And so classes begin...

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Well, one short half-day after getting to Madrid, our classes started. I'm taking three classes from three Spanish Law Professors. They all have really impressive credentials - 2 are partners at global lawfirms (who teach on the side for a different prospective) and the other one cancelled the first class (clearly a slacker). Actually, he was doing something in D.C. because he is an advisor to the government and couldn't get back in time for the first class.

Interestingly, the professors were very nice and apologized for their poor English skills. I think that this is rather ironic - they were speaking perfect English, but even as partners at global lawfirms they were apologizing to law students. I just can't really see that happening at home. But I think it's a reflection of the Spanish culture - most people are very polite. Even using my broken-Spanish, people tend to take the time to help you find your way.

After class ended we had a scavenger-hunt through Madrid. Fun in theory, but very very hot in practice. My team opted to walk around for a while before grabbing a table at the Plaza Mayor, enjoying Sangria in lieu of running around and taking crazy pictures infront of random places. Oh, it's worth mentioning that we all had to wear distinctive "Hi, I'm a tourist" t-shirts - they sported a lovely map of Spain and colored in yellow and red. It also clearly identified us as students; we got a few comments. Fortunately, whatever they said was not taught in my Spanish classes, so I really have no idea what they said.

I finally uploaded some pictures, hope you enjoy!

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Photos

Outside my Room
So, let's start with the positives - I have a balcony.

Outside my Room
And a pool view.

My Room
Part of my room.

My Room
Other part of my room.

The Bathroom
Ok, I realize that taking a picture of the bathroom is odd, but there's a good reason. This comode is so close to the wall that you have to sit sideways or one-cheeked. I'm a big fan, if you can't tell.

Our Entry Way
Nothing too special.

Dorm Hall
Ok, so it doesn't look any different from other dorms. But this one is in Spain.

Staircase
I'm a big fan - it's a huge spiral staircase and just looks really cool.

Random Outiside
No idea what this was, but it looked cool!

More of that
Still cool building

Man on horse.
It's a statute in the middle of the Sol Plaza.

Another Cool Building
Hopefully, before I leave I will replace "Cool" with the actual names of the buildings.

Scavenger Hunt
See, we participated. In case you can't tell, we're next to a pharmacy looking robust. Yeah.

More
I'm sure this is a super-important building.

More 2
Here's a better view of it.

Ah. The Ham Museum.
I thought this was quite hilarious... in Spain, they really do love their ham!

Still the Ham Museum.
Just in case you forgot.

More Ham
The door to the Ham Museum.

Cool Building
Another one on the way to Plaza Mayor.

Crazy Building
And I thought New York was creative...

Street Scene
All the streets are really quaint and just remind me Europe. I suppose that makes sense.

Comments

[anonymous]

LOVE the toilet picture. These are details of Spain that every traveller should know! Also the one of Sarah in the elevator. You should really have your own travel show. Like Rick Steves, only with way more sarcasm! Have fun, play well with others, and talk to LOTS of strangers (especially if they're male and Spanish!)

[KC]

Wow this is all so amazing! You're so lucky to have this opportunity! I miss you a lot! But soon we'll be together...in Paris!...and put up our own pictures!!

[Mbroodryk]

:) I can't wait to meet you!!

[Mbroodryk]

You know, I think every travel blog needs a little sarcasm. These are the little things that we just don't realize we take for granted at home. :)