Blogs from District of Madrid, Spain, Europe - page 170

Hola amigos We’re now well into the Spanish leg of our voyage. Our knowledge of the Spanish language has vastly improved beyond “hola”. We can now confidently buy tickets, book accommodation and ask for toilets. However, food still provides us with challenges everyday (we have learnt not to order the toro de rabo - bulls tails). Although challenging - we have managed to order many a fine meal, tried some local specialties and explored some good (and bad) tapas bars. Spain has continually astounded us with its art, architecture and history. It has been fantastic to discover and learn about places and buildings, some of which date from over a thousand years before New Zealand was even a country. We’ve been following the lineage of Spanish Royalty (the most famous being the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand V ... read more

Dear Students, After approximately 3:00 p.m. yesterday one of the hand soap dispensers in the ladies’ room in Segre (across from the computer lab) went missing. If you should know of its whereabouts or how it came to disappear, we ask that you please share that information so we can swiftly recover the dispenser. As it is highly unlikely that the soap dispenser moved of its own volition, we would also greatly appreciate any efforts that might bring about the speedy return of the soap dispenser to the ladies’ room in Segre. Any emails or other information received on this subject, or any for that matter, will be treated with the utmost discretion and confidence. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Ryan O'Lone Program Aide NYU in Madrid... read more

So I started the day off well. Went running for an hour and a half!!! It felt great when I got back. But a few hours later my brain went numb. I think I need to have some more sufficient food after running for that long. I won't make that mistake again. Class was good. Had Chinese food today with some friends. It was kind of weird ordering Chinese food in Spanish, but it tasted just the same. Did homework for pretty much the bulk of the day. I'm going to sleep soon because I am so exausted. Skipping the gym tomorrow. Maybe Thursday I'll go running again. That would be my goal. I think I can do it. Well I looking foward to sleep. Also, I think I have been getting headaches due to the ... read more

Slept in which was nice. Went to El Rastro with Lindsay. I bought a shirt and Lindsay bought some sun glasses. Met up with one of our friends in Plaza Mayor and had lunch with him. I head a bean soup and chicken. Was a fan of the coffee today, had two cups! Came back and chilled in the apartment. Did some homework, talked to a lot of friends on the computer today which was nice. Starting to miss little things about home, like healthy food! haha. It's cool, I feel more motivated to work out now! Anyway, I have my new class tomorrow, we'll see how it goes. Going to head to the gym before class and then go to the market to get food for lunch. Probably fruit, some turkey cold cuts, and whole ... read more

Woke up late. Lindsay and I had breakfast and then went to the market to get some items to have a lunch on a bench to people watch. I bought strawberries, whole wheat crackers, and some natural turkey slices (cold cuts). People starred at us. It is very unusual to see a Spaniard eat while on the street, let alone on a bench. This is because of the cultural value of food. A meal is never rushed! Regardless, we had a fun time. Then we came back to the apartment and chilled for a while. I then decided that I was going to go for a run. With my experience with running, the chance of success is only increased when you have a goal. So instead of running aimlessly I planned it out. I ran from ... read more