Close your eyes and picture yourself in New York City. Now slow the pace down by 150 miles per hour, narrow the street you're on by a couple inches, take away a couple groups of people and add a line of trees. You hear people laughing and glasses clinking at a bar next to you. You almost bump into a couple of outdoor chairs as you avoid running into the statue in front of you. You turn the corner and the sun shines right in your face. If this sounds appealing, then welcome to Madrid.
Of all the people I've met, Madrileños are probably the most relaxed. Their favorite word, "mañana" (meaning "tomorrow"), completely captures their nonchalant attitude toward life: Go and enjoy! Worry about it tomorrow!
Madrileños operate at a much later schedule than New Yorkers do. A typical day begins with work at 9 or 10 a.m., lunch at 2 p.m., a siesta (naptime) until 5 p.m. (yes, stores do close at this time), then work again until 8 p.m. Dinner usually happens around 10 or 11 p.m. By 2 a.m., you can catch Madrileños lining up for clubs as they dance the night away until the metro reopens at 6 a.m.
Unfortunately, NYU students have classes. Depending on where you live (your choice of NYU-arranged homestays or apartments located throughout the expansive city), you may have to pencil in some extra travel time up to the northern part of Madrid, where the academic center is located. It may be a smart idea to look into getting a metro pass as soon as you arrive. The campus is composed of two small townhouses connected by a patio for lounging.
The 70-person program offers various culture classes, as well as an intensive language track for those who want to complete all their language requirements in one semester. Classes typically run from Monday to Thursday. On several weekends, NYU sponsors guided tours to the Museo del Prado and the Reina Sofia, as well as day-long excursions to Toledo, Segovia, Cordoba and Granada or Extremadura and Portugal. On all other weekends, students are free to roam through the city. I suggest relaxing at the Spanish version of Central Park, Parque del Retiro, or eating at the main square, Plaza Mayor. If you ever have any questions — from finding the nearest mailbox to asking for tips on booking the next flight to Barcelona — the staff is extremely resourceful and attentive.
Because most Madrileños do not speak English, you'll be forced to practice what you've learned in class. But if you don't mind mangling your Spanglish a few times or enjoying a relaxing lifestyle and vivacious nightlife, you'll never want mañana to dawn.
