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The Friendly and Warmth Smile of Madrileño

We were in Madrid from July 7 to 8, 2012.





I've learned from Madrileño: FRIENDLINESS

Filipinos were colonized for 300 years and have great cultural influence from them. As soon as I arrived in the capital, Madrid, I felt " I belong here". Looking at their cute noses that is shaped like mine, and other characteristic features that we have in common.

Their cultural influences are very visible from our experiences.

:(

As we went down to always start the first step with CITY EXPLORATION, we stopped at the Plaza de España to take pictures. It is the largest and most popular square located at the end of Gran Via, the busiest street in the city. It is very clean and street cleaners are maintaining the square well. We went along the street and we reached in the park, I was surprised on how dirty it was. Scattering empty wine and bottles was all over the place. Just like in the Philippines, during special occasions like festival, the metro aids/ street cleaners have a huge job to do. Now, I have realized, we got this habit," SOMEBODY-CLEANS UP-FOR-ME" ATTITUDE from them. Hope this negative habit be changed to " CLEAN-AS-YOU-GO".

:)

Despite of our historical background, I still love Spaniards for being friendly. Yes, they are friendly. This is my favorite part being in Madrid. I met a new friend Paloma and her Italian boyfriend, Fabrizio, who can speak perfect Spanish. They are so well mannered and funny. They told me how good Spaniards are at making you feel good. To prove this, I will give you a perfect example.  They brought us to a Spanish Restaurant. Wow! The ham is so tasty. The people in the restaurants were so funny and they entertained us with huge smile speaking Spanish. Even Tibor and I were strangers, but we felt we're welcome in the community. There are many ways they can show that they are friendly. It could be in the bar or along the street or in times you need help. How will you know? Just simple. They will just smile and greet you saying " HOLA". Like Filipinos, we showed friendliness though our hospitality. We give the best experience to our guests.

Positive and negative values in the culture might affect on what we believe in and what happen to us in our past. Like Philippines, Madrid had gone through horrible wars and revolutions and oppressions. Now, Madrileño are enjoying their life and they work to live.

HERE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL PLACES WE VISIT FOR FREE IN MADRID: 
Newly restored Cibeles Palace Cultural Center
Puerta De Alcala
EL RETIRO PARK
Plaza Mayor
Our tour guide is explaining about the Royal Palace. Entrance  inside the Palace is not free.

Victory Monument

My unforgettable experience in Madrid was witnessing THE BULL FIGHTING. I felt so weak and my knees were shaking seeing the bullfighter being attacked by the Bull with his horn. So horrible!!! But, that is part of Madrid, the BULL FIGHT. People are cheering for the fighters when they killed the bull. Tibor and I felt so sorry for the bulls that were so helpless during the fight.  Nevertheless, that was one great experience in the magnificent LAS VENTAS ARENA, PLAZA DE TORROS in the heart of MADRID.



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