Museo de Prado

Today we woke up and got ready for school. Then we rode the metro, 2 lines for a total of 10 stops, to school. I still don't like the metro but it's getting easier to understand. Class was good today, we talked about money and Spain with Iara. Then Fernando talked more about the accents. It is still very confusing to me, but I am trying. He gave us a worksheet for homework to practice with.

After school we had lunch at a place called Nebraska or something like that. I ordered a canadian bacon pizza and Cristina had the lasagna. We shared both plates. It was pretty good, nothing spectacular but good. Afterwards, Claudia and I took the metro to El Museo de Prado. We were suppose to take 2 lines to get there however, one of the lines was shut off for maintenance. I just thought, "well that's typical of the metro." Monica and I have gotten on when another line in our path was turned off and Cristina told me one night it was off and they had to buy a taxi. Taxis are super expensive so they are bad news. Claudia looked at the maps (metro and madrid). She found another route and we were there in two spots. I was pretty impressed. I think she likes the metro, I just can't figure it out I suppose.

Well we went to the Museo de Prado (muesum). It was nice and very relaxing. I saw tons of famous paintings and sculptures. We saw Las meninas by Diego Velazques and  El 3 de mayo de 1808 en Madrid by Goya. We saw others but those were pretty cool. My favorite was Amalia de Llano y Dotres by Federico de Madrazo. It really touched me. Something about the girls face was just so beautiful and innocent, yet mesmerizing.

Then we left. Monica and I came back home. We are now completing our homework and communicating with our families and friends. Tomorrow we are off to Porto, Portugal. I cannot bring my laptop because of ryanair's strict carryon policies. I will try to blog Sunday night if possible.

Here are my pics for today:

Exhausted!!

So I'm starting to notice a trend here, my days are long and there isn't enough time in the day to do all of the things I need to complete. Also, I thought the metro was suppose to help you get places faster. This morning it took us 45 minutes to get to school and tonight it took us one hour to come back home because a line was temporarily closed. I'm exhausted from all of the walking. I'm tired of riding the metro around. I don't want to complain, but I haven't been enjoying every aspect of this trip. I know I can't expect everything to go right, but can I at least have a couple of good days. I gues I'm just feeling cranky and tired and homesick.

Well today was a long day. We had class in the morning, then went to Segovia. I was feeling rather sick this morning because I drank some milk at breakfast that I thought tasted funny. Then I couldn't go to the bathroom at home because we were rushed to get to school on time. Then of course I felt nauseated on the metro. Boo to my tummy problems.

Monica my roommate was so great to tell the school people that I had to ride in front of the bus since I get easily carsick. Well we drove an hour to Segovia. The city was beautiful and the drive their was awesome. I saw so many mountains. In Segovia we saw this really large wall that is super old and is used as a water system or something. Sorry I'm really bad at remembering what the tour guide told us. We also saw some old churches, then went to see Alcazar.

Alcazar of Segovia is an old castle. It was amazing, I took plenty of pics and saw where the Kings and Queens got to hang out. It was very nice!!

Then we rode the bus home. Monica and I got on the metro took an hour ride home. We ate at the local cafe, although, I think the hamburgers were undercooked. I hope I don't get sick again.

Once home I wrote my school diary in Spanish, blogged, will be checking email, and hopefully skypeing with Jay.

Gotta Go! I hope all is well :)

"EL RETIRO"

Today was a long day again, and I'm feeling rather tired, plus I have homework to complete for my class, so this entry may not be as detailed as my other ones. We woke up today in our new home and had breakfast. I actually ate cereal, yum! We had our second day of class. However, prior to arriving there, I got Monica and I lost on the Metro. I was confused by the map and read the wrong line for the exit street. You see the map was sort of small and the name of the street was written in between two lines and I simply chose one without thinking twice. What a big mistake :(    4 lines later we arrived at school about 5 minutes late, but with everyone else, so we were right on time. Oh yeah, lines are like the pathway of that specific metro, it goes along that path (line) only. It only has certain exits and can only take you to certain places. I almost don't think it is useful because if you have to switch lines, which in most cases if you are going somewhere far you switch lines, then you have to walk underground to the next line. It can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes of climbing up and down stairs and walking to your next line. All very confusing and frustrating for me, when I'm use to driving a car everywhere.

