The Campus Corner: San Isidro & A Weekend That Plans Itself ☀️💃

Meet Roberto

My name is Roberto Alterio, I’m 35 years old (born in 1990—great vintage), and I’m proudly Venezuelan… and now also Spanish. 
I was born in Caracas on August 31st at 3:00 PM—important detail in case we’re celebrating properly someday 😏 

I had an amazing childhood, the kind that barely exists anymore. No screens, no phones, no iPads… just being out in the street all day. I’ve loved football since I was a kid and played until I was 30, reaching a professional level and even representing my country with the U17 national team ⚽🔥 

At 21, I moved to Tampa to study, then later to Miami, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sports Management. I lived there for over five years, playing football and enjoying life before moving to Spain in 2018. Since then, I’ve been working at IE for almost 7 years across different teams… so yeah, at this point I’m basically part of the furniture 😅 

I’d say I’m a very honest person (sometimes too honest, not gonna lie), with a good sense of humor and strong values. I always try to be respectful, but if there’s one thing I really can’t stand, it’s injustice. 

I love going to the stadium to watch Real Madrid (equal parts stress and happiness), traveling, and—very important—eating good food. 

My perfect day off? 

I wake up early (even when I don’t have to), hit the gym, and then go all in on breakfast: arepas with perico, avocado, and a solid coffee ☕🔥 

After that, I like walking around the city, getting lost in the center, discovering new shops… and of course ending up at a great restaurant somewhere in Madrid (because let’s be honest, the food here is top-tier). 

Afternoon = football, a good snack, and then winding down on the couch with a documentary about an athlete or a good crime movie. Perfect day. 
 

If I won the lottery… 

I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot lately (and yes, I’ve bought more tickets than I should 😂). 

First thing: I’d buy a house for my mom close to me. I left my country 15 years ago, and she’s still there, so that’s priority number one. 

Then I’d travel a lot with my family, invest wisely so my kids can have a peaceful future, and help people in need or support an NGO. 

That said, I’ve met very wealthy people, and honestly… money is just one more thing. Some millionaires are not happy at all. For me, the most valuable thing is time—because time never comes back. Money doesn’t buy time, but it does help you live better. 

So more than money, I think health is everything. I’d rather be healthy without money than rich and sick. 
 

Bonus (because I’m a bit of a weird guy 😅) 

I don’t really like listening to music (I know… strange). I sleep very little but somehow have energy all day—no idea how that works. I’m also not into reading; I prefer documentaries and movies based on real stories. 

I miss my country a lot. Not just because it’s mine, but because I truly believe it’s one of the best places in the world—it has EVERYTHING. If you’ve never been to Venezuela, you should go. And if you need tips… I’m your guy 😉 

Pasta from Scratch, Tiramisu on Top 🍝🍰

This is a relaxed Italian cooking workshop where you make fresh pasta and tiramisu from scratch. You won't be just watching, but actually making everything yourself, then you can either eat it there or take it home (ideal if your kitchen situation is… limited). 

May 9 · 12:00
Registration through DM or at +34 645 482 374 / @rollingvelu

A solid plan when you want something social, but a bit more hands-on than just drinks.

If Coffee runs through your veins: Nuna Coffee Shop

Design Lovers, This One’s for You

Casa Decor is back, with its 2026 edition, turning a full Madrid building into a temporary showcase of rooms designed by top architects and designers. This year it takes place in Palacio del Marqués de los Vélez y Conde de Niebla, from the 9th of April to the 24th of May.

You move from space to space: kitchens, living rooms, even bathrooms! Each with a completely different style. Some feel like dream homes, others a bit experimental, but that’s part of the fun. It’s an easy way to get inspired (or just pretend you’re picking your future apartment).

🕒 Best on weekday afternoons to avoid crowds
💸 Ticketed entry (€€)
👉 Tip: go room by room without rushing, some of the best details are easy to miss

Fresh Finds at the Planetario

The Mercado de Productores lands at the Planetario on the 17th of May, bringing local farmers, small producers, and very good food to one place.

