After attending my two Friday classes and doing some last-minute packing, I went to Boston Logan International Airport. The group’s flight itineraries were different, so a few other participants in the program and I had a night flight and did not arrive in Madrid until later Saturday. We had a layover in Lisbon, Portugal, where I used Euros for the first time, and I tried European matcha, which I found to be delicious. After many hours of travel, we arrived at the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport. We claimed our baggage and then located the Metro. The Metro is fast and reliable. I liked how often trains came, so if you missed one you did not have to wait a long time for the next to arrive. It was slightly tricky to navigate at first, but with some assistance, we were able to find our way to Hotel Regina. The hotel was clean and modern, and the staff was welcoming, as well as helpful. Although rainy upon arrival, the city was still breathtaking. Fascinating architecture and bustling streets, there were many things to give an eye to.
A few friends and I settled on a sushi spot by the name of ‘Le Club Sushita’ for dinner. We stuck to cuisine we were familiar with, but not to fret, we ventured out and tried some amazing Spanish cuisine later on. One of our dishes at the restaurant had prawns, which are commonly paired with sushi but also have specific significance in Spain. Prawns are featured in many Spanish dishes, including paella and gambas al ajillo. Paella is a dish that includes rice, saffron, vegetables, and seafood. Gambas al ajillo includes shrimp or prawns sauteed in olive oil with garlic. We had some delicious paella during our farewell dinner, and I found it to be a fantastic way to say our goodbyes to the city.
For Spanish cuisine, a favorite of mine was empanada de rabo de toro or bull’s tail empanada. Our tour guide for Las Ventas informed us that bull’s tail was one of if not the best meat in the world. I have had it previously since bull’s tail, referred to as “oxtail,” is a staple in Jamaican cuisine. Although the seasoning was a lot different, it was just as delicious. These were not the only empanadas I had in Madrid, other fillings were chicken and cheese. Empanadas are believed to have originated in the Galicia region of Spain, with possible influences from Arabic meat-filled pies. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” meaning “to wrap in bread,” and its original fillings included seafood, which alongside prawns highlight the importance of the country’s coastal regions. As the food spread, it adapted a wide variety of fillings and dough types and eventually became a dish enjoyed worldwide. I love empanadas, and I understand why they are regarded this way.
La Plaza de Toros Las Ventas was a favorite visit of mine. It is the largest bullfighting ring in Spain, seating around 23,000 people. It was built using Mudejar-style architecture, which showcases the coexistence of Muslims and Christians, emerging in the 12th century from the Iberian Peninsula. Red brick and ceramic tiles are the main features shown. The bullring holds immense cultural and historical significance as a central venue for bullfights and other events, such as concerts. The most popular concerts have been for artists like The Beatles and AC/DC. We received a tour of the bullring and the Bullfighting Museum. The museum displayed the belongings of bullfighters that had a great impact and offered more insight into the history of the practice. The attire of bullfighters, called “traje de luces,” is visually appealing, involving striking colors and various embellishments. Photography was not allowed in the museum, but I recall being drawn to one that was a vibrant purple.
Our first day was rainy, but the sun made appearances throughout the trip, allowing us to admire the city for all it has to offer. The architecture speaks to the rich history, denoting styles that have Gothic and Baroque influences. There is also the prominent feature of balconies, which are multi-purpose, useful when viewing street life, and provide air circulation. Although my later arrival did not allow me to explore right away, I still had a great first impression. This impression carried its way through the entirety of the trip, and I can say that I had a great time exploring Madrid and other cities in Spain. The country remains on my travel list because I need to revisit it.
