I'm happy tonight. No, it's not because it's the weekend (although that's a good guess). No, it's not because our flight that was slightly delayed today got in 30 minutes early (though that does make me happy too). And no, it's not because our bags made it within the first half hour of our arrival here. But, the answer is buried in there. I am happy because I AM IN MADRID! 3 years ago I had the opportunity to live with a host family and study/travel with my high school here for two weeks. And now I'm back! Wow, it feels so cool to say that not only am I in Europe but I am actually somewhat (aka not really) familiar with a city that I am returning to. Hola, Madrid!
Today was a really good day but a long one. We had about an hour cab drive from the apartment to the airport with an IES Staff member this morning. Today a public transit strike was scheduled to happen, so they wanted to get us out of the traffic as quickly as possible. Pair that with the fact that just a little over a month ago, Fiumicino Airport suffered a major fire. So major that most transit to and from their international terminal has been rerouted to Ciampino Airport just a little bit further out of town. So, basically take the amount of traffic leaving the Orlando/Miami Airport on a daily basis and put it in the Jacksonville Airport. Can you say madhouse? I don't think I've ever seen an airport so poorly equipped for that many people. Thank goodness for the free wifi and somewhat decent food. By the time we were off and past the initial turbulence, I spent the duration of the flight going through the pictures that I have taken so far on my trip and pared them down to the best few (okay, maybe more than a hundred) and edited them to look really nice. What else do you do when you have a middle seat and can't lean anywhere to sleep? We got in to Madrid fairly early considering we were somewhat delayed trying to get everyone on the plane. Once we got our bags, we met the IES driver outside and headed towards our new apartment. Which is probably in the best location possible. I'm telling you-the accommodations keep getting better and better. We're staying in this unit tonight and moving into a bigger one downstairs tomorrow. But, what is the best part of the apartment you may ask? IT HAS AIR CONDITIONING. After a month of learning to adjust window shades and curtains and dealing with fluctuating temperatures (from 65 degree Paris to 90 degree Rome), we were so happy to move into a building that understood the importance of A/C. It feels like bliss, people. Then again, the average high here next week is going to be around 102 degrees so it's kinda necessary. Needless to say there is a general sense of relief in the air here in Madrid.
After dropping off our stuff, we went to get tapas with an IES student assistant at a local bar. We snacked on croquettes and tortilla de patata before heading to the metro station to go to the IES Center here. I am so relieved to have a working metro here. Like actually, though, it's amazing. I now realize what I was missing in Rome. We live right near the Paris equivalent of the Chatelet metro stop, just in the city center and accessible by at least three different lines. It's also super close to our apartment, which will make commuting to the IES Center much easier. It's even a direct route, placing us just a 15 minute walk to the center from the stop. The IES Center here is much different than any of the ones we have studied at so far. It's located in a residence hall on a Madrid university campus, and there are students living in the building who attend the school. We had a very brief introduction to the center and its facilities, met the staff who were incredibly welcoming right off the bat, and they gave us a 5 minute orientation because "you've already had it twice already, why bother again!" So, with folders in hand we walked back to the metro and headed for a quick walk around the neighborhood, which is actually a dream come true. There's a ton to do here; we're within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and almost every major monument and museum. Plus, there are a bunch of markets and grocery stores in the neighborhood that will make cooking much easier. I have also fallen in love again with El Corte Ingles, literally the "one-stop shop" for anything you need.
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| How cool is Plaza Mayor? Literally steps away from our apartment! |
After settling in, we decided to take a walk and find this amazing churro place that my mom recommended to me and came heavily praised on TripAdvisor. After finding it on a little side street just off a plaza, I can see why. For 4 euro you get six churros with a mug of chocolate. And every table has a jumbo salt shaker filled with powdered sugar. And they're open almost 24 hours a day. So, if you're ever in Madrid, go to Chocolateria San Gines. It's amazing, cheap, and it's been there since the 1890s so clearly it's doing it right. We passed by several places on the way home (aka Hannah language for "got lost") and decided that we have a lot to do during the next few weeks. Our only concern at the moment is nightlife...we're still on a "normal" sleep schedule and most places aren't even open until the wee hours of the morning. The student touring us this afternoon said that sometimes she goes out from 1 until 7 in the morning and heads straight to class! That may take some getting used to, but for the most part I can say that Spain is already starting to feel like home just as Paris and Rome did. I am already picking up my Spanish right where it left off-not that it ever really left me, I do live in Miami-and everything is off to a great start. I am even (wait for it) excited for class to start on Monday (gasp!) and our field trip to Toledo on Tuesday! Spain, it is so great to be back!
Until then, it's off to bed for me and exploring my neighborhood tomorrow. And there may be a few things to look forward to...including but not limited to seeing some friends from school and a trip next weekend to somewhere new and exciting...be sure to check in for details!
Hasta luego!
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