The newest Tale of Two Cities. Through the eyes of Katie a Nashvillian turned Spaniard. From the schools of Tennessee to the international wonders of Madrid. She shares with us her story and her thoughts on going abroad, staying, and creating a new life along the way…
Name: Katie Wyant
Age: 29
Profession: Elementary School teacher, teaching Spaniards at an American School.
Where are you from: I am from Nashville, TN but have been living in Madrid, Spain the past 3 years. A southern girl at heart but a world traveler in my soul.
How you met me: I meet Ryan teaching in Nashville. Both of us taught 3rd grade and most of our students were immigrants and refugees. Ryan and I kept each other afloat during our first and second years of teaching.
What things you look for while traveling: When I travel, I normally look for different types of foods to try that are special to that particular region. Also, I’m huge into photography and tend to look for unique or interesting areas to visit so I can snap a great shot.
What is a must while traveling: Being immersed in a culture is a must when traveling. Embrace the good, the bad, and everything in between whether it is trying odd foods, participating in things that make you uncomfortable, wearing the traditional clothing, and interacting with locals. You can gain a new perspective of life seeing how other people live and act in different societies. This helps to create meaningful memories on your traveling adventures. Tip: Don’t forget to laugh at yourself! When you’re traveling and figuring out how to function in another country, doing something stupid and awkward is bound to happen. Don’t take yourself so seriously. It’s part of the fun!
Where did you stay: I have been living in Madrid for the past 3 years. Year 1, I lived in La Latina, known for tons of tapa restaurants, great drinks, and El Rastro (the largest flee market you will see in your entire life. Year 2 I lived in Malasana, which is more in the University/hipster area. Year 3 I lived in Chamberi, which is more residential but close to great restaurants and pretty parks.
How long were you there for: 1 year turned into 3 years!!
What did you do: In the time that I lived in Spain, I greatly improved my Spanish, made friends with people from all over the world, grabbed a Venezuelan boyfriend, learned how to salsa dance, experienced city life without a car, became a pro at flying and riding trains, experienced a Spanish wedding that last for 12 hours, experienced a “night out” that could have you coming home at 6 am, ate very odd foods out of my comfort zone (sea anomie, quail eggs, octopus, pig ears, cow tongue, baby eels, foie, and suckling pig), went to a Real Madrid footie match, day drank in the middle of a plaza, taken solo trips, had Friendsgiving with 5 different nationalities, tapa hopping, visited Spanish vineyards, lived with locals, lived with 7 people (Real World Madrid), visited castles, sunbathed like a Spaniard, and perfected my siesta skills.
What did you eat and drink: Typical dishes in Spain are: A Spanish omelet usually with potatoes and onions (tortilla), churros con chocolate, foie, patatas bravas, broken eggs (huevos rotos), Jamon, manchego cheese, Stew with garbanzo beans, bacon, and veggies (cocido), blood sausage (morcilla), chorizo, croquettes, lamb chops, octopus, fried calamari, Napolitanas (chocolate or cream croissants), mojitos, sangria, tinto de verano, wine, and gazpacho.
A must do:
- When it’s warm, enjoy dinner on a rooftop at sunset
- Flamenco Show
- Exploring El Rastro on a Sunday
- Getting lost in Salamanica neighborhood and checking out the buildings
- A walk in Retiro Park, play around on the rowboats
- Checking out Mercado de San Miguel
- Going to a footie match at Santiago Bernabeu (Real Madrid) or Wanda Metropolitano (Atletico de Madrid)
- Take a day trip to El Escorial, Toledo or Segovia
- Plaza Mayor
- Museums: Prado, Reina Sofia
- View from the top of El Corte Ingles on Callao
- Rose garden in Parque Oeste
Rating 1-10:
10-visiting
8-living
