I've been blogging a lot about my weekend getaways, my experiences in new places, and my touristy escapades.
I haven't said much about everyday life here in Madrid.
Sometimes I'm so focused on planning my next adventure, that I forget where I am. I think of Madrid as a "been there, done that" place because all of my other city trips have only lasted a few days. I go, I see, I experience, I leave. But Madrid is different. I have the luxury of taking my time, seeing all the "must see" spots, and then also discovering the hidden gems the city has to offer. It's fun to think about all the time I have to really get to know this place.
Today I woke up around nine, got a workout in, and did laundry. Then I had some breakfast (Pound cake. If you eat it in the morning you don't get fat ;D). After breakfast I walked down the street to the bus stop and took a bus into the city.
Prior to today, I'd buy a ten trip ticket at the metro station to use on city buses and the metro. Each ticket cost 12 euros, which isn't bad for public transportation, but gets pricey when I have to make at least four trips every time I go into Madrid. (Bus there, metro to city center, metro back, bus back). Therefore I tried not going into Madrid too much. I'd go twice, maybe three times each week max.
Today, after weeks of waiting, I finally got my transport card. It was something I had to make an appointment for in September, prove I had a Spanish address, give them a copy of my passport, etcetera, etcetera. Basically, it was complicated. But I am now officially able to take as many trips as I want, anywhere in the city, for the entire next month :)
I decided to make use of the card right away, and took the Metro into Sol. I love the atmosphere there: Crowds of people, street performers, the smells of Spanish baked goods, and people visiting by the fountains. I stopped in a bakery and ordered a Spanish pastry filled with ham and cheese. I felt very accomplished when I was able to order completely in Spanish AND understand when the lady asked if I'd like to eat it now or later. From Sol I walked past San Gines Chocolateria (It takes all my willpower not to go there every time I go by, the churros are SO good!), and then through Plaza Mayor.
When I first arrived in Spain, I thought that everything was so spread out. As I get to know the city better I realize that it's easy to walk to pretty much any of the famous landmarks or parks. I went from Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace. I love the walk by the Royal Palace and Gardens there. Even on a cloudy and grey Autumn day it was still beautiful.
From there I walked to the bus station and took the twenty minute bus ride back to the house. I got back around 4:00, and was still in time for lunch. Even after weeks of late meals I still can't get used to it. Lunch is the main meal of the day here in Spain, and usually consists of bread, soup, and a main dish. I usually eat by myself or with one other family member. Today we had tortilla de patatas, or Spanish omelet. It's a thick, fluffy, omelet made with potatoes and cheese, and it's really good.
At 6:00 Santi, the fourteen year old boy, came down for tutoring. Today he had homework, which was unusual. I helped him create a powerpoint on the periodic table for Science, and make a poster about Edgar Allen Poe for English. On days he doesn't have homework, we usually play a game like Scrabble, chess, or basketball. While we play I ask him questions to get him talking in English. We're mostly working on vocabulary. I was told when I first got here that I'd eventually be working with the sixteen year old, Stefi, as well. So far that hasn't happened, so we'll see.
Tutoring usually takes an hour, though today it took nearly three. Dinner is anywhere from 9:00-11:00. Most of the family is present for this meal, but there have only been two times that I've been here where everyone was. Last night we had carpaccio (Thin slices of seasoned raw meat--it's actually not bad), manchego cheese, and canned peppers. The kids all want to know what I usually eat at home. They ask me how many times I go to McDonalds, and how much pizza I eat. They were really surprised to hear that I hardly ever go out to eat, and that meals at our house are usually chicken and salad. :)
After dinner everyone stays up for at least another few hours. I usually go to bed around 1am. It'll be weird going back to 10pm bedtimes when I'm back home and working again!
It's strange to think I've been in Europe for a month. Its also strange to think about being here for another seven weeks. There's a lot that I miss about home, but I'm loving the "out of my comfort zone" moments, the learning opportunities, and of course, the travel. And with all that I've got planned, seven weeks are going to fly right by :)
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