Hey, neighbor

In the spring, the landscape of Madrid transforms completely. Blooming trees line the sidewalks with green; restaurants move all their tables outside; and ice cream stands pop up on every street corner.

The result is a warm atmosphere that invites everyone to come live on the streets. And thanks to this outdoor-focused life that promotes neighborhood camaraderie, I've finally accomplished my life goal of becoming a "regular" somewhere. At the snack stand on the corner closest to my apartment.

A man with a beanie runs the stand, which offers ice cream, drinks, and other munchies. I stopped spontaneously to get a water bottle a couple weeks ago, and as I paid, he smiled and said, "You're the runner. You run well."

It made me so happy that he recognized me, and his 1.5 liter water bottles for only 1 euro are a total bargain, so I started going back whenever I needed a refill. Even if I'm not buying anything, we wave as I walk past (which I do every time I leave the house) and say "See ya later!"

The best part -- now when I make the turn towards the park on my runs, he throws me a giant thumbs up! It makes me feel like I'm running a road race every day. It's funny how simple things like being friends with your neighbor can brighten your day.