Hola! I am new to this message board and have found it immensely helpful to hear from people who have visited/ lived/ still live in Spain. I was born in Madrid 20 years ago, while my family was living there for a couple years. I arrived in the US at a very young age (10 months old!) and unfortunately have no memories of Spain. However, that will change soon. I am going to study abroad there from late December 2004- early June 2005. But I cannot decide which city to study Spanish in. Although this website is partial to Madrid, I want to know what are the Pros and Cons of both Madrid and Barcelona (in terms of the people, the nightlife, the culture, the sights to see, the location, costs, transportation, the weather, and attractions, and anything else you can think of...) Also, while in Spain I want to visit: San Sebastian, Valencia, Malaga, Segovia, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Salamanca, Seville. I also want to visit Morocco, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, UK, etc. Any recommendations on these places or other ones that I should visit and the best possible methods of transportation? Your insight will be very helpful and appreciated much!!! Thank you, Roxana PS- Anyone know if Spain allows dual citizenship or how to obtain a Spanish passport??? Sorry I had soo many questions!
Posts: 10 | Location: san diego, ca, USA | Registered: 30 December 2003
I cannot decide which city to study Spanish in. Although this website is partial to Madrid, I want to know what are the Pros and Cons of both Madrid and Barcelona (in terms of the people, the nightlife, the culture, the sights to see, the location, costs, transportation, the weather, and attractions, and anything else you can think of...)
Although Barcelona is far superior to Madrid in all of these categories, to study Spanish you are better off in Madrid.
quote:
Any recommendations on these places or other ones that I should visit and the best possible methods of transportation?
Germany and Holland are cool, I had/have no interest in France & Morrocco but one thing I would do is go in the spring or Summer because the winter is quite grey and depressing. As for mode of transportation....it depends on how much time you have to spend. I personally would do it in a train to see some of the countryside, but it can take quite a while, I went to Germany from Barna by plane and then to Amsterdam by car which was cool.
quote:
PS- Anyone know if Spain allows dual citizenship or how to obtain a Spanish passport???
They do allow dual citizenship but you have to renounce the other to each of the respective countries (I know that makes no sense but it�s a formality) The best thing you can do is contact the consulate nearest your home to get information on the beauracratic bullshit.....err I mean the process of getting a passport.
Oderant dum Metuant
Posts: 109 | Location: Barcelona, Catalunya | Registered: 16 November 2002
Although Barcelona is far superior to Madrid in all of these categories . . .
Remember, all who read this, that this is a very personal opinion. NOT TO SAY THAT THIS IS BAD OR GOOD. This topic has been discussed, so do we really have to beat a dead horse?
I really don't know of anyone who loves both Madrid and Barcelona and besides, who says that a person has to choose between the two? You can like both equally if you allow yourself to.
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1255 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Hey naci en madrid, don't be sorry for asking so many questions but you should not put them all up on the same thread as they are about many different topics.
Memebrs will get intimidated by all the braod and varies questions so separate them into other threads on their corresponding forums.
I am speaking from experience here when I say you will not get many answers on this thread, questions are too varied and too vague /not specific enough).
Also, you need to do some SEARCHES first since Shawn is right, the majority of what you have asked above has been discussed on the board already.
Stick to it, you will get used to posting.
Shiloh...
quote:
Although Barcelona is far superior to Madrid in all of these categories
:jeje: :jeje: :jeje: :jeje:
Yeah right, not even YOU believe that!!!
The following phrase sums it up...
"Barcelona is a nice place to visit but I would'nt want to live there".
"Barcelona is a nice place to visit but I would'nt want to live there".
This coming from a person who lives in the country that gave birth to such great human contributions like "THE MACARENA!!!!" LOL :jeje: :jeje: :jeje:
Shawn, if you don�t want to beat a dead horse, feel free NOT to post in the thread. For the rest of us who like to have some fun and good natured ribbing with our respective "hometowns" we don�t mind it.
SANG CUL�, COR CATAL�!!!!!!! I COM SEMPRE, VISCA JORDI PUJOL JEJEJE
Oderant dum Metuant
Posts: 109 | Location: Barcelona, Catalunya | Registered: 16 November 2002
I also want to visit Morocco, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, UK, etc. Any recommendations on these places or other ones that I should visit and the best possible methods of transportation?
