Madrid

This morning my host mother woke me up for breakfast. Since it was a Sunday morning it was just her and I eating breakfast. Breakfast was some sort of bready cake thing. It was like a muffin but slight harder. Also, we had nisperos. They are tiny fruits that look like oranges but taste more like a plum. They were delicious. The best part about breakfast was that my mom and I talked the entire time! I understood most all of what she said and it seems she could understand me as well! This made me feel better since this is only day two.

The group met at the plaza at 10:00 and we walked to the train station. It took around 20 minutes to get to Madrid. Once we got to Madrid, we went to the Prado Museum. This museum had art from many famous artists such as Goya, Velasquez and Greco. They wouldn't let us take pictures in there for obvious reasons, but it was very interesting.

After the Prado Museum, we went to a park and had lunch. My mom packed me two tortilla bocadillos. I believe the bread makes it a bocadillo rather than a sandwich. It had potatoes and eggs and tomatoes on it, (and possibly something else, not sure), but it was delicious!! I could only eat one though since it was so huge. Definitely favorite thing I have eaten so far. She also packed me an apple, a massive thing of water and a cookie. Such a sweet mom.

Next, we went to el Parque del Retiro, a huge park in Madrid. It had many street performers and fountains in it. This used to be a private places for royalty to relax. It became open to the public in 1869.

Palacio Real de Madrid

Before making it to the Plaza Mayor we stopped at one of the many Gelato and dessert places. I just had to take a picture of it because everything looked so pretty!!

We finally made it to the Plaza Mayor! It was very beautiful and full of energy. There were also many interesting street entertainers here (such as fat Spiderman...). We did not stay here long because everyone was so tired. My feet felt like they were about to fall off. Every chance I got, I sat down on a stoop or a window sill. The walk back to the train station was long and miserable! The only thing I didn't like about going to Madrid today was that we did not know what we were looking at. It was all beautiful, however it would have meant a lot more if I knew the history and it's significance. Lindsey and I are planning a trip to Madrid with a few others on Thursday. I'll make sure to bring my book on Madrid this time! I will post the rest of the pictures of the pretty architecture on facebook later.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor

Once we got back to Alcala I grabbed my computer and am now at Lindsey and Rachel's house using their WiFi! We are about to go out and get dinner and head to a bar for our first drink in Spain. It is nearly 9:00 here and still is bright as day. Tomorrow we take our placement test for classes and then class starts Tuesday. I am extremely excited for class so I can brush up on my Spanish and so I can meet all the foreign students in my class. 

Until next time!