The first time I went, I got lost twice: once in the bus station and once in the neighborhood! It was my very first time taking the city bus, and metro/bus station combination is very confusing at first. After finding the right bus, I made it to the right stop and got off. However, I walked opposite the direction I was supposed to and got quite lost. I asked two women for directions and showed them the map and address that I had. We spent about 15 minutes wandering around asking different people where the street was. After finally running into two kids who new where it was, I found it. Their mother actually thought I wasn't coming, because I was about 15 minutes late. I shall be on this Tuesday!
That Wednesday I had an intercambio with a lady from Madrid, Vanessa. She's a 31 year old periodista (journalist) for a revista (magazine) here in Madrid. We met at the plaza near my house. And walked to a café nearby. It's so convenient that we live close to each other. Her English is much better than my Spanish! It was cool to get more insight on Madrid and Spain in general. I learned that here in Spain if you want to go to medical school you don't have to go through 4 years of undergrad. You go to medical school straight from high school! Also, the definition of unsafe here is very different from in The States. I was telling her about how the area around Baylor isn't particularly safe, because of all the armed robberies and what not. I told her that my favorite thing about Madrid was that it is so, so safe. She looked at me strangely and said that Madrid is the most unsafe city in Spain! I asked how so, and she said it is because of all the thieves and pickpockets who will bump into you and steal your belongings. I said "Wait, that's it? You only worry about pickpockets?" I told her how it's a bit different in The States -a criminal is much more likely to hold you at gunpoint etc. rather than distract you and swipe your wallet. But that's the beauty of this place. It is perfectly safe, O.K., and normal to walk alone from the Metro to home at 3, 4, or even 5am. There are plenty of people in the streets partying anyway, especially on weekends.
We spoke in both Spanish and English, and we decided to meet every Wednesday at the same time. I learned a new phrase: "Una lía." Which means something that is a big deal or confusing or bad. I learned it because she asked what I meant when I said that something was a "big deal." I also learned that here, "text" has not turned into a verb. When she told me that she'd send me an SMS I was a bit confused. Then she explained that it was a text message, and I said "Oh! Just 'text' me." It's funny how languages change over time.
I'm looking forward to these weekly meetings! Such great opportunities to learn more Spanish.
*****
So yesterday (Friday) we went to Gran Via. It's the major shopping district here in Madrid. The fashion in Madrid is great. I love they style of dress here. While we were there we went to several stores. Zara is the Spanish equivalent of Forever 21. I also ventured into my first El Corte Inglés, which is like a Macy's-Dillard's-Sears-WalMart-Target-H.E.B-Kroger rolled into one. It's massive. This store is about 5 or 6 stories high.
After that venture we went my favorite tapas bar, El Tigre! The special thing about this bar, aside from the handsome bartenders and the relaxed atmosphere, is that with every drink you get a free plate of tapas!
I ordered the Sidra (cider), which is what El Tigre is known for. After all it is a Sidreria. El Sidra was sooo good! It tasted like beer with apple juice and other deliciousness. However, the best part were the tapas! Tortillas Españolas, croquetas, chorizo, patatas bravas yummm! And at 18:00 this place was already packed with people.
On the walk back to the Metro stop we passed in front of a Sephora Make-Up store. They happened to be doing a promotional dance as we passed by. We stopped to watch and at the end they gave us all a tiny container to get a free sample of perfume! Afterward, I headed home for dinner.
Before dinner I Skyped with my parents. While I was talking to my Pa, Mari came in and said hello. Of course my Dad thanked her once again for taking such wonderful care of me. Especially on Thursday when I didn't feel so well. She said you're welcome and that I was her very studious American daughter. Gotta love her!
Today I am about to head out in this SUNNY and SIXTY DEGREE weather for a trip to the Reina Sofia National Museum of Art. Off to get me some culture :) Ciao!
Hasta luego,
Asha!
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