July 8, 2012

  • Low-Key Weekend

    After a criz-azy Thursday night, I kept things chill this weekend.

    I was supposed to go to Pamplona on Friday, but I missed the train. But, I did get a chance to do my reading, which was very nice. Friday night I decided to hit the Sol area in Madrid. I was looking for a club, but didn't find one. I know they were there, but I just didn't see one. Instead, I ended up walking around for an hour. Then I got a piece of pizza and went home.

    I also used Friday night to get better acquainted with the metro. I was afraid of it before--not so now! I took this picture:

     
    My initial thought was, "Be advised: Beyoncé exiting the train." But, I think it's supposed to warn you about the gap between the train and the platform. Still, after that, "Single Ladies" was stuck in my head the rest of the evening.

    Yesterday I did more homework and found a nice place to do laundry. I got done about 2:00, which is about Spanish lunch time, so I stopped by the grocery store and got gazpacho and stuff to make a little sandwich, as well as some juice boxes. I don't have any refrigeration in the dorm where I'm staying, so I had to be a little strategic about how I purchased things.

    Today, several of us went to eat at a Spanish homestyle type place. I was even so adventurous to try the paella, which was bold for me since I generally and genuinely dislike seafood. But, the rice didn't taste fishy and had a good saffron flavor, so I ate all that and then I covered the "mariscos" in lemon juice and swallowed them without chewing. The main dish was entrecot and potatoes, and I got a flan for desert. Everything was only about 9 euros--not bad for a three-course meal and shots! Then, siesta time! (BTW, I love the siesta system--I know it doesn't really make sense with most people's schedules now, but when working from home and having kids who go to school nearby become more widespread, I think society would do well to implement it.)

    All in all, it was a good cap to the end of the first week here. I wish I had travelled some, but not doing so gave me a chance to meet other people who had stayed. Next weekend, however, there will be travel--I'm thinking Paris to watch fireworks off the Eiffel Tower. But, I don't want to go alone, so that might not work out. On verra.

    Right now, I'm thinking about going to the Parque Retiro to do some reading. As I mentioned in my last blog, I think the park is very cool. I could spend two days just exploring the corners of the park...alas, I shall not for there are many other things to do in this city.

    How did you spend your weekend?

Comments (2)

  • This is such a lovely post. Madrid is on of my most favorite cities in the world. Loved the fountains, the beautiful fountains in the center of the roads when they converge or diverge. The museums and the beautiful people. I hope you will love it as much as I loved it.

  • @ZSA_MD - Thanks! So far, I've LOVED being here. I'm getting the hang of public transportation and my weekly schedule. It'll be sad to leave for sure. And I still have a lot more stuff to do!

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