So, I guess I’ll start from the beginning (probably a good point). It’s a good thing I took pictures of everything, because these two days went so fast and were so full of things it all became a blur. Of course, it would help if I wasn’t so tired. I’ve never experienced jet-lag like this before. I must be aging. I can’t sleep on planes the way I used to.
After I checked in at the hostel, I went to get a bite to eat. It was quite interesting. I was actually kind of nervous – and I speak the language. Those poor people learning it. This place I think is called Museo del Jamon (the ham museum). They eat lots of ham here, and theres pork legs hanging from the ceiling everywhere you go. This place is like what I think they call a tapas bar. Tapas are snack-sized meals, sort of like appetizers except that’s all you eat, several to get full. When its crowded you have to push your way through to order at the bar; and I learned that you just yell at the bar tenders to get their attention. It will take forever if you wait for them to ask you for your order – not like I learned from experience or anything though. The tapas or bocadillos are really cheap, only a euro or two at this place.
Once I was full, I went back to take my siesta, which ended up being 6 hrs almost. And it was a good thing I did sleep, because Spaniards don’t sleep at night. They have the craziest night scene! After the bar “closes” at 2 or whatever, they go to the after hrs bars until about 6, or even 10 am! One guy told me that his instructor came straight to work one morning after having gone out during the world cup with dirt covered, black feet up to her shins, same clothes and everything. There’s no way I pulled that though. I stayed out until 4 (possibly, I don’t really know what time it was. I need to fix my watch! I can never tell what time it is!)
Spain is so beautiful! I walked all over Madrid. I was so sore yesterday, you would have thought I ran like 10 miles. I went through Plaza del Sol on Friday night and saw a bunch of different performers. There were mariachis and it looked like the girl that was singing was just a pedestrian who jumped in on the show. She was pretty good. And there are these people who cover themselves in make-up and get into a position and stay there for hours. At first I thought it was a statue, and after taking the picture of this woman, I realized she was alive! This one had a sign saying “To all the women who have silently built history” – “A todas las mujeres que silenciosamente han construido la historia”. I took a picture of another guy too, and I think he gave me the finger… There were acrobats, illusions, and a belly dancer, too.
The second day I went on a walking tour provided by the hostel. I saw the oldest restaurant in the world. They had the certificate from the Guinness world records in the window. I also saw the art academy where the world’s greatest artists studied. Most donated their best piece of work to the museum when they graduated, so the museum is supposed to be pretty impressive (on my list of things to see when I go back). I went on a tapas tour for 10 euros in the afternoon. That took me to three different tapas bars, one or two tapas, and a drink at each. The sangria here is amazing! I still don’t know how I feel about drinking that early though. It seems Spaniards drink all the time.
After lunch, I went back to the hostel and actually took a shower, because I woke up late – almost missed the walk. It was the hardest thing ever not to take a siesta! But I managed and went to see the Prado museum, the Botanical gardens (where I tested out my tripod) , and the Reina Sofia museum. Picasso’s Guernica was at the Reina Sofia museum.
Ok deep breath, oh my goodness. I probably won’t blog this much on a regular basis, but I’m waiting for my flight to Jerez. I meet my family today. I’m excited J and for the beach too! The reality that I’m going to be living here for near 4 months, is just starting to set it. It still feels like a vacation, and money still seems kind of fake. That reality is definitely starting to set in too, though. I’m starting to see where I can save, and NEED to save. The people have been surprisingly nice. I thought Spaniards would be more arrogant, but everyone so far has been pleasantly helpful. The taxi driver even gave me his number in case I needed any help when I got here, haha ;)
I have no wifi, so it will likely be tomorrow by the time I post this entry.
Much love y muchos abrazos!
Chelsea
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