#IPEMadrid

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Amsterdam <3

Hello everyone!

This week has been great so far as it is officially Spring in Madrid!!! Slowly the locals are shedding their coats, the sun is out and shining, and there’s a sense of joy and relaxation in the air. Yesterday actually had a high of 71℉ which was amazing. But, let’s rewind to the end of last week. 

My parents flew back to Madrid early in the morning on Friday, and I had a full day full of classes. BUT, then comes the fun part! Saturday morning I flew out of Madrid to Amsterdam to meet my boyfriend. Amsterdam has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and it’s safe to say that it lived up to my expectations. After arriving and checking in on Saturday, we quickly decided to take advantage of the nice weather, as Amsterdam can be quite finicky in the springtime. We walked around enjoying the beautiful views of the canals and then hit our first food spot - ZeroZero. Throughout our entire trip we had such amazing food so I want to actually highlight a few places we went below. 

ZeroZero: This was a casual/quick eats place that offers up authentic Italian sandwiches. We ordered two sandwiches - one vegetarian with grilled eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, fresh mozzarella cheese and olive oil, and the other with prosciutto, salami, and a cheese spread. These were sincerely some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.

Dante: This was a nicer sit-down Italian restaurant that we went to for dinner. I ordered a creamy truffle pasta and it was AMAZING. 

Chun Cafe: I found this place on tik tok - it is a cafe/boba shop that also specializes in sandwiches stuffed into milk bread. We waited about 40 minutes queuing to get in but it was worth the wait. We got the ribeye bulgogi, garlic shrimp and egg, and bacon egg and cheese sandwiches. 

Fable Friet: I had previously heard that this place is a must-try. They specialize in serving up fries that are covered in different toppings. We stopped by a bit later in the day when there wasn’t a line, and got fries with fresh parmesan cheese, a truffle aioli/mayo, and chopped onions on top. I actually am still craving these fries even though I’m back in Madrid. 

Van Wonderen Stroopwaffles: stroopwaffles are famous in Amsterdam, so we had to try! We got one covered with caramel, and the other with some type of butterscotch bark.

I truly had some of the best food ever while in Amsterdam, which made the trip so great. But, food isn’t all that the city has to offer. There were a ton of cool independent boutiques and vintage stores to shop through, and the locals were all extremely friendly! I also had the chance to meet up with one of my roommates back from Ann Arbor who was visiting, and we all were able to go on a canal cruise together. The tour offered unlimited wine and cheese which was super fun, and we got to learn some fun history about the city.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, the weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable. It was raining for the entirety of our last day there, but we luckily had planned on visiting a museum this day. We went to the Rijksmuseum, and it was so fun! It was filled with beautiful pieces of art, and also had the most beautiful library I have ever seen inside. It was a great rainy day activity that lasted for a few hours. Afterwards, we went to Food Hallen, a food hall (lol) that had a bunch of independent stalls/restaurants within it. It was similar to a food court, but a lot more fun. We spent our afternoon trying different small dishes from the vendors. 

Overall, Amsterdam was an amazing experience, and I think it might just be my new favorite city that I’ve visited. But, I am happy to be back in Madrid, and not just because it’s a lot sunnier and warmer here. Here’s to another week of fun!

Abbey Almeda

Industrial and Operations Engineering

UP Comillas

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First Weekend Trip

Looking back on my first weekend of travel, I have absolutely no complaints and am grateful to have a host country that makes travelling so easy! 

On Friday afternoon, I was able to catch a flight with a few friends and go visit Florence for the weekend. Transportation went much smoother than I expected. Taxi to the airport was inexpensive and efficient, and security went by in a breeze. I tried to keep my weekend economical, which meant cheap flights and randomly assigned seats, but that didn’t seem to matter, especially on relatively short flights. In Florence, I was lucky enough to have two Italian friends, both fluent, to chaperone us around. We were able to get great local restaurant recommendations, enhancing the quality and providing an immersive experience we otherwise might’ve missed. We also went out to local night spots, including outdoor patios in small, winding, streets. On Saturday, we spent most of the day walking around, trying new foods, and exploring the city and its hotspots, especially places such as the famous Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. More local Italian restaurants and desserts had us winding down early for the night, and ready for a Sunday full of museums before our flights home. I highly recommend finding storage lockers such as StowYourBags to allow you to visit any places you missed before a late-night flight. Assuming you have to check out of your Airbnb/hotel, it gives you an extra day to explore the location you’re in without carrying around bags. After locking our luggage, we had the opportunity to visit the Medici Museum of Art, Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (GA), and the Uffizi Gallery. Pieces like the famous David sculpture and Birth of Venus were incredible to finally see firsthand and helped me dive deeper into Italian artwork I otherwise wouldn’t have seen. All in all, the experience was better than anything I could’ve hoped for, and I can’t wait for my next weekend trip to Amsterdam!

