Last time I posted on this blog was way back in 2021, immersed in university life and concerned with covid. It feels like a lifetime ago. And things have certainly changed since then… let’s catch up!
Firstly, and most importantly, the point of this blog post. I lived in Spain for a YEAR. Crazy. Having just completed final year at UUB this experience also feels like a lifetime ago! But, from September 2021 to June 2022, I lived in Madrid, Spain. And I loved it!
You may be wondering, why?! How?! Last time I was updating this blog I was searching for a years work placement in industry however I was unsuccessful. Instead, I decided to apply to the Erasmus + programme and moved to Spain! Talk about running away from your problems…
One minute I’m doubting my abilities and the next I’m on a plane, from Dublin, moving my life across the globe… (temporarily; thank the lord said my mum)
Living in Madrid was such an eye opening experience for me though. I met so many people I never would’ve crossed paths with before and I could not be more thankful. I learnt so much about being happy and present in the moment and how a lot of your feelings come from being inside your own head. I think moving away from the small towns of Ireland definitely help shake idea that you are the be all and end all of everything, ever. I love Ireland and I love my life, but there is so much more to it and so much more to see and experience! It really helps put things into perspective in terms of anxiety and worrying about little things (that feel huge).
Okay so quickly a few technical details for anyone who’s nosey like I would be:
•I lived in the area of La Latina & my rent was around €560 a month (expensive but worth it, having a balcony in the warm summer weather was a splurge I was very glad I made; I’m also partial to a sunset so the evening views made it all worthwhile for me)
•I attended CEU San Pablo, Universidad & studied communication, advertising and marketing based modules
•Madrid is a very walkable city so transport costs were low, with only a €20 monthly metro card for uni purposes & the odd taxi to the airport!
•I did not and do not speak Spanish! Slightly embarrassing considering I lived there for a year but I could order a drink and do my weekly food shop, so what else did I really need? De nada.
Madrid is a great city. Although there were good and bad days, I look back at my time here and get so nostalgic. There is so much to do, see and eat, you can’t possibly get bored. Endless thrift shops, high street shops, public pools , pretty parks, stunning architecture & of course, sunshine. There’s never a day spent inside!
Of course, my friends were my favourite part. Having trustworthy people close by makes the world of difference when you’re living in a new city, even more so when it’s in a new country. You only think you’re close to your friends at home until you meet a few Irish girls abroad and you know their whole life story in 3 days. Feeling like you’ve been besties since you left the womb! It’s an experience, but it’s one I loved!
I also obviously enjoyed eating out and trying new foods. The friends I mentioned previously frequently joked at me for it, but honestly, my middle name should be Deliveroo. I kept that app in business until it, like me, left Spain </3 - moving to Glovo was not the same (especially when I didn’t speak Spanish). My favourites were the €1 tacos (!!!), Yatai Market (Asian food market, unbelievable), Impasta homemade fresh pasta & Taj Mahal (Indian).
Last year I also learnt to love beer. Probably incredibly influenced by the fact it was usually €2/3, compared to a €9 vodka lemonade… My favourite spot will always be 100 Montaditos. There’s sooo many of them dotted across the city, across all of Spain & Portugal actually and their pints are only €1. They also do “tapas” style light bites, including mini hot dogs, cheese bites and patatas bravas. While not the most classy, this place had my heart. We referred to it as the Spanish Wetherspoons until we gathered enough Spanish to learn how to pronounce the name! Admittedly, one of their pint glasses got a first class spot in my handbag on the Aer Lingus 10am flight back to Dublin. It would have been a sin not to!
While we spent a lot of our time in Montaditos, we did venture out sometimes! We went to a few techno raves in Fabrik, a few disco club nights in Icon, a few day drinking sessions at Madrid Harps GAA games & a few cocktail nights, drinking €5 mojitos in El Imperfecto. I’ll say it again, Madrid has so many options!
I could write for hours about Madrid, after all it did inspire my dissertation, but I’d only fill the page with personal anecdotes you’re not really interested in! If you any have specific questions or queries for recommendations, let me know and I’d happily do a part two!
Clodagh xx
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