I often just use the metro to get around. It's such a convenient form of transportation and works so well! I rarely take the bus and have only taken taxis when I'm pressed for time. I also will walk to get where I need. It's different from America, where I always had the luxury of a car, but I like it.
Well, I teach most days, so I'm usually wearing Chinos and button-up shirts. I find that the dress code is a bit more relaxed as a teacher in Madrid than it was in Chicago. Here, I am allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts if I wish - although, I haven't yet done that. I guess old habits die hard, and Mr. Tarrasch wears business casual.
I like to play sports, read books and go to art exhibits. I think part of the joy of trying to learn another language is getting to enjoy a different culture. It's not easy, but I've recently started reading Federico Garcia Lorca plays, and I really enjoy them. Lorca is one of Spain's most famous writers, and he even lived in New York City for a while!
I speak English and a fairly intermediate level of Spanish. For "hello" I would say either, "hola" or "Buenos dias." Although if you want to be really Spanish, you can just shorten this down to "Buenas." It's like how we say "morning" as opposed to "good morning," the Spaniards will shorten this down to just "Buenas."
