Blood is thicker than water: You’ve been saying it wrong.

There I was, sipping a robust Rioja at my favourite terraza in Madrid, when a thought struck me like the splash of sangria on a crisp white blouse. We’ve all heard the saying “blood is thicker than water,” but what if we’ve been getting it wrong all along?

Moving to Madrid was a bold leap into the unknown. I traded the familiarity of my life in the UK for the vibrant, unpredictable rhythm of Spain’s capital. Madrid, with its labyrinthine streets and vibrant plazas, has a way of making you rethink everything. The city’s pulse, a blend of flamenco beats and distant church bells, encourages introspection and lively debates with friends over tapas. And it was during one such lively discussion that I realised something profound about family and friendship.

The original proverb, often misunderstood, is actually: “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” This flips the common interpretation on its head. It suggests that the relationships we choose and the bonds we form through shared experiences can be stronger than those we’re born into.

As an expat in Madrid, I’ve found a new family among fellow wanderers and locals alike. My mornings start with the warmth of a “café con leche” shared with my friend who is like a sister, my neighbour who’s turned into that distant cousin. We…