Expat Advice: Living in Madrid, Spain
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Madrid
How long have you lived there?
2 and 1/2 years
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
Definitely try out the International Newcomers Club. Though they have one or two men in the group...they are very open to more. They do many fun things during the week and have activities such as wine tasting parties on weekends. There is at least one event monthly and you meet many fantastic people. The American Women's Club is also nice, but they are oriented towards community service and raising funds for charities. They do have monthly meetings and have a club house with a large lending library.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
This is a Catholic country. Most individuals seem accepting of differences unless you are from a Latin country. As an American with very little Spanish language capability, they are very helpful and go out of their way to help me. Typically Latins are thought of and treated as the hired help. It does not matter how they are dressed or how much jewelry they have on...still just hired help. Fortunately if problems arise in stores or restaurants, each establishment has a complaint book. If you ask to make a complaint, they must give it to you. Normally, the attitude changes when you ask for this book. They police can shut the place down if they do not have the book to give you.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Number one advice...learn Spanish. This is one of the few places in Europe where no one speaks English.
Moving to Spain soon?
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