Spain: Chris Bottari-Tower (Daily Life in Madrid)
Program: Saint Louis University-Madrid, Spring
My days in Madrid follow a rhythm that feels both comfortable and distinctly local. I usually wake up a bit later than I would back home, which quickly taught me that mornings here move at a different pace. My host mom prepares a simple Spanish breakfast, toast with butter and jam, along with coffee, and we often talk for a bit before I head out for the day.
This is a photo of some tapas that I ordered at a restaurant.
Most mornings, I walk about twenty minutes to Saint Louis University–Madrid. The walk has become one of my favorite parts of the day, passing neighborhood cafés and shops as the city slowly comes to life. On rainy days, I take the metro, which is impressively clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. My classes are small, usually around 20–30 students, which makes discussions feel personal and engaging.
After class, I like to explore different parts of the city center. Lunch is often a bocadillo from a local spot, something quick but very typical of daily life here. One meaningful way I connect with Madrid is by visiting a different Catholic church each day. The churches are beautifully ornate, and taking time to pray allows me to reflect and feel grounded while learning more about Spain’s religious and cultural history.
This is a picture of my friends and I at a Real Madrid game.
Later in the afternoon, I return to campus to study in the SLU library before heading home by bus. Dinner is usually later in the evening, and my host mom prepares traditional Spanish dishes that have become something I genuinely look forward to. In the evenings, I often attend local events such as salsa nights or watching a Real Madrid match, which helps me enjoy the community of the city.
This is San Gines, one of the many beautiful churches I have visited.
Living like a local has meant embracing Spanish customs, practicing the language daily, and making an effort to meet people my age from Madrid. Joining a Catholic youth group has been especially meaningful, allowing me to build friendships and experience Spanish culture through shared values and community.
Christopher (Chris) Bottari-Tower
Program Name: Saint Louis University-Madrid
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Park Ridge, Illinois
It is such a blessing to be a recipient of the Global Gateway Fellowship. This scholarship is a gateway to explore the world through the program I have chosen to study abroad in, in Madrid. I recognize the necessity to hold myself to a higher standard while in Madrid, being a fellow and representing the university as well.
One personal goal that I have while studying in Madrid is to become fluent in Spanish. I have spoken Spanish since I was very young with my family, but was never able to fully immerse myself into fully speaking the language on a daily basis. I will be given the opportunity, by living with a host family, to truly experience the Spanish culture of Madrid.
The most exciting skill I hope to gain during my time in Madrid is an appreciation for the way of life in Spain. I would like to form meaningful connections with native Spaniards and learn their customs. After my program is over in Madrid I would like to bring the new appreciation for life back home with me to be grateful for all the small things I have been given at home.