Madrid Just got a whole lot smaller...

I just spent most of the past few days walking all around Madrid with various friends, and in the process I've gotten to know the city better, and I realized how close everything really is, and I know how the neighborhoods all connect a bit better. It's been really fun figuring out how everything goes together and discovering different gems in each neighborhood. This city has so much to offer. It's really hard to get bored here, unless you're just staying in all day because there's just so much in such a small area. There's so much history and so much beauty everywhere.

I'm really glad to have this opportunity to spend this semester here in Madrid and to have the time to get to know the city really well. It's going to be so fun by the end of the semester because I'm sure I'll know this place like the back of my hand. Also, by then I'll have my "regular" spots, that I'm still discovering right now.

After a month of being here, I must say, I probably have a very different perspective on life than I did after a month of being in India. I can't say it's all "sunshine and smiles" all the time, but I definitely haven't experienced the same amount of emotional turmoil that I did in India. I will admit though that we had a seminar on Culture Shock last Wednesday, and I did come to the realization of how big of a culture gap there is between me (an American) and the Spanish people. Sure, it does not seem like it on the surface, but the more time I spend here, learning about the culture, customs and adapting to the language, I realize there's more of a space between me and my fellow Spanish classmates than I realized. I guess I'll just have to work on finding a connection between me and some of my classmates because that's how friendships form. I'll try not to be too hard on myself if making Spanish friends doesn't come so easily.

I'm also including some pictures from my afternoon walking around today. I went to Lavapies and Atocha today. We checked out the Reina Sofia for a second time. I got to see the more modern art this time around. I still can't get over how beautiful I think the glass elevators on the outside of the museum are. Finally.... after going to the museum, Dan, Lauren, Maria and I went to get dinner at....... an Indian restaurant! I know. Who would have thought I'd go to an India restaurant ever again? I certainly didn't think it'd happen for a loooooong time. Well, we ended up at this delightful place near Lavapies. I got Aloo Mattar, 2 cups of Chai, Samosas, Aloo Paratha and Gulab Jamun. It all tasted amazing!!!! Also, I ate with my hands. Funny how I didn't eat with my hands until I'd been in India for 3 months, and then here, in Spain, what do I do? I eat with my hands. Go figure. It just seems right though. Indian food is meant to be eaten with your hands. I love it.

Me, Dan and Lauren in front of the Atocha train station.

Interior Courtyard at the Reina Sofia.

Oh, the beautiful glass elevators at the reina sofia.