University of Wisconsin–Madison

Spain: Megan Schwartz (The 5 senses in Madrid)

A red brick street lined with yellow and red houses and parked cars.

See:  Something that I will never get tired of seeing in Madrid is all of the vibrant colors, most notably in the architecture.  This picture was taken only a couple of blocks away from my apartment, but if you walk around Madrid you are bound to see countless streets just as beautiful if not more beautiful.

In a convenience store, drawers full of oranges sit next to a display of empty bottles and a juicing machine.

Taste: One of the first things that I noticed when coming too Madrid is how there were orange juice machines in nearly every supermarket and convenience store.  Before your stay is over you must try the orange juice whether that be from squeezing it yourself or buying a carton.  Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed.  No doubt will it be some of the best orange juice you have ever drank.

An elegant room with white walls, golden trim, murals on the ceiling, and benches around the outside of the room.

Hear: You hear the silent appreciation of art and history in the countless museums that Madrid has to offer.  The picture I provided above is from the Museo Cerralbo, which was the stately home of Marquess Cerralbo and his aristocratic family in the late 19th century.  Among many other museums, and please visit as many as you can, you obviously must visit the Museo de Prado in Madrid.  You will also hear whisperings in a wide variety of languages from all around the world, as people come from all over to appreciate all that Madrid has to offer.

A long patch of grass between two sidewalks, with lines of trees on the other side of both sidewalks. A stately building is at the end of the patch of grass.

Feel:  You can feel the fresh air on your face, and the gravel and cobblestones under your feet as you go on runs around the city of Madrid.  Madrid is a very active city, as you can see people walking around everywhere, working out at public workout areas, and going on runs, bike rides and more.  The photo provide above is outside the Palacio Real de Madrid from a path that encircles the Real Jardín Botánico.  This was my favorite place to go on runs asthe views were so beautiful, and the trails were so well kept.

A display with four shelves full of bread behind a glass window.

Smell:  While there are so many delicious smells of food anywhere you go in Madrid, my favorite was in my local grocery store, Mercadona.  It took me a while after arriving in Madrid to figure out the best place to shop for groceries.  One of my professors recommended that we shop at Mercadona, for it is her personal favorite, and very popular among Spanish people.  So I decided to try it out and it instantly became a favorite for me as well, and something that I will miss dearly when returning to the US in December.  The prices are the lowest of the low and the quality is unmatched.  Here, bread and other baked goods are baked fresh daily, and the entire supermarket smells absolutely amazing.

 

Megan smiles in front of an orange-brown door.

Meg Schwartz

Hometown: Middleton, Wisconsin

Major: Industrial Engineering

Program: Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid GE3 Exchange