When I signed up to study abroad, I knew it would be a learning experience like no other. However, I don't think I could have truly predicted the methods or lessons I would, or still will, encounter while living in a foreign country.
After two months of living in Madrid, I can now say that my biggest lesson so far has been the importance of the home-cooked meal.
I live in a 10-bedroom house in northwest Madrid, a residential area lacking in restaurants. There are a couple of "cervecerias" nearby, which offer beer, a variety of tapas (small portions, mostly fried) and bocadillos - sandwiches that typically feature some sort of ham. But as a health-conscious eater, cervecerias don't quite cut it.
My roommates and I heard of a nearby food store with everything you could imagine at low prices. Intrigued by the description, I decided to check it out.
In true Madrid style, the result was surprising. This wonder-store, called Al Campo, is located inside of a mall and is reminiscent of a Super Wal-Mart - household goods, clothes and more on one floor, with a huge grocery store on another.
Once a week, I venture to the mall, always toting overnight-sized bags since in Spain you have to pay for plastic grocery bags. I stock up on the basics: chicken, vegetables, pasta and, of course, wine.
On a side note, Al Campo's guarantee of low prices is no joke. I buy 54-Euro-cent wines that are delicious. I also go for luxury goods such as peanut butter, which sets me back about three Euros a jar.
In Gainesville, I can easily pop into Roly Poly for lunch and then Tijuana Flats for dinner, but fast, cheap dining just isn't as readily available here.
I have mastered making a delicious pasta dish and can even make hummus from scratch.
After two months, I can say that I learned more about cooking than I ever would have in Gainesville because I was forced to, and this lesson is invaluable. As far as learning Spanish, that is another story.
