First Day in Madrid

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Estoy en Espana!!!

I can't believe I'm finally here!! Its been about a day since I arrived in Madrid yesterday and it is amazing. The traveling wasn't bad and everything went smoother than i expected. I had three flights, one from Detroit to Chicago, Chicago to London, and London to Madrid. I feel like a pro at navigating around airports now. After all the traveling I was definitely ready to arrive. I don't know anyone on the trip as there is no one from my University going. The flight I took was the group flight so I was able to meet new people at the airport. These people are from all over the United States! We are all spending a few days in here in Madrid on a field study until Sunday when we will travel to our University. The majority of the group is going to San Sebastian which is in northern Spain. A few others, including myself, are going to Alicante, on the southeastern border.
At the airport we were met by very friendly representatives from the program who took us on a huge bus to our hotel in Madrid. This is the biggest city I've ever been in...around 5 million people. The streets and busy roads look like something from a movie. I can't get over the amount of people walking around. Our hotel is the Regina (Re hee na) which is very fancy. I am rooming with a girl I just met on the trip and we have a cute little room. Last night after dinner a few of us girls went exploring. We left at 11pm and the city was packed with people. We walked down to a little plaza called La Puerta Del Sol, which is basically the center of Madrid. We found a bar where we bought some drinks. It is definitely harder than I expected to converse with the locals in Spanish even though I feel I have a pretty good background. We ordered "Tinto de Verano" which I thought meant "hint of summer" but i guess tinto means wine and not hint. It was wine with 7up, pretty tasty. I definitely feel like we stick out, in not only what we wear but how we talk.
This morning we left the hotel at 9am and went to el Museo Del Prado, a very famous art museum. We got to see some famous paintings by Diego Velasquez and El Greco. Hearing about Spanish history and their monarchy is very interesting to me. They were very strict about taking pictures in the museum and I wanted to really bad. After that we went to the Royal Palace where the royal family used to live. This place was unbelievable...crystal chandeliers, tapestries and paintings on the wall, and tons and tons of rooms. It was really cool...couldn't take any pictures here either. After that the tour ended in La Plaza Mayor. I took a long siesta after and am just waiting to go out for dinner tonight.
I am having a lot of fun but feel very out of place at the same time. Everything is foreign to me and I didn't think I would get homesick but I am definitely missing everyone. Hope all of you are well. love you!

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Photos

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en el centro de la Puerta Del Sol

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el metro!!

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a cute little police car

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our tiny little room

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to work the lights in the room you have to insert your key card...kinda weird...but a good idea

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the view from my room! we have a tiny little balcony

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el museo del prado

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in the plaza outside the royal plaza

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ice cream and coffee. my two favorite things!

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en la plaza mayor. don't remember who this statue is.

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la plaza mayor

Comments

[Victoria and Mom]

You would... haha :D i wish i ate ice cream there!!!! :D

[turkey tours]

re:
travel turkey: Thanks for information.

[SamanthaLynne]

coffee and ice cream? what what
That little coffee/ice cream place is soooo darling! and I completely agree with you, my two favorite things right there together all cute and smug. I love how you accidentally ordered wine, that just makes my day. It sounds like a spritzer!

[indiana]

In the White Nest Hostal in Granada, recently opened, you can find a young international group of like minded people, in fresh vibrant surroundings. You will have a great time to remember your entire life…..Based at the foot of the Alambra, the area is both central and historical. I recommend you to stay in Hostels Granada and experience the life of Albaycin , Sacromonte and the heart of Granada itself.

[sammi k]

Thanks for the advice!! I have actually been considering visiting Granada during my stay here. I hear it is beautiful.