We made it!!

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Hello all you people going about your daily business ... Suckers!
Well actually we´re not quite sure what day it is... or what time... all we know is we left Wednesday and we both have memories of 11 hours on various planes, and at least 3 hours in various lines. I think that for me (Cathy) the most memorable event of the first plane ride (Calgary - London) was being called ¨sir¨by a sweet little chinese woman who was obviously confused (we hope). And the most memorable moment for Jess is detecting a funky smell on the public metro in Madrid during rush hour and realizing later it was her. Whoops! Note to future travellers don´t take the metro in Madrid at rush hour with 3 huge full backpacks... you will not be their favorite Canadian!
Mind you, we have successfully flown to 2 separate countries, navigated 2 separate airports, each with 2 very separate terminals, and took public transit in rush hour in a country where we don´t speak the language with 4 transfers. AND we walked to our hostel arriving after only 2 wrong turns. Pretty good for 2 dumb Canadians, especially since we have a handicap of a blonde traveller. We have taken 3 pictures that are not of an airport and you will be happy to know that we didn´t get arrested when we took an illegal picture of the inside of Gatwick airport... Whoops!
Unfortunately we were too late to score a room together at the hostel in Madrid so we are now on the verge of making new friends, depending on how many BIIIIIIG Beers and Sangria we drink (2.50€ each ... we are pretty darn happy after being awake for 35 hours!). We´ve learned how to ask for metro tickets in spanish, and how to ask if they speak english. Our goal is to learn at least 5 new spanish phrases by the end of the week. Neither one of us got sick on the plane, (thanks Margo for the Jetlag pill suggestion!). We are starting to get whiny and our feet are about 4 sizes bigger than when we arrived, but that´s all part of the travelling experience.
Now that we´re at the hostel this day doesn´t really seem real, we both cannot believe that we´re actually here. The thing that we´re looking forward to the most right now though is some sleep since we´re both gibbering idiots. Although it´s 2:30 pm (ish) there, here it´s 10:30 pm and we´re both darn proud of ourselves for staying up this long!!
Tonight we will both have nightmares of Gatwick airport and the 52 hour lines which although forced us to bond early in our trip, we could have done without.
Love to all, we´ve probably told at least one story about each of you on our trip so far, so it´s almost like you´re here with us.

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Comments

[Brian]

Good for YOU!!!
I am sooooo excited for you both. . . seems to me that you are living a dream and that is the most empowering thing one can do. . . love it that you are taking risks and finding out just how amazing you both are. .. I am so proud of you both. Great that you are learning some spanish. .. the more the better I would say. . . given your french Cath, it is probably not too hard. .. Be safe, rest, enjoy. ..and have a drink for me. . .and I can't believe you could even think of a story about each of us. . .sigh. .. I am impressed even further (smiles) Love ya both

[Jeremy]

Hey Girls!
I am so proud of you Jess, You will have a ton of fun for sure! Try not to have more than one of those beers (hahahaha)!! You keep a close eye on here Cathy!! Have fun girls and sweet dreams. PS-Caesars are a great cure for Jetlag, Have 4 or 5 and you will sleep no problem! Cheers. Jeremy Hall

[Jody]

Get well rested and Have Fun
Hey Jess! Glad to hear u made it all right. And hope u have a great time.

[Margo]

foot rubs
See if you can find somewhere to get a foot massage...don't have a clue how to ask about that in any language other than English but someone might know. Just be absolutely certain that whoever teaches you the phrase actually knows the Spanish word for 'feet' and doesn't send you off to ask if you can give someone the kind of massage that will get you arrested in most of the Western world. Tapas and wine will keep you going tomorrow. Let me know if you find a fruit, veggie, bread, cheese market...they are such fun! Love, Margo

[Chris]

Woot!
Woot! Glad you guys made it! Sounds like quite the adventure already! Definetly keep us up to date! -Chris

[Allie]

Hey Girl
Hey Jess, so glad to hear that you've made it safely to your destination..miss you already! Can't wait to hear more and see the amazing sights your experiencing.