My Metro Experience

I have lived in Madrid for ten days, even though it feels like I have been here for much longer. I have gotten to know the city by trying the food, tasting the wine, asking for directions with my very limited Spanish - and commuting! One of the first things I noticed was that Madrid subways (or metros) are much cleaner than New York subways. Fortunately, I have yet to see a single rat here. There are no suspicious smells seeping out of various cracks and crevices, and the floors are actually the color they came with, not some revolting shade of brown. Another perk - it's cheaper here too. A one-way pass is $1. 50 euros, while a 10-way pass is around $12. 50 euros. I am still waiting on getting my 30 day unlimited pass for $30 euros, which is a steal in my opinion.

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However, like New York, street performers dot the tunnels, providing usually welcome music against the shuffling feet and metallic clatter. I take Line 10 everyday to get to class, and there is a violinist who always brightens my day in the five seconds that I walk past. The only thing I'm not a fan of in the metro are the stairs; Madrid has lots and lots of stairs! I think it's because some lines are deeper than one story underground. I often have to walk up three or more flights of stairs just to get to fresh air. At least I'm getting my cardio for the day.

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