Moving to Madrid in a few wks - how do I fill my days there??!!

[MamaGoose]

I'm moving to Madrid in a few weeks for DP's work. I've no idea how I'm going to fill my days. Eldest son (nearly 5) will be starting school there. I'll have all my days to fill with youngest son (aged 2). I normally work but will be going on a career break, at least at first (or until I go bonkers). My Spanish is very limited so I'll need to learn it pretty quickly. Can anyone recommend things to do in/around the city with my little one?

Have you seen this forum, it might help www.bilingualbabies.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=308&forum=16

I know someone here in Budapest who has just come from Madrid with 3 children. I will ask her about expat groups and baby groups - usually the best way to meet people and find out what is going on.

Thanks for the advice on the forum - the playgroup on there looks great and is just the sort of thing I want!

ABudafilSightWereHappyTonight - further advice from the friend in Budapest who's just moved would be fab!!

MamaGoose x

Hi, do a search for bebespain or Madrid mums, there are quite a few on the living overseas section. There is an expat magazine called The broadsheet which has lots of listings for meet ups etc. I know of at least one mother and toddler group but the Madrid mums will be able to help you more. I will email bebespain and let her know about this post.

Beat you to it Lucy !

Hi there mamagoose - congratulations on your move!
I live 20 mins out of the city but being right in the city or close by is a distinct advantage imho. Do you know where you may be living yet?

There are two Mums and Toddler Groups in central Madrid. I have been to Sticky Fingers and can highly recommend it. Very nice people and a good mix of ages. They meet twice a week too which is great. They also have Saturday Group once a month which is open to older siblings. They have a website - will have to look it up...

There´s another one at a church St Georges but I haven´t managed to get there yet.

Didn't get to school today as DS off sick but see you have already got hands-on advice!

Here it is:
playgroupmadrid.tripod.com/

Sorry don´t know how to make it "live"...

You may also find this link useful:

madrid.angloinfo.com/af/323/madrid-playgroups-and-after-school-activities.html

I think it will be a huge advantage that you have a LO who will be going to school. Its an excellent way to meet other mums and find out what else is going on.

Good Luck

Hello,

Thanks for the advice!

We're going to be living in Mirasierra (north). Seems nice. I can't believe it's only a few weeks till we all ship out of here. My list of things to sort (including, oh, work and Christmas!!) is about hundred items long.

I have found the Sticky Fingers link which is great and I'll check out the St George's group as well (I think they are on a Wed). I know it's going to be the first few weeks, and first week in particular when I'm sitting there thinking - what have I done!?

Mamagoose

Hi MamaGoose,
am living in Madrid too and St. Georges aparently is really good.My baby just turned 7 months so I will go there in the new year. To fill up on the bits you´r missing from the UK (foodwise) there is a FoodHall in S.S. de los Reyes or the Carrefour in Alcobendas has a "international" section with bacon, scones, ...
Close to Cuzco there is the Americans Women Club and they have a toddler group there.

I'm about to have my first baby in Madrid - can anyone recommend a good English speaking pediatric doctor?