Calle Fuencarral

On Friday I went out with a group of people from the Uni to get tapas. We had a small section of the restaurant reserved for us, but because it was at the bar, we had to stand. I managed to sneak a pic of the bar and the bartender. When other people pulled out their cameras he told them no. 

Here you do not split checks -no matter where you go. You must pay together, because it's much less of a headache for the camareros (waiters). To make it easy we each ordered four tapas and a drink. Of the four tapas I had my favorite was the smoked salmon and crab. Delicioso! 

My drink was a cerveza (beer) on tap called Mahou. It's the principle beer of Spain. I guess you could say it's the Budweiser of Spain. It was very good. Light, crisp, and accompanied the tapas well. 


After tapas we went exploring the city. I discovered a few minutes into our excursion that we were in my barrio (neighborhood). While walking down the street we passed a newly opened Mexican restaurant, and a guy working there convinced us to try the bar upstairs. The restaurant was very nice, but I hope the food is better than the drinks we had! Although, I won't criticize to harshly. Our bartender was so nervous. Poor guy, it was his first day on the job. 

We ordered Margaritas, and the girl sitting to the right of me got more than she bargained for! The bartender knocked the blender down right in front her. Luckily she had reflexes that were rapidisimo (very very fast). I even got a little on my pants, shirt, and jacket. It's all good though, he gave us a free chocolate pyramid! We chilled for a little while sipping our awful margaritas and making small talk with the bartender. When were done we left, and found a cute store that had rebajas (sales, discounts) that we couldn't pass up! I bout a cute shirt and scarf (bufanda) for only €8. Shortly after we parted ways and all went home.


Saturday was another relaxing day. I woke up early and went running in Retiro Park. It's massive! It's at least 3 miles around. Needless to say, I did NOT run the entire thing. I ran a mile then explored the interior a bit. Hola Spanish runners ;) I can't wait to return to take pictures of all the jardines (gardens) in the park. It's absolutely beautiful. I suppose you could liken it to Central Park in New York City or to Hermann Park in Houston. After my run I went home, showered, and met up with Lauren to go to a cafe to do homework. 

It was a nice, quiet place to sit and do homework. Several families dined in as well. One thing that I have noticed about Madrid is that the children are all very well-behaved. Everywhere you go the children are well mannered and respectful. I've seen a lot of fathers spend time with their children too. In the evenings on the Metro you'll notice that there are several fathers who are still in their business suits and coats who have just picked up their little ones from school. When I walk through Plaza Olavide on my way home from the Metro, I always see these fathers doting over their children as they play on the playground in the plaza. It is the sweetest thing! The children also seem to have a healthy respect for the policia (police). I have seen many of them crowd around a police car in excitement to talk to the policemen. The policemen patrol the streets on foot, by car, by bike, and also on horseback in the parks. Fun fact: the policemen on horseback actually wear tights! I suppose it makes getting on and off the horses easier. 


This morning I went to the iglesia (church) that is across the street from Retiro Park. It was a beautiful cathedral. La misa (the mass) was in Spanish, of course. However, there are several English speaking churches around. I wanted my first mass in Spain to be truly Spanish though. This particular church is very busy; there are masses every hour from 08:30 to 18:30 then again at 20:00. I honestly did not understand much of the homily, but it was easy to follow as every Catholic church across the world is the same for the most part. The children sat at the very front and participated in the mass. The priest would ask them questions and hand them the mic so that they could respond. Although the language was different, it still felt like going to church at home -the kneeling, standing, greeting, praying, the Eucharist, the announcements, and finally the departing prayer. And like most Catholic churches it was short and sweet. Only about 50 minutes. 


Check this out though! Calle Fuencarral is the major street around the corner from my apartment. EVERY Sunday they shut it, and surrounding streets, down for a giant block party! There are moon-bounces, train rides, music, and also sorts of family activities to do. And it's EVERY Sunday! Parents and grandparents bring the little ones out to roller-blade and ride bikes. Daddies and their daughters stroll up and down the street. Everyone walks their dogs and enjoys the wonderful weather. It's very easy to see the importance of family here in Madrid. Next weekend I will take and post photographs. I think it's time to break Lucy (my camera) out! Side Note: First photography class on Monday! 

Today is a lovely day, so I will probably head out to the plaza to read for my Americans in Paris class. 

Hasta luego! 


P.S. I'm taking suggestions for somewhere pretty to travel for my spring break. I've been thinking about the Azures Islands off the coast of Portugal or the Canary Islands off the coast of Southern Spain near Morocco. Wherever I go I want to spend the week there: a) because it will cheaper than trying to see a million cities in a million different countries and b) because I want to really get a deeper feel of the place than just the touristy attractions.