Blogs from District of Madrid, Spain, Europe - page 177

The bus ride from Valencia to Madrid was not the most comfortable; it was full and I was squeezed in between a guy named Frosty (as bizarre a guy as his name would suggest) and a big Kiwi guy named Clayton. The Kiwi girls and I were expecting to hate a hot, crowded Madrid, but the minute I got there, I knew I'd like it. The buildings were much prettier than I expected, the streets more spacious, many more statues and parks and fountains. Barcelona has really unfairly turned me off all big Spanish cities! We had to walk uphill to get to Hostel Metropol, uphill and through the Red Light District with hookers all around to suit every whim or fancy. When we arrived in the hostel we saw a bunch of people we've met ... read more

Ahoy, and welcome back people. What a huge weekend this was, I don't even really know where to begin.... Friday was indeed an eventfull day. Much like the Jeffersons, Armando and I 'moved on up' in every way imaginable. Our new digs is sweet, sweet nectar indeed, exceeding our expectations vastly. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly, offered refreshing beverages and some tasty chicken salad, and allowed to lounge on our house mother's lavish leather couches whilst watching satellite beamed spanish films on a flat-panel plasma display. Despite not being paid to take care of us on Friday, Elly allowed us to stay, enjoy a fine meal and even let Armando sleep on the sofa in the air conditioned living room. (There were not enough beds as one of the students were not scheduled to leave ... read more

Anytime one travels to a destination that is foreign to them, that person will inevitably experience a state of culture shock. This state has many phases, covering a broad spectrum of emotions and experiences. Undoubtedly, any experience one may have is largely effected by the emotions it fosters within them. Memories of home or thoughts of ones dreams realized effect these experiences as well. The initial phase is one of overwhelming bewilderment and endless fascination. Like a baby, wide-eyed and innocent, your experiences are all new and rushing in at incredible speeds. There is little time to make anything of these experiences; the sights and sounds are simply too furious and fairly daunting. For me, this phase was like a high; a rush of energy that enabled me to push on through situations that may have ... read more

Wow, what a weekend. Well I´m back from Pamplona from seeing the running of the bulls. While I did have a fun time there I don´t have many nice things to say about the city, people, or the event. Rather than complain for an entire entry I´ll just graze over the events in a somewhat chronilogical order. 6 hours bus ride, freezing city, bought bandana, drink beer, eat, drink, drink, drink, freeze, drink, tired, no sleep, wait more, drink, eat more, all money gone=100 euros, lay on street, fight to front, sit on the gate to view event, break up a fight, pissed off, forced to leave gate, can´t see anything, take my friend to the middle point so he can run, streets are covered in urine, vomit and defecace, rude drunken europeans, unbelieveable amounts of ... read more

Imagine, if you will, a world where people start their day comfortably at a moderate hour, say 9 or 10am. Upon arrising, you go through your morning routine casually. Maybe you have some cafe and toast, or maybe you leave the house early and get some breakfast on the way to the park. Desayuno (breakfast) is cheap, like 3€ about, and usually includes a bocadillo, bebita, y postre. (sandwich beverage and post-meal ie. desert) You stroll through the park and enjoy the sights before heading to work or school or whatever it is you do. Your job or school is very relaxed. Everyone is laid back, polite, and generally having a good time with it. It lasts for maybe 4 or 5 hours before its time to go home and experience the best part of your ... read more