Greenery & Street Life

What are your perceptions of Spain culture and practices? How are they different from home?

As a Transfer Student, I originally double majored in Art History and Illustration. Upon the discovery of being a mere 20 minute bus ride from the Prado and the Temple De Bod; I was the living embodiment of excitement. I made a list of every art museum, palaces, & castles–what I did not expect upon my blatant tourist-y behavior was the blend of the nature and the city. In America, we remove our obstacles for more retail opportunities. Land is precious. Europe? Not so much. Europeans work around nature. The action alone truly represents the cleanliness and progressive behavior within Madrid as I explored the city for the first week. I saw a man sweeping the cigarette buds off the streets, scraping gum off the rails, and ample recycling bins–an act I would be flabbergasted to witness in the concrete jungle of New York.

Spain’s single advertisement of Tio Peppe in Sol showcases how proud the country is of their water from the mountains. Thus, highlighting their respect and regard towards nature within the city of Madrid. Not a single floating water bottle to be seen in the ponds or lakes. No tumbleweed of plastic bags. When did I become so accustomed to seeing trash? Corporate America is crazy. Somehow, this first week of Spain, I feel more inclined to step up my environmental game and make a stronger and more conscious effort when I return back to Texas.

Overall, my perception of Spain being like any other city such as New York or Dallas from the local restaurants/bars, shops, and historical monuments. What I got: fashionable Spaniards, amazing food, and a city not consumed by smog.