Sebastian Wallace-Perdomo

Industrial and Operations Engineering

IPE Madrid, Spain

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Week 2 - Classes in Madrid

My first week of school has begun at Universidad Pontificia Comillas, and has been filled with excitement, adjustments, and new opportunities. While building my schedule, I knew it was important to find balance. To do this, I mixed my rigorous requirements with immersive cultural courses, ensuring balance and a continued interest. As far as my day-to-day schedule goes, I have daily classes in person, but I ensured time to travel by selecting early Friday classes. 

Classes such as Thermodynamics, Dynamics, and Material Science are the aforementioned required classes I need to take. These will prove demanding yet rewarding. I’m excited for this new challenge. The classes I’m very excited to take, however, include Spanish Culture and Spanish Culture Through Films. These will give me the opportunity to explore Madrid, learn more about Spanish history and culture, and challenge myself. Expanding on these nuanced learning styles will transform me into a well-rounded student. 

The schedule itself has taken some getting used to. Classes are longer and more spread out than UMich, but I’ve already found ways to make it work. Quick trips to nearby cafés for a coffee and snack during breaks have become a lifesaver. The campus also a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, with areas mixed local and international students. WhatsApp groupchats centered around assistance with navigating Madrid and class tips have made the adjustment smoother.

After laying the foundation for an unforgettable semester, I’m excited to make every moment count. Now that my classes are in order, I’m looking forward to travel and extracurriculars. 

Sebastian Wallace-Perdomo

Industrial and Operations Engineering

IPE Madrid, Spain

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Week 1: Housing + Dining

One of the most important, and stressful, parts of moving to Madrid was figuring out my housing situation. Housing was not included in my program, so I spent weeks, and weeks, … and weeks looking at different options, hitting dead ends, and rearranging my roommate situation. The important thing for me was not to get discouraged and lose faith. Even in mid-November, when most of my Michigan classmates had their places lined up, I was still searching. Eventually, it all worked out, and I am very happy living with friends from home in our current apartment. My advice is if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t panic! 

Just a week in, I can already see how important my decision to prioritize location was, as being in Centro is an absolute necessity. Other friends living outside this area have had a tough time getting acclimated to the city, moving from place to place, and attending campus. Even if the living conditions aren’t perfect, I highly recommend prioritizing a location closer to the center of Madrid. While the city has a fantastic metro system, it can become a pain that is best avoided.

Meals have proven to be a slightly confusing topic to navigate, as it is very different from the States in a cultural aspect. Lunch is typically at 2 pm, with dinner at 10 pm. Meals include a variety of “tapas” (appetizers) as opposed to a large main dish you may be used to. My roommates and I decided early on to grocery shop, giving us options throughout the day to cook and save some money. Groceries are very cheap in Madrid; a normal $200-300 trip cost us €120. 

All in all, the best thing for me has been exploring my neighborhood early on. I have already found myself being able to put away maps during walks home as I get accustomed to the area, providing more of a home-like feel that’s a necessity early on. 

Sebastian Wallace-Perdomo

Industrial and Operations Engineering

IPE Madrid, Spain

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Initial Reflection

The time has finally come to begin my semester abroad in Madrid, and as I’ve settled in over the last two days, I have grown even more excited for the next 5 months. This will be THE time of my life, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience a new country, culture, and lifestyle. But I’ll be honest, I’m a bit nervous too. I have worries such as homesickness, getting lost, and not being welcome as an American tourist. It’s important to remember, however, that these feelings are natural, and every challenge will make the adventure more memorable. The important thing I remind myself is instead of challenges, these are reminders of what I am meant to overcome. If I don’t put myself in an uncomfortable situation, I’ll never grow. 

Looking ahead, I feel it’s important to have a few goals in mind to keep myself centered on what I hope to accomplish this semester.

• Aim to be open: I set a New Year’s resolution in preparation for this semester: Seize opportunity. Challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and embrace whatever comes my way, providing a path for curiosity to encourage personal growth. 

• Immerse yourself: Attend local events, try different foods, and learn more of the local language.

• Explore: Try to visit a new neighborhood, city, or country every week. I likely won’t have the opportunity to travel the world with close friends again, so take advantage.

When it's time to pack up and go home, I hope to check these boxes confidently and know without hesitation that I accomplished my goals. Here’s to 2025 in Europe! 

Sebastian Wallace-Perdomo

Industrial and Operations Engineering

IPE Madrid, Spain

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Guest Blog: Engineering in Madrid, Spain

Late February is when I made my first official plans for my study abroad trip. I knew I was going to be in Spain for all of June and July of the past summer, which perfectly coincided with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. It was the last weekend in June, and my roommate insisted that we go together. I had no idea what to expect, since I didn’t follow F1, much less been to a race. 

As the weekend approached, I had settled into Madrid. We took a train down to Barcelona the day before. The Spanish countryside whizzed past me through the window—hills dotted with olive groves and fields of sunflowers. The next morning, it was time for what would be one of the best experiences of my life. We woke up crazy early to catch the metro, because the track was pretty far outside Barcelona. I was surrounded by fans wearing team shirts and caps, some proudly waving flags for Ferrari, Aston Martin, (both have Spanish drivers) and other teams. The excitement was contagious, and I could feel the energy building as we got closer to Barcelona.

Friday was two free practices, and even without racing I could feel the excitement and smell the burnt rubber on the track. Saturday was when things really got started- there was one final free practice, and then qualifying, which determined where on the grid the drivers start. As the first round started, it was nail biting. My roommate and I each had our drivers we were rooting for, and we're dying to see if they would make it to the final round. Thankfully, they did, after a very close match up. 

Sunday was the day with the most excitement. It is impossible to describe the tense, electric feeling sitting heavily in the hot air. The morning was a whirlwind, and all of a sudden, it was lights out and away the drivers went. The crowd went wild as the cars took off, the intensity of the engines captivating every person on the circuit. I could barely sit still in my seat, my eyes fixed on every car as it zoomed past. After hours of nail-biting turns, daring overtakes, and strategic pit stops, the checkered flag finally waved, marking the end of an incredible race.

My roommate and I rushed onto the track, rushing with hundreds of other fans to see the podium. There is truly no feeling like looking up and seeing your favorite driver spraying champagne with the winners anthem. It was euphoric, and something I will never forget.

As the race ended, I made my way back to the train station with the rest of the fans, feeling like I had been part of something much bigger than just watching a race. I had witnessed the passion of Formula 1 racing live—and in Spain, no less. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I knew I’d carry with me far beyond my time studying abroad.

-Megan Gottfried

Engineering in Madrid, Spain

Summer 2024

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Reflecting - Madrid

Shaking the fogginess of my dissociated state, I draw back my to the journal in front of me, staring at the blank page, taunting me to spill the ink of my adventures and learnings from the past few weeks. 

Studying abroad, while initially daunting, is one of the best decisions I made for myself. I needed to form my own opinions of the world, to reach beyond the tattered pages of a textbook or my Instagram feed.

So I did just that. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and put myself in a new environment where I could learn more about myself, learn about the world. And it is an eye-opening experience. The adjustment was filled with culture shocks, embarrassment, headaches, and laughter. But through it all, I made new friends, had compassionate professors and acquired a team of people in my program that eagerly answered my questions. The best thing that I did for myself in this adjustment was to keep an open mind. If something felt astray, I simply would take a step back and try to understand it from a different angle.

When I found myself longing for the ease of living back home – wanting the comfort and regimen of my life in Michigan – I gave myself grace. I looked for ways to adapt to my surroundings, and turned towards journaling, yoga and cooking my favorite meals to ground myself. I also reminded myself that these frustrations and feelings of uncertainty were indicators that I was exactly where I needed to be, because it is in these new environments that we grow. There is so much that we don’t know about the world around us, and ourselves too. We must take that leap of faith, and give ourselves the chance to expand our horizons so that we might become better, more understanding human beings. There is only so much that you can capture through a lens. To feel, walk, and observe personally the world around you… it’s exhilarating.

There is much that I will bring home with me to Michigan, and as you likely guessed, I am not talking about souvenirs. I will bring home irreplaceable memories, a different lifestyle, new friends and perspectives on the world. Studying in Madrid gave me these incredible experiences. I would not trade them for anything, except perhaps a chance to do it all over again, to keep growing and see who I might become as I continue to challenge myself and my beliefs in an ever evolving world.

Many of the lessons I learned resonate with the principles of engineering and the environment. As engineers (Hello, Monica!), we must be able to understand the full picture. We must be able to see the world from diverse perspectives to understand how our designs and plans for the future could affect others. Part of this line of thinking requires immersing ourselves in new cultures so that we might be able to see where people’s ideologies, beliefs and mental infrastructures originate from and understand the impact – especially the implicit results – of our designs. There is no “one size fits all” solution to the problems vexing the world. Thus, I’ve learned that above all, we must talk with each other. We must collaborate and share the extent of our knowledge. We have one Earth, one chance at life. We must work together to achieve a safe, just and peaceful world. It is possible. 

I am incredibly grateful for those that I had the privilege of meeting and collaborating with this summer. I want to especially thank Monica, my professor, for an incredible class and guidance as I pursue new paths. I want to thank Alicia and the CEA CAPA team for all of their support, amazing trips, dinners, classes and advice. My friends – Gemma, Aidan, and Lukas – for the laughter and memories that we shared. And of course, my family, whose support of my ambition and thirst for knowledge gave me the confidence to pursue this extraordinary journey. Thank you all. I hope you had a few laughs in following my semester abroad, and maybe learned something new along the way. 

Sincerely,

Lilly

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Week 8: Saying goodbye to Madrid

Hola! Lilly from Madrid here. I am sad to accept that my studies in Spain have come to a close. It feels like I finally found my groove here. Packing and preparing for my post-study travels, I find myself thrust into the bittersweet reality of parting ways with my new friends (I will literally see them in 3 weeks) and a city that I will always be fond of. While my travels won’t end here, the pocket of time, the surreal feeling that is being abroad, is overwhelmingly over. An abrupt and chaotic ending if anything. Between finals, presentations, and an unexpected ER visit (I’m okay!) I still find myself grappling for closure.

