One of my favorite aspects of Spanish life, which I have been very fortunate to experience often, is the friendliness towards new people. Many will argue that Spaniards are open and friendly in the street, but that it takes a lot for them to invite you into their homes. If this is true, perhaps it is because those that live in the city live in apartments where it just isn't logical to invite people in. In any case, throughout my years in Madrid, I have had the incredible pleasure to be invited into families' homes; many times these have been the homes of friend's parents that live in larger homes outside of the city center. And each time, even in my earliest days here when my ease with the language was moot, I have been welcomed in as if we had known each other for ever.
The same went for this past Saturday. I have recently gotten to know the Spanish roomate of an American friend of mine, and he invited both of us on Saturday to his friends' family birthday celebration. We spent about seven hours in a very familial setting where we felt nothing less than part of the family. Just below is a photo of their backyard, which they built themselves. We arrived, made out introductions, had a couple beers, went swimming... then sat down at a big outdoor table where we served about seven courses of salad and various BBQ plates. Everyone full and happy! After lunch, a few people had a much needed quick siesta on a lawn chair before we all went swimming again. We were my two friends, the birthday boy who was turning 35, his wife, their one-year-old son, the grandparents, a sister and brother, and two more friends of theirs. A truly beautiful day! Then we all met again at a terrace bar after returning to Madrid to continue the birthday celebration.
 |
| Michelle and I enjoying the sun at the beautiful home in Guadalajara After having a quick drink with the group that I had enjoyed the day with, I went to meet up with two other friends as we had planned to go out that night. We went to one of my favorite Madrid spots, Fortuny, which never hosts a dull moment in the summer months due to its massive outdoor terrace area. Fortuny is considered to be the most expensive street in Madrid, so it's no surprise that this night-spot is swarming with Madrid's poshest. The building used to be a mansion that was converted into a nightclub. We stayed until about 6am. I don't have these late nights too often anymore, but as they won't exist once I return home, I have no other option but to to take advantage while I still can! |
 |
| The terrace at one of my favorite Madrid nightspots, Fortuny (not a great photo) |
I have become quite accustomed to the Spanish schedule. Even after a night lasting until 6am, I am always awake and active the following day. After all, the city has so much to do.. I just hate missing even one day! On Sunday, I awoke and went for a "tapas crawl." I wanted to make sure to have some of my favorite tapas before heading back home. One of my absolute top favorite things about living in Spain is that meals don't have to mean sitting at only one place. Instead, it is often typical to stop at 4-5 places for a beer or wine and a different tapa. Never boring! Below is a photo of one of my favorite typical summer dishes, Salmorejo. It originates in Cordoba, Andalucia and many foreigners mistake it for gazpacho, but in fact it is much richer. Typical ingredients are tomatoes, garlic, oil, bread, but they always vary depending on who is preparing it. Then, tiny pieces of hard boiled egg and ham are sprinkled on top. Cold soups are perfect for the intense summer heat.
 |
| Salmorejo After a few tapas, I headed over to a lovely spot to spend the afternoon. Casa De Campo features a lake, plenty of bikers, restaurants around the lake, and plenty of madrileños trying to escape the heat, as it tends to be slightly cooler there. The park is Madrid's largest, and was first utilized as a royal hunting ground due to its close proximity to the Madrid Royal Palace. During the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939, many battles were fought there, and finally after the war, it was donated to the Madrid public where it has since been enjoyed as a place for people to relax in nature. |
 |
| Lake at Casa de Campo |
 |
| View of the Royal Palace from Casa de Campo. Due to this close proximity, King Felipe II used it as a hunting ground when he transferred the Spanish Court from Toledo to Madrid in the 1560's After the relaxing afternoon at Casa de Campo catching up with an old friend, I finished the day at the Conde Duque Cultural Center's Outdoor Summer Movie Festival. Conde Duque is an immense wooden building which served as the barracks of the Royal Guards Corp since 1717 and later was converted into a Cultural Center in 1983. It is one of my favorite spots in Madrid because it houses a vast library, constantly changing exhibits, and various cultural activities like theater and wine tastings. During these summer months, it has converted its central plaza into an "Urban Beach" with food trucks, bars, activities, and lounge chairs. Watching the movie under the madrileño sky with the moon making its cycle just above was the perfectly peaceful way to end the weekend. Walking home at midnight after the movie ended, Madrid was at her finest with a perfect temperature, people walking their dogs, lights on, jazz music playing from various apartments, people continuing to eat and drink on the terraces..... Longer days and an eating and sleeping schedule unique only to Spain mean that there is almost always time for everything.... |
 |
| "Cine de Verano" in the Conde Duque Cultural Center |
No comments:
Post a Comment