Adios to Madrid

Time has gone muy rapido for us in Madrid. This city has been a fantastic place to live and we have learned a lot during our time here. Spain is still in a period of uncertainty after five years of a very deep economic crisis. La crisis, as it is know here, impacts life in many ways that are not as obvious for a regular tourist. The bars in the centre of the city are full and the streets are crowded. But, I have met many regular Spanish people, through my school and my exchanges, and they have told me that life here for many is tough. The unemployment rate for the country is 25% and many people have lost faith in the perpetually corrupt political elites. About half of the people I meet through language exchanges were very well educated but either underemployed or out of work. Many of the best and brightest have left for greener pastures in Europe and beyond. I'm told that there are more buskers and beggars on the streets than in past years. Every time we ride the metro there is someone playing an accordion or just asking for money. Spain is a very diverse and regional nation. Different parts of the country try to maintain their own customs and autonomy, such as Barcelona, which makes it harder for the nation as a whole to remain united. But, one of many great qualities of the Spanish I've meet has been their positive attitude and a surprisingly optimistic outlook for the future. We are reminded once again how lucky we are to be Canadian.