Since I haven’t done so already, I thought for today I would go over what to expect for classes to give you a sense of what to expect as a student in Madrid. I will also add a list of recommendations for those of you planning to travel here!

The thing that I loved particularly about this study abroad experience was the balance between school and having time to explore and experience the Madrileño culture. Plus, no class on Friday!

My schedule was as follows:

Mondays and Wednesdays:

08:15 am - Calculus (3 hour block, with small break)

12:00 pm - Sustainable Development (or elective)

Monday - Thursday:

12:00 pm - Sustainable Development (or elective)

Although the early mornings were tough, it kept me productive. I found it a little difficult to maintain focus in Calc for that duration, but I much preferred having this class only twice a week. As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, lunch is typically the most important meal – the most filling at least – and wasn’t served until 1:30. This was perfect because I would get out of class just in time, then head back to take a quick siesta, which was when everything closed anyways. I love my power naps, and the built in time is during the hottest part of the day, so I never felt guilty for taking the time to decompress. Especially considering that Madrid is so vibrant and active at night. 

As promised, here is a list of some of my favorite things to do in Madrid, as well as my favorite neighborhoods.

Things to do:

Roam - It seems obvious, but I tried to wander around a different neighborhood each week. So many neighborhoods, not enough time.

Hang out/Picnic at parks - El Retiro is the most famous in Madrid, but there are so many in each neighborhood.

Nightlife - This is a huge part of Madrid culture. Grab a sweet treat and hang out with some friends in a Plaza or tapas bar.

Hiking - There’s “hiking” (more so just trails) in Casa de Campo, or catch a bus to Cercedilla. The mountains in the national park are super accessible. 

Cooking classes - These are super fun. I can make paella now :)

Concerts - Be sure to check if your favorite artists are in town. We also loved going to an orchestra performance!

Watch the sunset with friends. A good spot is in the grass across from the royal palace, but there is a better one… I cannot recall the name.

Go to the markets - El Rastro is the famous Sunday market, and I recommend going as early as possible (9:00 am I believe). San Miguel is popular, but on the more expensive side. San Fernando is more of a local spot in Lavapies, and has good Tapas. 

Travel! Madrid is centrally located, and it’s easy to take a quick day trip by bus/train. We took advantage of having three day weekends, and visited many cities throughout Spain. Flights are typically cheaper as well if you were looking to travel around western Europe. Psst trains are the best! Use Omio to look for routes, it is typically cheapest here. 

Food from a cafe, and a sunset from a plaza.

Neighborhoods:

Malasana - Best for fun nightlife

Usera and Lavapies - These are multicultural communities with AMAZING food options. 

**City center - Stay away… there are lots of tourist traps and it is super expensive. There are some famous dessert places that are pretty good though.

Moncloa and Arguelles - This is where my classes were. These were nice areas with SO many restaurants, cafes, and fruit stands. It was very affordable to grab coffee between classes (Logic Coffee has amazing beans and makes a killer matcha latte) or enjoy a menu del dia. I think the most I paid for lunch here was 12-15 euro, and this included a beverage, two courses, and dessert or coffee. A steal!

I lived in Cuatro Caminos, but I preferred other neighborhoods. My favorite coffee shop in the area was Green Cafe, and there was a Gelateria close by. Otherwise, I would hang out elsewhere. 

This is just to name a few! I feel like I barely scratched the surface in Madrid. I hope you love the city. I have but one post left. See you soon :)

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Week 7: Sustainability in Madrid - Pt. 2

Hello and welcome back! As promised, I have compiled a list some of my favorite ways to travel and live sustainably. These are some of the things that I did when I was in Madrid and traveling around to reduce my impact.

Bringing my water bottle with me – This might seem most obvious, as most people at Michigan already bring their own bottles to class, but it’s important – most of the waste of a plastic bottle occurs upstream before you even buy it! Madrid has some of the BEST tap water in the world, and you can find drinking fountains everywhere around the city that consistently have good water. Even the bathroom tap water is good!

Reusing jars – I unfortunately did forget my reusable “ziploc” bags for snacks and things, so I started collecting jars. Yogurt containers are great for storing any leftovers, and any glass jar makes for a great coffee mug!

Using your own coffee cup – I was unsure if they would allow it, but my favorite coffee shop let me use my own jar for coffee. This is a great way to stay circular and limit your waste impact! Most of the time coffee is a social outing, so you use the glassware there. But for those caffeine pick me ups between class I would always have a jar on me. Fun fact, most paper coffee cups aren’t even recyclable because they have a plastic liner on the inside :(

Walk – The beauty of living in a big city, especially Madrid, is that everything is walkable. Madrid is considered a 15 minute city, meaning everything you could need is only a 15 minute walk or bike ride away. I even opted to walk to class because it was more efficient than taking the metro. 

