Flip Flopping in Madrid

It's official. I've survived the 7-month winter in Madrid and now I can confidently and happily say that summer has arrived. Today, on the 10th of May, I dug out my shorts from the back of the closet, reluctantly "slipped" on my bathing suit and headed out to catch some rays in the park. It was 80 degrees and sunny. FINALLY. Madrid has shed its winter coat and come out to play. The officialy transition from winter to summer in Madrid isn't just obvious by the beautiful weather, but by many other things from the food we eat to the atmosphere in the streets. Here is just a small compilation of how one can tell when to break out the finally flip flops in Madrid:

1. Terraza Time: It's all about the terraces in Madrid (but this also goes for any city in Spain.) Restaraunts and cafés that I had passed by for months all of the sudden created space for their own little plaza. Tables and chairs are set up outside, umbrellas and awnings decorate the streets and people FLOCK. Just last night my friends and I were looking to sit on a terrace and have a couple of beers, but after visiting about five different places, we realized we'd have to wait for this luxury. Everywhere was filled with people, and remember...Spaniards take their time. But a terrace is a terrace. It's got that perfect atmosphere and all outside with beautiful weather. What else could you ask for? Oh yeah, a beer and olives please.

2. Don't forget the rooftops: Rooftops are just as important as terrazas in Madrid. Rooftop bars are all the rage in this city. People have been waiting months for their favorite rooftop to open up in April or May and now that they have, you better hope that they take reservations! Most of the rooftop bars have swanky character, with lounge areas, amazing views and sometimes even pools.

3. Parks are the new pools: Well, for the madrileños at least. In a big city such as Madrid, you don't come by too many pools (besides a few of those rooftop bars). Therefore, people pack their pool bags for the park. For months now, I had mentally prepared for the moment I would have to publicly lay out in my swimsuit in a park...but once you do it once, the awkwardness really wears off. Everyone does it because it's the only way you can get some rays in Madrid.

4. Granizados: What are granizados you ask? SLUSHIES! I know it's such a small thing, but it seems like everywhere has put out their signs announcing that they have slushies. GRANIZADOS AQUI.

5. The Adult Slushies: If you've ever heard of Tinto de Verano, then this is a Tinto de Verano 2.0. A Tinto de Verano is a popular summer drink in Spain, made of wine and a splash of Sprite or lemonade (very refreshing). Well, picture that in slushie form. That's all.

6. To wear or not to wear: For anyone who's spent a significant amount of time in Madrid (as in across the seasons), you may start to notice that madrileños are CRAZY about seasonal clothing. CRAZY. If it's 80 degrees in February, God forbid you wear a short sleeve shirt or sandals! There are no excuses people. You've been warned, so never make the mistake of wearing shorts too early on in April or putting on sandals when you oddly haven't seen any other Spaniard do the same. They will heckle you, they will be very confused and they will never let it down. The other day, in 75 degree sunny weather, I put on a brave face and wore a maxi dress to school. The first thing that happens when I walk through the door...

Teacher: Qué pasa?! Ya está verano???

(Translation: Umm, what are you doing...it's already summer?!)

Yes, it's summer. But to them, summer is when it's so unbearably hot, you can't wear a jacket and scarf anymore.

Even now, I'm still seeing scarves and Ugg boots on the metro. No exaggeration. But slowly and surely, they are coming to their senses. I wasn't the only one in shorts today.

7. Let there be air: This one is simple. You know it's summer in Madrid when the air conditioning comes on in the metros. WE CAN BREATHE.

8. Where are all the people? Even though the terrazas are filled and the rooftops are hopping, each weekend in Madrid seems to lose a bit more of the population-but only for the weekend. This is because almost everyone in Madrid owns (or knows someone who owns) a beach house on the coast of Spain. From what people tell me, Madrid is about to get unbearingly hot, and people have to have a safe haven. So off they go on the weekends to the beach. And in June and July, people actually desert the city for an entire month or so.

9. The War of School & Summer: This particular list item doesn't necessarily pertain only to Spanish culture. In every school, every child all around the world is plagued with the summer jitters. The windows looking out to the playground (usually opened for the fresh air) only taunt the students more. Teachers have to hold strong while the kids try to push their limits. But we will prevail.

10. Sleeping in is a sin: No one can sleep in on a beautiful summer day, even in Madrid where everyone seems to get a late start in the morning. Lately however, I've noticed people out buying flowers in the street before 10 a.m. and enjoying a coffee in a plaza at 9. (This may sound like sleeping in to you, but not here).

Footnote: Sleeping in and siestas are two different things. When the weather gets warmer and you're out all day, the bed calls your name around 5 in the afternoon. But hey, at least I didn't sleep in.