The City

Today I woke up determined to make it into Madrid, even though I'd forgotten to get euros at the cash machine at the airport. So the first thing I had to do was figure out how to get cash.

I google mapped the area and found out that there was a mall just a short walk from where I'm staying. Down the street, over a footbridge that went across the highway, and down another street I found it. Apparently no one goes shopping at 11am, because it very empty. But it had a cash machine, so I put in my card and hoped I could translate what the machine was telling me to do.

My card didn't work. Beings that it was a cash machine in a small mall that wasn't in the main city, I should have expected that American cards wouldn't work. So, my walk continued.

Luckily, my next venture was a bit more successful. A little farther down the street I came across a train station. The ticket machines DID accept my card, and I bought a one way ticket into Madrid for less than two euros (The the whole process took three times as long as it should have because I didn't know "Enter your pin" in Spanish).

The train took me into the center of Madrid: Puerta Del Sol. At the metro station there I bought a bus pass valid for ten uses, so that I could take the bus to and from Madrid from now on. The bus stop is a lot closer to the house than the train. When I walked out of the metro into Puerta Del Sol, it was pretty awesome. There were people everywhere. Sitting by the fountain, talking with friends, looking at the statues, or making their way across the square. Around the Square there are various shops and restaurants. Some are small local ones, but they also have a Sephora, Starbucks, and Apple store :).

There was one difference I noticed right away between Madrid and London. In London, everyone has somewhere to be and they know how to speed walk to get there. In Madrid, everything moves a bit slower. People stop to admire buildings or talk with other people they run into on the street, and no one is worried about being in someone else's way. It seems more relaxed, and it's kind of nice. There's just something about London though...

From Puerta Del Sol I walked down the Gran Via, which had some beautiful buildings. I passed many shops, hotels, museums, a casino, and government buildings. I didn't go into any of the buildings today, but instead spent my time trying to familiarize myself with the city. Its kind of nice knowing I can take my time exploring Madrid.

I walked awhile longer and saw the Prado, a famous art museum. After that I decided I wanted to find my way back to my host family home.

I knew I had to find bus #162. But none of the bus stops said that bus 162 stopped there. I found a bus map and learned that I had to take the metro across town to get to the right stop. So I did. I got off near a University and walked up the street a ways before I realized I was going the wrong way. So I turned around and walked for another mile or so before I finally found the right stop. What is up with me and getting lost?

Anyway, the bus was the right bus and I got off at the right stop. From the bus stop it's only a couple minutes walk back to the house. I walked in at 3:30, just in time for lunch. Lunch is a big deal in Spain and happens after the kids are home from school and their Mom is home from work. Then, everyone eats together. I had lunch with Stefi and Ethel (The Mom), and it was very nice. They asked me about my day in the city and gave me advice on what other cities I should go see. And though there are still some language barriers, It's not as awkward as it was when I first arrived.

I was going to start tutoring tonight, but Santi, who I would normally work with, is sick. I'm also going to be working with Stefi once she starts her Proficiency exam studies, but she hasn't started yet. So...maybe I'll start tomorrow? We'll see!