Free concerts at the University of Alcalá de Henares

I must admit that I probably fell in love with Alcalá de Henares because of the nightlife and college environment. But now that I'm pretty much over that phase, it's a really great cultural center with lots more to offer than long drunken nights.

This month, for example, a free concert is held each Saturday evening in the courtyard of one of the college buildings. Each concert features young adults studying classical music.

Last night I went with two friends to listen to a pianist and cello player play in the courtyard of the Humanities building off the Cervantes Plaza. The building in itself was built in 1610 and has served as the University archives and military barracks as well.

Like most places, there was an older audience for the most part. Some grandchildren were dragged along and they sat through the performance surprisingly well for a country that doesn't usually discipline its children. But I think it's a great shame that my generation doesn't show much interest in continuing these traditions. Especially here in Europe, where classical music was born and refined.

It was so inspiring and peaceful (although way too cold for the middle of May!) that it made for a great night. We then took a walk around the Cervantes Plaza and watched the storks settling into their nests on building roofs in the area. They were setting up a free rock concert for later that night and teenagers were practicing their gymnastic and free-styling skills.