Blogs from Madrid, District of Madrid, Spain, Europe - page 91

This was a *real* sleep-in. We had been exhausted not only from last night, but the previous 3 nights in Barcelona, where we didn't get to bed before 12am and it was generally closer to 2am. As such, we finally awoke around 12:15pm! Che awoke from the lounge to make us waffles - and boy were they good! Penny had also laid on fruit salad and banana bread muffins - a very welcome change from our usual breakfast of the last 5 weeks! We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the girls - painting and building a "yoghurt machine" and generally horsing around. Mikaley even gave us a guided tour of the backyard and pool - with full commentary. Those two are enough to wear anyone out! We had a few chores to do ... read more

Today all the students and teachers for Canterbury English were invited to participate in a cook-out, games, and the chance to get inside a ring with a bull. The cook-out was amazing and we cooked everything ourselves (when I say "we" I mean some of them cooked, I toasted my french bread/bun on the grill) Sangria was free and obviously went rather quickly. I'm pretty sure at least 4 buckets were done by the end of the day! I love how in Spain, things are much more relaxed as far as preparation and eating goes. I saw someone drop some grilled asparagus on the ground and clearly that it way too great to throw out so they "decontaminated" it by putting it back on the grill for a little bit! My awkward moment of the day ... read more

Hola todos! Me and the girl made it here in one piece! We are staying in a hostel right off of "Sol" the center of Madrid. After many flights, we arrived in Barajas airport. One of my companions bags have been misplaced (meaning they are still in London). But they have the address of our hostel and will be dropping them off (esperamos) tomorrow. We managed to figure out the Metro to get us to our hostel and saved a bunch of Euros doing that. IT was an adventure but relatively easy. We were definitley the only Americanos in sight and recieved some scruitiny. Overall, the Spaniards just kept to themselves. The Hostel is very nice, clean and seems safe. To quell some fears I am sure a few of you may be having, the locks ... read more

Day 5/Día 1- May 23, 2008- MADRID DAY 1… well, I had my first completely on-my-own flight today. It was a bit scary, but I survived the flight from Dublin to Madrid, where it was raining when I arrived. After a bit of being lost, I finally found the cabs and was driven out to Pilar’s home. Unfortunately, on top of the rain, Pilar’s home turned out to be a large, confusing building, but I managed to find my way soon enough. Pilar is spectacular—she is so sweet, she welcomed me with a warm hug and a kiss on each cheek (very European, I’m almost used to it now!). I have my very own room, an adorable little room with my own bed, dresser, desk, and bulletin board. Kimberli has an identical room next door, but ... read more

by anna (and david) Well, the last 3 weeks have been full on with friends and family in town (and therefore lots of trips to our fave places to eat, and drink!), futbol matches, opera, a bullfight, a trip to Toledo, an excursion to the races (for one certain enthusiast anyway) and an exam! What we’ve done: Experienced the ultimate ‘futbol’ grudge match - Real Madrid v F.C. Barcelona at 10pm on a Wednesday night - prime time in Spain, which happened to be Real Madrid’s first game back at home after winning the title on the previous weekend. I'm glad they won. It was a sensational atmosphere and I have enormous respect for the enthusiasm of the fans who did not stop cheering as Real wiped the floor with their traditional opponents. (Barca was outplayed ... read more