Compost – Don’t forget to compost your food scraps! Madrid has a really good waste system, so it’s really easy to compost and recycle everything.

Fruit stands – I love that it is super easy to find fresh produce (and mostly locally grown) produce on every corner. Instead of buying fruit at a Día or Carrefour (the most commonly found supermarkets), opt to support the local economy and get any produce from your favorite fruit stand. Just make sure to politely let them know that you want to skip the plastic bag!

Tote Bags – this is an essential item, and it’s easy to pack! This is multifunctional and is great for groceries, school, a picnic, or just a day bag in general. Heads up, they charge you for plastic bags in Spain, so this is a great alternative.

Picnic lunch – I happened to have a little break between my classes, so I would bring my lunch (in one of my reused containers of course) and find a nearby park to decompress and refuel.

Clothes – Fast fashion is everywhere in Spain, and I beg of you to resist the temptation, (trust me) don’t buy from companies like Zara or Bershka if you can avoid it! If you forgot something, or are in the shopping mood, check out the vintage stores in Malasana, or find a Humana (there are so many of these) instead. 

Traveling – If you plan on traveling for a weekend, opt to take a train if possible. Prices will be cheaper if not the same as a flight, and oftentimes trains are a much more efficient even if the journey is a little longer. Plus, you don’t have to worry about luggage fees etc. Madrid has two stations, and I recommend using Omio or Trainline for booking trips. If I haven’t convinced you already, traveling by train also reduces your carbon footprint substantially!

Packing up and Leaving – instead of throwing away things like non-perishable foods, clothing, or household goods, find a local charity or ask the school if you can donate things for future students!

Picture 1 - Staying hydrated and enjoying the view of the Clerigos tower in Porto, Portugal. Picture 2 - I loved bringing my tote bag with me everywhere. I could carry my water, a fan, and my wallet. An added bonus: it's easy to keep close to you, so the risk of being pickpocketed is significantly lower. Lucky to say I haven't had any issues with this!

These are just a few tips on how to reduce your impact abroad, or even things you can do back in Ann Arbor! Remember that sustainability is going to look different for everyone. We don’t need everyone doing zero waste perfectly, but a lot of people working to make small changes to their current habits. I hope you learned something new and try these recommendations out! Good luck, you’ve got this :)

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Week 6: Sustainability in Madrid Pt. 1

Welcome back! Somehow only 2 weeks of the program remain. How that is possible I am not sure. Time moves differently here. 

This week I thought I would talk about sustainability in the city. Sustainability has always been a passion of mine, and I have taken it upon myself – this past year especially – to live minimalistically so that I reduce the impact I have on the environment. This is especially important to me when I travel, as I don’t want to impede on the planet or people living in Madrid. Let me preface this post by saying that I am by no means perfect when it comes to this. It is a learning experience and gradual development that is a continuous journey I choose to partake in. On a less serious note, I hope you learn something new in this post!

Before coming to Madrid, I was excited to see what the city was doing to counteract climate change and get an understanding of the sustainability culture. The EU, after all, has been paving the way for sustainable development. After living here for six weeks, I think Madrid is doing above average -- pretty well -- overall. They mandate recycling, have incredible public transportation – including electric buses throughout the city to reduce photochemical smog – incorporate incredible green spaces, and have also managed to restore the Manzanares River. This is just to name a few. 

I particularly love all of the parks, greenery, and trees that have been integrated into the city. It is beautiful, cohesive with the architecture, has a calming effect – supported by research and is true on a biological level – cleans the air of toxins, provides shade, and helps to regulate temperatures, which creates a cooling effect. Also, despite being a metropolitan city, just an hour's bus ride away is a national park and even closer is Casa de Campo, a large park with mountain biking and hiking trails. All of these amazing services and parks that the city has to offer are truly something to be grateful for. Without the greenery and attention to nature, I'm not sure I would be able to live in the city quite frankly. Being able to coexist with nature is something that I've learned is of high importance to me.

In most parts of the city -- even on the busier streets -- I can find a variety of beautiful greenery. Many businesses will use decorative plants as well.

The reason I mentioned that Madrid is doing pretty well and not great is because there is one particular piece of the puzzle missing that would take the city’s sustainable development to the next level. The culture and environmental mindset in the city is not quite there yet. While they do educate children at a young age, I feel as though there is still an abundance of consumerism here (like the States) and lack of a circular economy. For those of you that may be unfamiliar with this term, it is a model of resource production and consumption in any economy that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. It may seem intimidating, but there are plenty of ways and simple changes that you can make to your lifestyle with just a little planning and awareness!

Nonetheless, Madrid is heading in the right direction, and I hope it continues to tackle environmental issues and progress as a sustainable city. Come back next week for a part two on how I incorporate sustainability into my lifestyle and how to be environmentally friendly while traveling! Until next time :) 

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Week 5: Culture shocks, lifestyle, and observations in Madrid

Hola from Madrid! This is Lilly, a CEE student, and this week I thought I would go over some of the culture shocks and adjustments I’ve made to my lifestyle in the past month. This post is on the longer side, but I wanted to share some of my observations.