It’s one of those Madrid plans that feels easy but delivers: fresh cheeses, baked goods, seasonal fruit, and plenty of “I’ll just try this” moments that quietly turn into lunch.
It’s also a nice break from the usual bars... more relaxed, more local, and great for a slow catch-up.

San Isidro is coming... aka Madrid at its most Madrid

The city’s biggest local festival, with music, food stalls, and people dressed in traditional chulapo outfits across different spots in the city.

It’s one of the few times Madrid feels like a full-on street party with locals, not just tourists. There will be live concerts, dancing, and a very social, slightly chaotic vibe (in the best possible way).

You’ve got options: Go classic with Pradera de San Isidro in the late afternoon for the full picnic + concert experience. Or stay central and head to Jardín de Las Vistillas (next to the cathedral) for great views and a more relaxed crowd. Another easy win: pick any spot with a concert lineup nearby and build your plan around that.
It’s all free, just bring cash, something to sit on, and set a meeting point early.

Pick your spot, follow the music, and let Madrid do the rest.

A Taste of Old Madrid: El Kiosco de Narváez

Blink and you might miss it, this little kiosk has been part of Madrid life for generations, and it's the last one of its kind left in Madrid.

This Kiosco is a true gem, a spot that has been around for decades but still feels truly traditional: a family-run stand serving Spanish horchata, agua de cebada, granizado de limón (a true Spanish classic), and more, all made the old way. Even their website feels like a step back in time (simply iconic).

Tip: Their horchata is the real deal, but don’t be afraid to try the agua de cebada (barley water), sweet, cold and refreshing and not so easy to find around Madrid anymore. Their granizado is truly perfect for a hot day, and it's a classic for a reason.

From pop-ups to permanent: Onda is here

A Madrid-born burger project that built its name through pop-ups and has now opened its own space.

These are the kind of burgers people used to queue for when locations were temporary... so the quality is already proven. The menu is simple, but with strong flavors... and that “they know exactly what they’re doing” energy.

Some things are worth the hype!

Brunch just got an upgrade! La Papa has entered the chat

A Barcelona favorite that’s officially opened in Madrid (and not going anywhere). Your next “accidentally stayed for 2 hours” brunch.

This brunch feels like a proper one: great coffee, plates that look as good as they taste, and a space you’ll want to stay in longer than planned.

Go mid-morning on weekends if you can beat the rush. Come hungry and share one sweet + one savory, that's the move. Expect mid-range (€€), more treat than routine.

Campus Bites: Tasca La Farmacia

Art in a Garden You’ll Want to Stay In

The exhibition at Fundación Juan March (Jardín de Banca March) is a cultural plan that feels far from the usual museum rush, right now featuring Thomas Houseago, in his first exhibition in Spain.

Set in a small, quiet garden, it mixes contemporary sculpture with fresh air so you can walk, pause, and take it in at your own pace (no “museum fatigue” here). It also doubles as a great date idea: an almost private park right in the city, and a refreshing switch from the usual Retiro loop.

Hours: Thursday 19:00- 23:00 h; Friday & Saturday 12:00-19:00 h 

Your Grandma Was Onto Something 🪡

If, like me, you’ve been wanting to do something creative, but don't know where to start... how about this cute workshop where you design and embroider your own bag charm, keychain, or brooch from scratch? 

As always, it’s beginner-friendly, all materials are included, and (for better or worse), you’ll take home whatever you make.

Practical details:
📍 Espacio Hilando
🗓️ May 10, 10:30–14:30
✍️ Sign up via DM or email (clubsenorasinfo@gmail.com)

Free Museums, No Excuses

On May 18, Madrid celebrates International Museums Day, with many museums opening their doors for free and often extending hours.

It’s the perfect excuse to finally visit the spots you’ve been saving—or just wander into one without overthinking it. From big names like the Prado or Reina Sofía to smaller, quieter spaces, the city turns into a choose-your-own culture route.

📍 All over Madrid
🕒 Best to go early or later in the evening (midday gets busy)