In Madrid, they call the time between Christmas holidays and the next puente (long weekend) "la cuesta"("The uphill"). We have two, TWO full months without any long weekends or special festivos. And, to add insult to injury, these are the two months of the year when it is cold and rainy.
If you know anything about Spain, this is difficult and depressing for the people here, who thrive on sitting on terrazas and enjoying the sun in one of the many parks.
In St. Louis, where I am from winter is in full swing. Freezing temperatures, snow, slick roads. Here in Madrid, however, spring is starting to show itself. I love my first walk in the park as the weather is starting to feel warmer, the sun is staying up later, and it's finally Friday!
These beautiful almond blossoms only stick around for a short time but I always feel like this is nature's way of giving the Madrileños a little hope that the winter is winding down.
Soon, it'll be time to enjoy some tinto de veranos and cervezas (and it goes without saying in Spain, TAPAS) on a terraza whilst soaking up the sweet, Spanish sol!