Everything is slower in the best way possible. Used to the typical hustle and bustle of campus life, Spanish culture is a breath of fresh air. Back home, I would often walk so fast between classes that I would get shin splints. But here, it is a casual stroll everywhere I go. A sharp contrast from the persistent hustle culture of America. I absolutely love it (and so do my shins), because it has brought a sort of balance in my schedule. A built in time of appreciating the beauty around me – the architecture, greenery, people – as well as checking in with myself. A time where I can ponder the deeper questions I so desperately want answers to. A time to swim amongst the currents that are my thoughts. While I was originally annoyed by my nearly 30 minute commute to class, it is now a time of listening to music and decompressing with a book on the metro. Not everything, I have realized, needs to be efficient or planned to the hour.

Here are some pictures of the architecture and art I have the privilege of viewing during my walks.

Socialization is key. Playing into the slower pace of life, socialization is an important part of Madrid and Spanish culture. Lunch is meant to be a time of laughter and easy conversation. Plazas are for hanging out on a bench and relaxing. Cafes aren’t for work, but sipping a latte and meeting with friends. Parks are for picnics and late night strolls, a safe space for the enjoyment of all ages. Dinners are meant to be shared. Here, meals and public spaces are a way to step away from the chaos of work and actually live. Live. Not survive or go through the motions of the day. Not an inconvenient task meant to be checked off a list. But to take a step back and experience the present moment. This is something that has become important to me. Even with a limited social battery, humans need humans.

Smoking culture here is huge. I don’t personally participate, but it isn’t uncommon to find students smoking between classes, people smoking on their commute, people gathered in a plaza. Here, it is socially acceptable to smoke at basically any point in the day.

Getting the bill at a restaurant. Here, restaurants are in no rush to cycle customers in and out. So you can enjoy your meal at a slow pace, and flag down your server when you are ready to depart. It’s a little awkward, but a little gesture and eye contact eventually will do the trick.

Menu del dia. Kind of like a “specials” menu in the states, you can find a menu del dia pretty much anywhere. This is a specific menu for lunch that includes a drink, starter, main course, and your choice of dessert or coffee. I personally love this, it is economical and always at a great price. Lunch is meant to be the largest meal of the day, and a menu del dia will always hold me over until a 9:00 dinner. 

“Military time”. This is standard in all of Spain, and to my knowledge, most of Europe as well. It isn’t a huge deal in my opinion, just something to get used to.

People are out late. You will even find kids in the park running around well past 10 or 11.

Drinking culture. Here it isn’t uncommon to find people sipping on a sangria or beer as early as 11:00. It is common to have one drink with lunch or dinner since it usually comes with a menu del dia. It is important to note, however, that visible aloofness or abuse of alcohol in any setting is frowned upon. 

Public display of affection. It seems silly to talk about, but you will find that people aren’t shy here about holding hands etc.

Commuting 30 mins is normal. Madrid is a 15 minute city, so you will be able to find everything you could need in close proximity. But realistically, if you are taking the metro it is going to end up taking you 20-30 minutes to reach a different neighborhood of the city.

Lunch breaks and siestas. Like I said before lunch is a time to socialize and take a break. Most schools and people in general will take about a 2 hour break. Stores like pharmacies or grocers will also close for a short period of time usually between 2:00-4ish. People don’t realistically nap for 2 hours, but it is a built in time of rest that originated from staying out of the summer heat during the hottest part of the day. 

Staring. People will stare and it’s not necessarily because they think you are a foreigner, it’s simply just a normalized thing here. No need to be self conscious. 

Crossing the street and walking. People don’t really organize by the “right is right” rule. So crossing the street is typically a chaotic maneuver of zig zagging through people.

Typical fashion. The rumors are true. People generally dress nicer here. There is still a wide range of styles, especially between teenagers, but I will dive into this in a later post.

Going out. People will stay out late here. It isn’t uncommon for people to arrive at clubs and bars as late as 2:00 or 3:00 and not leave until the sun rises. 

I’m sure to have forgotten a few, but I hope this gives you a sense of what the Madrid lifestyle is like. If I think of any more I will be sure to add them to my future posts. Until next time!

[umichenginabroad]

Week 4: Surf Camp

Hey guys! This is Lilly, for those of you just finding this blog, I am a CEE student studying abroad in Madrid. I can’t believe it’s already been a month since my arrival. Time seems to be passing so quickly here despite the slower pace of life, just one of my favorite things about Spain. Knowing that my time here is limited has only made me appreciate everything that much more. Though, I will admit my Spanish speaking abilities haven't quite reached a level of fluency. At least I can say I figured out the metro system.

