This week in Weekly Moments: a second week in Madrid felt just right. It was a mix of new classes, my mom visiting, favourite dinners, and match-day coverage from the press zone.
The Second Week of Classes
This second week was exactly how I hoped it would be. I met new professors, all with incredible experience in the professional world, and once again, I was pushed out of my comfort zone.
The week started with my course TV and Sports, partly taught by Nuria Moreno. This class focused on public speaking and the psychology behind it — something that sounds easier than it is. We had to improvise a short talk in front of the camera inside the TV studio. Afterwards, we watched our own recordings on a very big screen in front of the entire class and received feedback on how to improve. Let me tell you, watching yourself that close up is not for the weak.
On Tuesday, we had a class about the business side of the sports industry, given by Matthew Good, and I actually found it super interesting. Seeing how the sports world is adapting to new generations, media changes, and financial realities gave me a new perspective on how broad this industry really is.
My last class of the week was on Wednesday with Erick McKee, who will also be supervising our final project. He had us introduce ourselves and ask questions to each other before giving us ten minutes to write an old-school game report — pen and paper only. Afterwards, we had to film ourselves giving a short pre- or post-match talk. Once again, a little intimidating, but that’s exactly what this year is meant for.
One thing I still can’t get used to? Late classes and travelling one and a half hours each way. But honestly, it’s worth it.
The most beautiful campus I have ever seen…
The TV Studio at the campus.
A Visit from Home
This week, my mom decided to visit and enjoy a few sunny days in Madrid. That only means one thing: walking a lot, shopping, walking around Retiro, and eating at all my favourite restaurants.
Showing her around made me realise how much this city already feels like home — and how I can easily see myself living and working here after this year.
A Sunday well spent in Retiro.
Food, Drinks, and More Food
It was definitely a week of good food and new discoveries.
On Tuesday, my final project team met up to sort out a few things and rewarded ourselves afterwards with an amazing Asian dinner. Neda had been raving about a Japanese place called Ayala Japón, and she was absolutely right and I’ve officially added it to my list of favourites.
Friday night was for tradition: dinner with my mom and sister at Mesón Txistu (you can find it in my Madrid Musts section). It was one of those evenings filled with great food, laughter, and catching up.
And to finish the week perfectly, tonight we’re going to Restaurante Ribeira do Miño, my all-time favourite seafood spot in Madrid — a little slice of Galician heaven.
Match Day: Real Madrid vs Valencia
Somehow my luck hasn’t run out yet. After attending a Champions League match and El Clásico, I got to watch my two favourite Spanish teams face each other — Real Madrid and Valencia.
This time, I felt more relaxed watching the game, probably because I’m starting to feel more confident balancing watching, analysing, and writing all at once. I guess practice really does make progress.
The night ended in a 4–0 win for Real Madrid, and it was one of those games where you could feel how connected the team was from the first whistle.
Looking Ahead
Next week already looks full — more fun (and slightly terrifying) classes, a visit from Valencia, and my first time working as a photographer for the Real Madrid Women’s Team. And honestly, I can’t wait for all of it!
