Whew! After a loooooong plane ride and an even looooonger layover, I am here in Madrid, in all my American tattooed glory. Yes, I think I scream "American", but no matter. I already got ripped off in a taxi from the airport. 50 effing Euro! Can you believe it?!?!
Anyway! The first night I stayed with a couple other girls from the program in a hostel downtown. Tired as I was from my arduous journey, we walked around, "soaking up local color", as Lucy would say.
Yesterday I met my new Spanish family, Carmen and her 18 year old son, who-fun fact-is an avid fencer. They are both very charming and accomodating. Carmen came with me to buy a "pay as you go" phone-so call me!
011-34-639-336-223
Then she made me amazing paella, complete with shrimps that still had legs and eyeballs. Yikes. I watched Family Guy dubbed in spanish while I ate.
Oh, and they have a bidet. I´m terrified.
Last night I went out for tapas with some lovely gals from the program. There are awesome places where you can get a tasty grilled cheesy porky sandwich type thing (called a bocadillo) for 1.80 Euro. That´s like $2.50, if that. The foods here are super rich and salty, but portions are smaller and people walk a lot, hence, less fatness.
Today we went to La Plaza Del Sol, which I guess Union Square would be the equivalent. TONS of people. It´s way huger and busier than Union Square, but it´s the closest comparison. I was getting claustrophobic. And everyone smokes, which doesn´t help. But, today was Saturday, and a holiday weekend, so I don´t think it´s always like that.
Tomorrow is another gal-fest. There is a really huge and supposedly awesome flea market every Sunday that we are going to go check out.
Also right now is one of Spain´s major holidays, Cabalgatas do los Reyes Magos, or The Procession of the Magi. It´s like their Christmas. On Monday there is a really beautiful parade for the holiday, so I´m going to check that out.
Then classes start on the 12th. Boooo. No, I´m excited. Really. I´m already learning lots of Spanish-Spain Spanish is very different from Mexican Spanish. I´ll say a word that I use at home and I get a blank stare from Carmen. Oh, well.
Everyone write me! Or call me! Or email me!
Photos to come soon! Stay tuned!
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4 comments:
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Emily, your trip is so exciting, I love reading your blog!! I am so glad you're already out and about!!! I cant wait to read more. i miss and love you!
Also, the salty, milky, fatty &/or greasy stuff in Europe is better for you. They put way less science-y stuff in their junk foods so it's that much more healthy snacking. Here's to the cheeses and chocolates of Spain!
oxoxoxo
That wasn't trickface, that was me! I was signed in on another acc't & didn't realize 'til I'd posted. So I signed the hell outta there & inta here but now it looks like more splog comments (or "splomments") are invested in same. Great success!
dear em- we got your card yesterday and was happy to et it. its nice to hear you are having a good time and learning lots. i just talked to your dad and he helped me to get to your bog. wel hopefully i will be able to send it thats another story. grandpa is talking to amanda i didn!t send her a card so a phone call is better anyways. well time to close as iam having company in 10 min- so take care we love you grandma and grandpa.
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