Two empanadas and a Diet Coke

Good morning and welcome back to spring break at American Style. This week, you’ve already heard from two college students as they documented 48 hours of their spring break trips.

The third and final spring breaker of the week is Riley, a Cooper Union freshman who returns to the newsletter after participating in the American Style College Questionnaire last fall.

Riley spent her spring break in Madrid and Barcelona. Her 48 hours include: St Patrick’s Day spring breakers in green Urban Outfitters tops, goal = go a week without smoking weed, French boys having their first kiss, patatas bravas, my mom hurt my feelings but it was okay.

Name: Riley

Age: 19

Occupation: Architecture Student at The Cooper Union

Hometown/where you live now: From a small town in Massachusetts but in NYC for school

How did you decide what to do for spring break? Well, I’ve never been to Spain, and my sister-in-law is studying design in Madrid. Plus, Madrid and Barcelona are hubs for art and architecture.

Did you do any shopping? What did you buy? Of course! I got a pair of sunglasses in Madrid, a “big girl” wallet in Segovia, and, from this little Venezuelan designer in Barcelona, the cutest top, a bikini, and some swim shorts, courtesy of my mother.

How did you get to your destination? Was it stressful? I flew from JFK to London and London to Madrid, and it was good in terms of being in JFK. In fact I met Becca Michie at the airport. However, I am writing this sitting in LHR because my flight has been repeatedly delayed and canceled, so the way home has certainly been stressful, but at least I have a little more time to study for my history exam.

What do you hope to achieve this spring break? Go a week without smoking weed, get inspired again, and buy an awesome gift for my girlfriend.

What time you woke up: 8:30 AM

What you slept in: Brandy Melville heart boxers and a miscellaneous blue t-shirt.

The weather: Lows around 45 F and highs around 70 F. Super sunny during the day and a lovely cool night.

Breakfast: Yummy Cardamom Bun and latte from ACID Cafe.

My day began with the Reina Sofía, which was absolutely amazing. One of the best main collections I have ever seen, with so many amazing pieces and a rich history. Followed by an early lunch and a walk through the park. I was really feeling myself on this walk and got some much needed sun on my shoulders.

Your goal for the day: See awesome art at the Museo Reina Sofía and get that art museum buzz.

Your outfit: Black off-the-shoulder top + floral midi skirt with tar stains (yuck) + Black flats + my most favorite darling black baby doll type peacoat

Hydration of choice: Coffee and beer

The vibe in the air: Ugh I love to be in a city after they had a bad week of weather, and finally they have a good day! It was just like that; people doing swing dancing in the street, so many dogs out, and non-smokers having their early spring cheeky cigarettes

I met back up with my mom to see a little jazz show that my dad’s friend invited us to. Followed by an aperitif at La Venecia and some light tapas.

Lunch: A pretty bad salad, patatas bravas, two very yummy glasses of white, and as many cigarettes as I could smoke before my mom said something

Down a little stone street, we made our way with my sister-in-law and her mom to Mune, where we had sooo much delicious food. I had completely forgotten about St. Patrick’s Day until floods of spring breakers emptied onto the streets in green Urban Outfitters tops and Edikted jeans. In my ‘50s modest midi skirt and ballet flats, I felt a little inferior. However it’s hard to care much with a good glass of wine and great company. We tried to get a drink in as many bars as we could get into and befriend cute bartenders, but the group slowly whittled down to just me. I enjoyed my fuzzy walk home and a fabulous shower.

High point: My pistachio ice cream I ate while birdwatching in Retiro park

Low point: Got shat on by a bird in Retiro park

Meet anyone interesting? A cute French lady gave me a napkin after I got green bird shit all over my adorable jacket and hair.

Most spring break moment of the day: Prolly daydrinking and getting lost

Dinner: Dinner began at La Venecia for a sherry flight and some meat and cheese. Then, Lebanese food just down the street.

What time you went to bed: 3 AM

Good day? Absolutely

Low point: My mom hurt my feelings but it was okay.

What time you woke up: 6:10 - had to catch the train

What you slept in: same brandy boxers and gray tanktop

The weather: A bit chillier; lows around 40 F and highs at 58 F

Breakfast: Another cardamom bun and latte cause it was so good I had to get another

Had to be up and at ‘em early to catch the express train to Barcelona. I spent the train reading for class and was itching to go explore when we arrived.

Your goal for the day: See the ocean and get my mom to smoke with me

Your outfit: My new cream knit top + My new sunglasses + blue and white striped flats + relaxed blue jeans

Hydration of choice: Coke zero, cava, coffee, and water

The vibe in the air: In the morning some negative hungover energy, but after some fresh air and a smoke, perfect spring break tourist vibe; good people watching.

Lunch: Incredible eggplant parm sandwich on focaccia and beer

High point: Worked through some ideas for school by the water.

Low point: My mom hurt my feelings but it was okay.

Meet anyone interesting? Yes! Two classic French boys in sweat suits and puffers with fades and Air Force Ones sat across from me. I offered them a few hits of my joint and they appreciated it. I went back to my sketchbook and 15 minutes later, they were having their first kiss. It was so adorable I cried.

Most spring break moment of the day: dry shaving my armpits

Dinner: Two empanadas and a diet coke

What time you went to bed: 12 Am

Good day? Amazing day

I got a lot of steps this day, between walking to the water and through the Gothic Quarter; it was magic. Finally rested on some sea stairs with my crappy weed and just got to sketch for class and enjoy myself.

I much preferred Madrid’s charm to Barcelona’s, but Barcelona’s waters were mesmerizing. Went and did a solo audio tour of a Gaudí house cause how could I resist? I was pretty exhausted by this point, so my mom and I split a bottle of wine and some empanadas over the rest of my joint. Total magic.