This past weekend my friends and I traveled to a town just outside of San Sebastian – Zarautz – to catch some waves at a surf camp! It was my first time surfing, but I was feeling pretty confident since I’d been snowboarding most of my life. Surfing has been on my bucket list for a few years now, and when I found out it was popular in Spain I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. Little did I know, surfing would become my new favorite adrenaline addiction. After just one lesson and a few waves – and faceplants of course – I was grinning ear to ear. 

Surf hair don't care!

The cool thing about this surf camp was that it was also a hostel. This was my first time staying in one, and I think the coolest thing about hostels is meeting new people. People, that from pure chance and a sprinkle of fate, all came to the same city at the same time. From Australia to Amsterdam, everyone was there for an adventure. For just a few days, it was like having a found family. While we were all at different places in our lives, we were all there under the same roof, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Sharing star signs, horror stories, and everything in between, these conversations were a refreshing reminder that at the end of the day, everything will work out – all in good time – and that the present moment is exactly where we are supposed to be. So if you have the chance, stay in a hostel. It’s an experience that really opened my eyes and might give you some new perspectives on life.

When we weren't surfing, we enjoyed the beautiful landscape and played frisbee on the beach.

Thanks for reading, I hope you are enjoying the travel content. Stay tuned for next week, hasta pronto!

[umichenginabroad]

Week 3: Toros?

My heart thundered in my chest, I held my gaze forward, not daring to look away one second. The snap of brush sounded from behind. I didn’t need to peer over my shoulder to confirm that my 3 friends were lingering close. They had kindly let me lead the way. So generous. I dug my nails into the palms of my hands, a tether to reality, and took a steadying breath, drawing in the scent of pine. I had to stay focused. I sent a prayer to the universe, hoping the other hikers were indeed correct. That the cows and bulls – yes, bulls –  staggered amidst our trail were indeed peaceful.

As I studied the best possible route – the one with the least intimidating cows – I signaled to my friends to keep moving. A twig cracked beneath my boot, drawing the attention of the nearest brown and white spotted bull, its bell rattling with the movement. Pure instinct had me halting, my right foot still suspended mid-air. I maintained a neutral position, trusting that my body language communicated nothing but amity. 

The cow went back to grazing on the bush before him, unfazed by our presence. I released a breath I hadn’t known I was holding, and we continued forwards, hoping the remaining 5 in the herd had similar intentions of allowing us to pass. 

Our first encounter with the bulls. They were not as calm, and we did reroute during our ascent.

With great luck, not a single one looked our way as we continued downwards. A success compared to our first encounter with a muscular, young bull, who was not so keen on our passing.

When I had mentioned earlier this week to a friend that I wanted to hike, herds of cattle were not within the bounds of my imagination. I had read articles about venomous snakes and spiders. But bulls? Conveniently not within that article.

Nonetheless, hiking in Madrid is surprisingly accessible. Handy dandy AllTrails allowed us to plan ahead and map out our route, and the bus system here is relatively simple. Madrid offers long-distance buses, ones that go beyond the immediate city center, to the suburban areas. So, an hour and then some, and we were in the midst of the wilderness. Surrounded by Mediterranean shrubbery and pines, with only the wind whistling around the rocks. 

Our view along the ridge of our hike.

Four hours later – and after a few encounters with local wildlife – we found ourselves enjoying a menú del día in a quaint town, content with our latest adventure.

I hope you enjoyed this melodramatic story, for those of you who missed my last posts, my name is Lilly, and I am a student in CEE studying abroad in Madrid! Until next week :)

[umichenginabroad]

Week 2: Settling in and Sevilla

A gentle morning sun greets me as I settle into the train. Our destination? Valencia, the third largest city in Spain and our host for this weekend. Surrounded by the natural landscapes and rolling hills, I can’t help but reflect on my experience thus far. 

Welcome back! This is Lilly, a CEE student studying in Madrid. This week, myself and 13 flat mates were transferred from a residencia to our apartment for the remainder of our studies in Madrid. The rain, of course, was determined and persistent to mock us in the process, leaving us drenched by the time we reached our destination. Sopping wet in our foyer, our laughter rang, echoing off of the cavernous ceilings at the ill-timed downpour. Grinning ear to ear (mostly from the challenge of our arrival) we were finally able to settle into a barrio. Any nerves about Madrid living dissipated, as we took in the newly updated rooms that reflected a comfortable yet modern atmosphere. Opposed to the more traditional Spanish architecture and style that we anticipated, we are living in a newly updated co-living apartment, where we graciously have air conditioning and a dryer. Both of which are a rare commodity throughout Europe.

The highlight of the week (naturally), was our trip to Seville last weekend. This trip had been organized and included as part of our program, so we traveled as a group via train – my new favorite method of travel – and found ourselves within walking distance from the city center. Friday night we meandered about the city, marveling at the beautiful tilework and architecture of the old town. We enjoyed phenomenal (and economical) tapas at La Sacristia, found amazing gelato, and meandered along the Canal de Alfonso, lingering to ponder the peaceful nature of the city at night. Observing the liveliness of Seville, we admired the unhurried approach to nearly every aspect of their culture. Tarrying alongside the river, walking contentedly from place to place, taking the time to share a meal with friends and family. They were happy with where they were in the present moment, something I find myself valuing as I explore new cultures and cities. 

