Category: UP Comillas

I have always opted to take the bus instead of the train to go places and to get home. The first time I took the bus, I thought the people on them were a lot nicer and calmer. The train is intolerably loud. It is not fun sitting in the middle of what seems to ...

I decided to study abroad, thinking that I was going to fulfill an overall objective of linking language study with my major, International Area Studies. Because I am a first-generation American, I have been travelling a lot and have been exposed to many cultures at the same time. Thus, I thought I would be ahead ...

The picture for this blog post is the floor map of the Prado National Museum, located in Madrid. The study group that plans trips for international students at the university organized the trip to the museum, making it free. A friend urged me to go and I was glad I decided to join. Apparently, the ...

After discussing cultural differences with other international students from the United States, Germany, France, Belgium and other countries, we all agree that time seems to slow down in Madrid for Spaniards but we still feel a sense of urgency. I have had difficulties coping with not being punctual. I have had minor difficulties coping with ...

When traveling to and from school, I have noticed that many of the passengers on the trains, young and older, are always reading a book. I figured that the younger people were doing readings for school. Seeing older people reading in the metro is a new sight for me. Apparently, I have not noticed the ...

This week, I purposefully decided to tour another part of Madrid that I was not familiar with in order to see more of the city. After visiting several thrift shops, the reason for touring Madrid, a friend and I decided to continue to walk through a popular street. We knew we visited all the thrift ...

Soon after settling in, the topic of the last economic world crisis has been popular among Spaniards. I have noticed this in and outside of my classes. Spaniards often complain about the economic hiccup that is responsible for their current dire economical situation. This is used to explain the high unemployment rate that is among ...

The typical diet in Madrid is quite obvious. There is ham and cheese just about everywhere. A lot of the food shops in my neighborhood display a vast array of pork and cheese in the display window. Additionally, what was surprising was the lack of vegetables in Spanish meals. If I want to buy fruits ...

I did not notice the difference in the landlord and tenant relationship immediately after arriving in Spain; however, upon noticing the difference this week, it is nearly impossible not to discuss. Unlike in the United States, landlords in cities tend to frequently stop by to wonder how the tenants are adjusting to their new apartment ...