I have been to Morocco and definitely recommend it. However, if you are traveling alone, definitely join up with tour group. I don�t recommend doing Morocco as a lone female traveler. There are some great, cheap group tours that you can join that cover transportation, accomodations, excursions and most meals for one single rate.
As for the rest of Europe, either a Eurail or Interail pass unless you have a great frequent flier account. For the UK try Easy Jet as they have rock bottom prices between Madrid and London.
When I was in Spain I studied in Segovia, and only spent a small amount of time in both cities, so maybe my opinion won't count for much, but as far as the people go, I think you will find that all of Spain is full of warm and friendly and fun people, so you'll be fine regarding that in either place. Same goes for nightlife, culture, sights to see--both cities have so much to offer. Regarding weather, I see you are from sunny CA, so Madrid might get you down with its varying weather during the fall/winter months, but I think Barcelona is pretty much sunny and beautiful year round. Really, I think either place will be wonderful for you to stay in if you let it be!
Regarding where else to visit:
Well, I spent majority of my time in Segovia, so of course I think that should be priority on your list of places to visit! You've probably heard about the acueducto y el Alcazar y la catedral, all of which you should definitely check out. There's also Casa de los Picos, the 12 sided Vera Cruz church, lots of great restaurants, and if you spend the night and want to check out a fun bar, the Cerveceria is young and loud and full of great music. :cheers: If you go to Morroco, maybe you can also make a stop before that and see the Rock of Gibraltar; I thought that was pretty neat. Morrocco was interesting also, just as others have said, make sure you go with someone else, or even a group would be better. Well, that's about it I guess! Basically anything you want to do in Spain, anywhere you want to go, you will have the time of your life! I miss Spain terribly every day, and it's been three years since I've been there! :cry:
Posts: 52 | Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA | Registered: 19 December 2003
Shawn, if you don�t want to beat a dead horse, feel free NOT to post in the thread.
I feel that my quote was taken the wrong way, AS USUAL, but that can't be helped when it comes to PERSONAL opinions. NOBODY WANTS TO SEE THE OTHER PERSON'S SIDE.
Tant pis,
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1255 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Oh, what the heck do I know?! I just meant that Barcelona each time I was there was sunny, even though it was kind of chilly sometimes, but it's been so long since I've been there. I'm sure I've just made Spain perfection in my head, and I've forgotten about any of the bad stuff!
Posts: 52 | Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA | Registered: 19 December 2003
It is very difficult to say which city (Barcelona or Madrid) is better. It all comes down to personal opinion and preference. Here are my opinions:
1. Nightlife - Both are great, Madrid has more places to go out, but Barcelona's hangouts are more cosmopolitan and "European". This one's a draw.
2. Weather - Madrid gets colder and hotter than Barcelona. Also, Barcelona is next to the beach so the weather doesn't fluctuate as much. 1 point for Barcelona.
3. Culture - Both cities are loaded with culture. But Madrid is the heart of Castilla y Leon province, has better museums, and is a better place to learn Spanish. 1 point for Madrid.
4. Job market - Madrid is the best place in Spain to work, simply because there are more jobs, especially if you're teaching English. Whether the Catalan people have a better work ethic is not in dispute, Madrid is the capital of Spain and the best place to work. 1 point for Madrid.
5. Scenery - Barcelona is by far the better-looking city. Every corner of Barcelona is beautiful, and it's loaded with wonderful architecture. Madrid doesn't come close in this department, unfortunately. 1 point for Barcelona.
As you can see, it's pretty much a draw! Both cities are wonderful in their own right.
As for other Spanish cities, they are all great too and offer something special.
I won't comment on the rest of the countries you've listed (even though I have been to all of them except Morocco) as it would take up too much space.
/not specific enough).![[search]](graemlins/search.gif)
- rent or buy a cell phone from me for your stay in spain, more info at 
- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
You've probably heard about the acueducto y el Alcazar y la catedral, all of which you should definitely check out. There's also Casa de los Picos, the 12 sided Vera Cruz church, lots of great restaurants, and if you spend the night and want to check out a fun bar, the Cerveceria is young and loud and full of great music. :cheers: If you go to Morroco, maybe you can also make a stop before that and see the Rock of Gibraltar; I thought that was pretty neat. Morrocco was interesting also, just as others have said, make sure you go with someone else, or even a group would be better. Well, that's about it I guess! Basically anything you want to do in Spain, anywhere you want to go, you will have the time of your life! I miss Spain terribly every day, and it's been three years since I've been there! :cry:
