Welcome to Madrid

Madrid is apparently the fifth most visited place in Europe. Despite its popularity, it is a modern city with little to offer in the way of striking architecture. Yet people love Madrid for its vibrance and the fact that Madrilenos know how to enjoy themselves: By partying till 7 in the morning.

I am not actually living in Madrid, but in a town outside Madrid called Fuenlabrada. This town consists of red brick council flats and a large immigrant population. Chinese, Hispanics, North Africans and Black Africans live here as the rent is cheaper and there has been an overspill from the city.

Living in Fuenlabrada is fine as public transport to the city centre is excellent. Trains run every 10 minutes. It takes about 35 minutes into the city centre.

My apartment is really noisy as it is at some busy crossroads. There is no double glazing in my apartment, so I can hear cars, motorcycles and drunken Spaniards all night long. Earplugs are essential.

Mad in Madrid

I´m working at an academy, teaching businesses around Madrid. Unlike other places where I have worked, I´m practically self-employed, which means that I don´t get the perks such as flights and travel passes paid for by the academy.
The school, which will remain nameless, is meant to b one of the most prestigious academies in Madrid. However, this doesn´t stop the academy from being disorganised. They don´t seem to know who the teachers are or who the clients are or what levels of English they have.