Madrid is a big city. Millions of people and lots of neighborhoods. One of favorite things about Madrid is the public transit. Take your pick – bus, metro, local trains, long distance trains, shuttle buses, and of course it’s very walkable place as well. Day trips outside of Madrid are therefore, extremely easy (yayyy!!!).
In the last 2 months here, I cannot give you a good summary of Spanish culture. I can however, give some observations and personal experiences thus far.
Numero Uno: Spain is chill. There is a laid back, calmness to this place. Even though I live in a city with several million people – lots happening all the time – the general feeling I have is a calm and kicked back.
Last Saturday I spent the day in Toledo. In just 20 minute train ride I transported myself to a little pueblito… well whoa… life has slowed to a standstill.
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You should see how slowly people walk. Its an art form – each foot steps slowly and carefully in front of the next… its hard to tell – “are they walking? wandering? do they know where they are going?” It doesnt seem to matter, they are just gliding through the environment quietly and effortlessly… No doubt. It’s a mysterious pace to my New York City loving feet…
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Toledo was very pretty and cute and historic and lovely. It was also very quiet, and a bit boring (haha!). Definitely worth a visit though, don’t get me wrong. I decided to take the opportunity to slow down and reflect. Why am I go-go-going? What if I tried on the pace of life for a minute… and see what happens. Of course one thing that always stops me in my tracks are the street musicians, always giving me an excuse to enjoy the moment (and also wish I played an instrument!)
A friend came with me for the day. We wandered about for a few hours and then decided to sit down for hot chocolate, churros… and a bottle of wine (duh!). We spent the next several hours talking and connecting, sitting outside in a little plaza underneath an umbrella. Later, we casually walked to the bus and back to the train and returned home to Madrid.
I guess we might have started to acclimate to the way of doing things here…
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Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
