We are officially at the end of our journey. Our charge was to explore and hopefully better understand why these two cities in particular are often considered to be among the healthiest in the world. After nine days in Madrid and eight days in Valencia, these are my closing thoughts which are inspired by my personal experience and the conversions I’ve had with the wonderful group of students who joined me on this journey.
My crew
Madrid is by every definition a community. While considered by many Spaniards to be fast paced and hurried (6.5 million people), our group saw Madrid in a different light. This city is alive. More than just the bustling movement, Madrid is characterized by its warm and thoughtful people. Couples are often holding hands, kissing, and whispering into each other’s ears about things only they would understand. Cafes on every corner are filled with small groups of people enjoying each other’s company over an espresso or glass of wine. Spirited conversations permeate the city at nearly all times of day. There is an overwhelming sense of collectiveness and camaraderie at multiple levels. The people, places, and things are so tightly connected in this thoughtfully designed city. To paint the cityscape would require some combination of old world architecture, narrow streets lined with cafes, and of course people.
Valencia, on the other hand, is an enigma. A juxtaposition in which old world charm meets urban artistry. A rare place where long stretching sandy beaches nearly connect with rugged mountainscapes. It’s enough to make any outdoors person drool. While the metro population nears 2.5 million people, it has the feel of a small fishing village at times. The energy overall could be described as relaxed, tranquil, and almost harmonic. While Spaniards don’t use the term “work/life balance”, Valencians have mastered this as an art form. Work is done but not at the expense of taking a break to relax and appreciate the day and each other. There is a clear sense of pride, unity and solidarity amongst its residents. To be Valencian is a good thing. Still, it’s clear change is on horizon with young people eager for a fresh future. It’s difficult to predict the direction this sleepy city will go. Whichever direction they choose, you can bet it will be authentic.
Back to our educational mission. What makes the Spanish cities so healthy? Both are fortunate to have a social healthcare system that ensures everyone receives the care that they need. But there are slight differences between them. Madrid is the older sibling, a well established model of what a city should be. Its thoughtfully connected urban design makes this one the most walkable cities in the world (#5 in the most recent poll). The cuisine is fresh and in line with a Mediterranean diet. But more than anything, the social culture of Madrid is what makes this city a model of health. By contrast, Valencia is the new kid on the block. Still growing and establishing its independence. Its relaxed culture, access to active recreation, and abundance of fresh seafood support its bid as one of the healthiest cities in the world.
In closing, I’d like to step back and compare Spain and the United States as countries and how each views public health. Comparing these two is like comparing two sailing boat races. In one race, everyone gets a similar size boat with a similar size sale. And everyone gets a slight breeze behind their back to help ensure they finish the race. In the other race, only those who can afford it, receive a boat and/or a sale. The wealthiest get the best boats, sales, and a robust breeze to their back (even though they likely don’t need it). The poor are not guaranteed a boat or sale and likely will have to fight a headwind for the entire race. Just finishing the race for this group is a challenge in itself.
Circle Segments, Moholy-Nagy, 1921
Now, if you’ve stuck with me for this long, I’m guessing you can decide which race we Americans find ourselves in. As a White, educated, middle-class male, I feel very fortunate to be in the boat I initially inherited from my hard-working, kind and smart parents. I like to think that I’ve taken that boat and added to it through education and marrying an incredible partner (that’s you baby!). But each day, as I see those less fortunate than me drift further into the horizon, I feel a combination of guilt, sadness, and frustration. Because it doesn’t have to be this way!! We can, and should, take lessons from models like Spain to do a better job of taking care of those who need it. Ghandi said “The greatness of a nation can be measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Now not everything is perfect here. There is corruption and bureaucracy and limits on personal financial success. But I have to think there is a happy medium where everyone gets a boat, and a sale, and maybe a slight breeze at their back to ensure we all finish the race with dignity. And hopefully we can enjoy the view along the way.
With tapas…and fancy trains.
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