences was going with my Abroad class to see the famous Spanish dance called The Flamingo. The Flamingo show consisted of beats to fast then slow dancing, which had a background of a guitar and song set to it.
The famous Reina Sofia museum with Beautiful Picasso paintings also made my learning experience fun and memorable.
Retro park of Madrid portrayed Spanish culture with several amazing sculptures and historic monuments as well a beautiful large and grand lake in the middle of it.
Living in Madrid was a wonderful way to experience and learn about the Spanish people, culture and history.
I especially enjoyed its welcoming and lively atmosphere, filled with tourists from all over the world, lots of music and the hustle of a big city. Shopping on Grand Via, trying many tapas, eating small meals throughout the day, as well as enjoying an afternoon siesta before a late night, are many of the great experiences I will remember.