Canal de Alfonso. A peaceful setting to enjoy fresh air and companionship.

Saturday we were surrounded by an incredibly beautiful palace – one that connects three religions – the Royal Alcazar. It was hard not to be stunned by the intricacy and level of thought present throughout the walls and domed ceilings. I found myself enamored by the fact that we were walking on such an impertinent place of history, a time that resembled the prosperity that comes with collaboration and coexistence. While the gardens were slightly underwhelming, exploring the grounds and palace was a serene experience.

Ultimately, I loved Sevilla, and I highly recommend visiting and enjoying the casual pace of life.

Our view of the Cathedral as we wander along the streets of Seville.

A fun-filled week it had been, as my friends and I spontaneously attended the Madrid symphony orchestra, went to our first flamenco show, and are now about to arrive in Valencia, which I will be sure to highlight in my next post! See you then :)

[umichenginabroad]

Week 1: Finding my way

Hello again from Madrid! For those of you that missed my first post, my name is Lilly and I am a student in CEE at Umich.

While I may have only been here for a handful of days, I have experienced the “honeymoon phase” – the exciting time in which one realizes they are in a new country – and more recently the “culture shock phase” –  the time in which it feels overwhelming to adapt to a change in lifestyles. 

My first day here was both relieving (after nearly 15 hours of travel), and utterly terrifying. I was weary from jetlag (and looked like it), anxious about being in a new environment, and instantly humbled by how rusty my Spanish-speaking abilities were. Despite fumbling my words, I found that most Madrileños are patient. So even when they did respond to me in English with an assuming glance (remember embarrassment is a choice), each interaction I found myself becoming more comfortable speaking (my grammar is still horrific, however). 

I was very grateful that the program staff arranged a tour for us on the first day, pointing out the immaculately preserved history and beautiful architecture throughout the city, also highlighting the touristy places to avoid. 

Despite my initial worries of navigating life in Madrid, I have already learned so much about the culture and city, and I want to dive into some of my highlights from the week.

Since my classes didn’t begin until this past Monday, my new friends and I took advantage of the time to explore the city and get our bearings. The biggest initial adjustment was meal times. In Madrid, we eat breakfast immediately, lunch around 2-4 pm, and dinner isn’t until 9 pm, a stark difference from the early bird special. What I love most about mealtimes here is it is very social, and meant to be a time of enjoyment with friends and family. Here, they have a great appreciation for a slower pace of life, and part of that is taking the time to enjoy each other’s company. The patios make for a beautiful dinner after the sun goes down.

I also love how walkable everything is. I won’t go into too much detail (I will be sure to post about transportation later), but at a leisurely pace you can find everything you need only 15 minutes away. The architecture and integration of more natural landscapes make this a very enjoyable experience as well.

There are a variety of easily accessible trails and parks in Madrid, so we hiked a few miles to reach this scenic view of the city!

These are only a few of the memorable moments during my stay so far. I have much to learn, see, and experience here in Madrid. I find myself feeling content and excited to explore the city for a while yet. Until next time :)

[umichenginabroad]

Week 0: Pre-Departure

Hello! My name is Lilly Stidham, and I am studying Environmental Engineering. I will be centered in Madrid, Spain this summer taking classes in Calculus 3 and sustainability. My goal with this blog is to brief you on my latest adventures, and give you the transparent details (my unsolicited advice and reviews) of studying and traveling in Europe.

The once whimsical idea of venturing overseas has transformed into the reality of checking into a flight – it’s my final night at home before the “trip of a lifetime” that’s been in the works for almost 6 months. I’ve packed my bag (which is quite full currently) twice now, triple-checked the location of my passport, and feel the nerves lingering at the periphery of my mind as my departure grows nearer by the hour.

The precise moment I realized I overpacked (slightly)...

This trip will be backpacking style to accommodate my weekend travels and hiking trips!!

As I say my goodbyes to friends and family for the summer and fuss over my to-do list, I feel (to some degree) ready. Ready to see where the wind takes me. Smell the rich scents of the local mercado. Read poetry at a cafe. Hike the local landscapes while pondering my thoughts, wandering about the newness of everything around me. 

Despite my typical “Type A” personality, I’ve decided to let the unsurety of my future in the coming weeks ground me in the present moment. I could in fact, plan this trip down to the day, however, I am traveling to gain perspective. To live vivaciously (tacky I know, but at least I didn’t say vicariously). So I am choosing to leave things in the air for the time being, and see Europe without the urgency or compulsion to go about it perfectly. 

I’ve done what I can to prepare myself both mentally and physically, and have even begun planning my backpacking trip after the duration of my studies (more details to come!). I can’t wait to meet new people, polish my Spanish, and enjoy the beautiful culture and life of a Madrileno. Check back weekly for updates on all things Madrid!