Spain is Always A Good Idea

By Leana Pizarro

Arriving in Madrid the views were also very similar to Seville and Lisbon. The streets were very busy and the buildings were also similar. When we went to La Puerta Del Sol I was amazed by all the hidden history. La Puerta Del Sol is the main square in Madrid and is very famous. I learned that the square has a semicircular shape which represents the sun setting hence the name “La Puerta Del Sol” Originally it was one site of the city’s gates. It now has many stores to shop at and restaurants to eat. On the other side you will find the clock tower. That building is known as “Real Casa de Correos”. It was built in the 18th centuries and used as a post office and is now the headquarters of the president of Madrid Autonomous Community. The clock is the famous clock where all Spaniards look to on New Years Eve just like we see the ball drop in NYC. They also have a tradition where they have 12 grapes and eat one for every chime until midnight. It is said to be bad luck if you do not eat the grapes. I thought this was so fascinating because I had the opportunity to be able to compare and see what they do on New Years versus what we do back home. La Puerta Del Sol at night also had performers dancing or roller skating and doing tricks for side jobs. I thought it was very similar to the streets of NYC and it was cool to see so many random people get together to see the show! 

My favorite part most of all was the Royal Palace that we went to. It is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family but it is only used for the ceremonies. They palace itself has over 3,000 rooms inside. I learned that the King has his own separate room for eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. He has a changing room, an office, a meeting room etc. The same goes for the family. We were not allowed to take any pictures but I was amazed at the royal bathroom made out of porcelain. It was so beautifully created. Every room ceiling, floor and even the doors were made with such detail and it blew my mind. I learned that the King and Queen do not sit at the end of the table but in the middle right under the chandelier and of course sit across from each other. We were able to see the actual throne that has been used and is still in use till this day. It is so beautiful with the red stairs and red chairs along with the lions on each side. It was so royal. Madrid was definitely one for the books and the experience was so overwhelmingly amazing overall.

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