A month ago, I arrived in Madrid and then started by internship at ROOSTERGNN. I’ve learned plenty of things. How has this experience opened my mind?
1. Working is better than studying
Study | Moyan Brenn
I’ve always believed that attending university is the best thing that you can do. Actually, I’ve recently changed my mind. After four years of lessons and exams, I’m impatient to put into action the things that I’ve learned. Professors give us a lot of fundamental notions, but we haven’t had the possibility of putting them into practice (at least in Italy, where I attended university). This is the reason why I chose to come here and starting my real professional life. I find out that I’d rather be working instead of studying. It will be hard going back to study in Italy (I still have a few courses to finish up). I love ending my day: no studying, no heavy books and no names to remember.
2. In Madrid you can do lots of things for free
Money | Jason Devaun
It’s unbelievable the amount of things that you can do for free in this city. I suggest you to visit the page Madrid Free to discover them all! Workshops, museums, cinemas, temporary expositions, theathers and so on! Don’t miss them! Search on the web (Madrid Free is the best page, in my opinion, but there are more, check out Madrid Gratis and Freezity, for instance).
If you get the Abono Joven metro pass (for young people under 26), you can visit lots of towns in the surroundings of Madrid for free. Check out my article on the best places that you can visit here. Every day, free workshops are held, from yoga to English classes.
Do you want to discover the city without paying? There are free guided tours, too. Don’t miss the opportunity of enjoying everything that the city offers!
3. The most efficient metro I’ve ever taken
Metro | VivirElTren.es
After staying a year in Paris and having to live with the smell of the Parisian metro, I’ve finally found the cleanest and most efficient metro I’ve ever seen. Granted, I have not traveled everywhere in the world, so some of my readers may not agree with me here. But the 20 Euro metro pass is really unique! Get one.
4. The city is quite little
Map | Daniel Primo
Madrid isn’t as big as other capitals. (Again, I have not traveled everywhere, so please you can disagree with me!) You can go almost everywhere by walking. Even if you don’t live in the city centre, you can reach it in twenty minutes thanks to RENFE trains.
Another perfect alternative is the bicycle, in my opinion. You can rent it! There are many bike sharing stations around the city.
5. The times of the shops are strange
Timetable | Eduardo Arias Rábanos
During my first days in Madrid, whenever I went to a shop I always found it closed. I’m not referring to the shops in the Gran Via or in the heart of the city, but to bookshops, stationer’s, and so on. Then, I’ve found out that the timetable of the shops is very different from the Italian one, or anywhere else in the world. In fact, they open at 10:00 and they close at 14:00. After a break they re-open at 16.30 or 17:00. Pay attention: many small shops or small restaurants might be closed on Monday!
6. I love living in a shared flat
Roommates | Robert Judge
Living in a shared flat is an amazing experience. I love having a great time with my roommates, telling each other about our day and then relaxing in front of the TV. You can learn a lot living with other people.
Moreover, they help me with my Spanish and thanks to them, I am improving fast. Of course, cohabitation can be difficult. Be honest and sincere with your roommates and tell them if they are doing something wrong. Everything will go smoothly!
Are you looking for a flat in Madrid? Here you can find some tips!
7. There are so many trashy programs on TV here!
TV | Even Westvang
I thought that the Italian television offered the worst programs in the world. Yet, I have discovered that the Spanish ones are even worse! There are a lot of reality shows and programs like that.
Actually, I must admit that I’ve started watching some of them. I don’t like them…It’s for learning Spanish (this is the excuse that I’m using). There also many good programs, El Intermedio is my favorite one.
8. Learning in the field is the way!
Journalist | Esther Vargas
Learning in the field is the best way to learn. I love learning by doing. Did you know I scored an invitation to the Madrid Fashion Week as a journalism intern at ROOSTERGNN? It’s awesome.
9. I love Spanish dishes
Tortilla | Su-Lin
I am fond of Spanish dishes. If I continue like this, I am going to come back home with 5 kilos more, haha. I’ve also learned cooking some of them: my tortillas are excellent! Not only tapas, also bakery products are very good: churros with chocolate, rosquillas, napolitanas… you are spoiled for choice! The typical dish of Madrid is a cocido, a stew made with meat (pork, beef, chicken), vegetables and beans.
10. Spanish people are so adorable!
Spain | Elentir
Spanish people are kind and very extroverted. They are always ready to help you, for example, when you need information on the street. It’s a country where everyone feels welcome, in my opinion. Leaving aside the political differences around the country, as a foreigner I have felt very welcome here. So much so, that I don’t want to leave!
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