Today concludes my first week in my new home of Madrid. I have only gotten lost twice and stared at a handful of times, so I’d say I’m practically a local.

Just kidding! Es Coña! I am still slightly overwhelmed yet totally in awe of one of the largest, most beautiful cities I have ever visited, let alone lived in. It has been go go go nonstop since I first landed in Madrid at 8:30 Monday morning, and only today have I been able to sit down and catch my breath. It will take me a couple of days to catch up on the incredible experiences of this week, but for now here is a summary of what I’ve learned:

Crash Course in Spanish Slang

• Vale = good/alright. Professors, sales people, tour guides…everyone uses vale! We’ve started to pick it up around my apartment; it’s quite addicting.
• Que guay= How cool
• Tio= dude or bro. I was very confused why my roommates kept calling each other “uncle.” Thank God someone explained.
• Caña= beer. Definitely had some Spaniards make fun of me as I was practicing this word at a local bar. Hey, at least I’m trying tios!
• Cual es el clave de wifi?= what’s the wifi password? Essential.
• Lo aye sea/ no importa= whatever. Because sass knows no borders.

American No No’s that Are Spanish Si’s

• PDA: macking on your SO here is totally acceptable here, as evidenced by countless couples of all ages.
• Staring: on the Metro, on the streets, during tapas, staring is a-okay. Spaniards are very curious. (I don’t mind though because now I have an excuse to stare back!)
• Compliments: throwing your napkin on the floor of a bar is considered a compliment. I haven’t experienced this one quite yet but I’ve heard it occurs at only the most authentic restaurants.
• Service: tipping is not obligatory
• Shopping: most stores are within walking distance, so you only buy as much as you can carry. People usually stop by the grocery store at least every other day. Chinos are little Chinese dollar markets where you can pick up odds and ends.
• Time: lunch isn’t until 3:00 pm, dinner is at 10:00 pm, and nightlife doesn’t begin until after midnight. Adjusting to this new schedule has been difficult, as I’m used to winding down right as the Spaniards are going out.
• Food: eating and talking for hours on end is completely acceptable—when it comes to the necessities, the Spanish are my kind of people.

Although I’ve obviously learned a lot, with learning comes mistakes. Here are a few doozies I’ve committed over the past week…

Spanish Faux Pas I am Guilty of

• Kiss both cheeks, don’t shake hands! It gets awkward when your new supervisor goes in for a kiss and you have your hand stuck in between.
• Tone down the talking. This might be a personal one, but even for such a vibrant culture I am STILL the loudest person in the room.
• Don’t touch the produce at El Mercado de San Juan, no matter how shiny it is. The little merchant will give you the stank eye and the Spanish couple next to you will laugh and wink at each other.
• Bring your own bags to the grocery. This isn’t so much a faux pas, but you do get charged for plastic bags.

It’s been a whirlwind of a week, but if it is any indication of the semester ahead, I’m in for a good one. Cheers and thanks for taking this adventure with me!