Today's class was great. Both of our teachers hold class discussions with us and let us conversate in Spanish freely while helping us learn from our mistakes and questions during the discussions. The first instructor is "Iara" She is awesome! I like her a lot and she seems very knowledgeable. We like how she corrects us politely, then shows us the correct way of writing or saying the Spanish word. Today our topic was stereotypes of Spanish people.

After Iara, our next professor is "Fernando" He is a little bit different. He seems more reserved and allows us to do most of the talking. However, this was his first day with us, so maybe he was getting a feel for our proficiency levels. We introduced ourselves, then he handed out a great article on Education. The article discussed various factors that help determine a student's success level. Of course, it discussed the typical parent involvement, socialeconomic status, and personal determination. However, it also included the impact genetics has on a student's level of achievement and women being teachers as a contributing factor. We had an amazing debate with various cultures, backgrounds, and different opinions.

Once class ended at 1pm, we went to lunch. Then back to Claudia, Ana, and Cristina's apt. Afterwards we went to El Parque del "EL RETIRO" (hence the title).

The park was beautiful. It had many statues, un bosque (wooded area), fountains (not on), flowers, and Estanque (pond) with row boats for rent. We took pics and rented a row boat. The row boat was phenominal. Claudia doesn't know how to swim, so she was rather scared to be in the boat. When Cristina rocked the boat or we would move to much, Claudia would yell out. I would get scared and yell, too. Then Monica and Cristina would laugh so hard, which made me laugh uncontrollably. It was hilarious. We spent most of our time in the row boat laughing, posing for pics, and attempting to row. It was rather difficult.

At the park I also saw the Palacio de Cristal, Velazquez something, puerta de something too. Sorry I'm really horrible with names and I can't recall all of the history I've learned about Spain. Either way, it was a beautiful park, that made me feel completely relaxed.

We left the park separately, oh ya, on the way to the park, I managed to get the 4 of us lost on the metro. So twice in one day I didn't read the map well and caused us to transition onto the wrong line. The tranisitions between lines is difficult for me.

Monica and I came back home, She lead the way on the Metro. We made it home promptly and safely. We even stopped at a store to buy her shampoo and me nail polish remover. Once we got home, we decided to go out for a spritzer at the local cafe. It was very cheap and they gave us tapas (small free appetizer given with purchase of alcoholic beverages only). They were good. As we sat outside of the cafe, with the fresh breeze and discussed our day at the park and how we met our husbands, I finally felt relaxed and happy to be Madrid. It was a good day!

Later we came home, talked with our housemates. There are 3 guys from the US, staying at the same house as us. They are younger and working on their bachelors degree. They are very nice and we talked about our Madrid experiences over dinner. Afterwards everyone was online and now off to bed. I'm exhausted, I thought I said this would be a short blog.   I talk to much.

Here r pics:::

Awkward day

Today was rather interesting! I woke up later than I wanted to but we managed to leave the apartment by 740am. We had to be at the school for our first class at 8am. We got their a couple of minutes later after riding the metro there. As soon as we arrived we took a 15 question test, wrote a short passage, and had a conversation with someone in order to determine our proficiency level. Somehow, someway I actually scored a C2, which is their mastery level. After the test, we went for a brief tour around Madrid. The guide told us some history about the places we saw. I took pics, they are at the bottom of the post. Afterwards, we were talking to our directors from UTA. They asked us how our living conditions were, so I told them the truth. I told them how Monica had to take a cold shower (I did too), because our host turns off her gas, so it doesn't get wasted. I told her how our host wouldn't allow us to store water in the refrigerator because there wasn't any room. I told them how noisy and scary the neighborhood was. I mentioned to them how she had told us, she wouldn't be serving dinner on Sunday, only "bocadilla" (snacks). I also told them she didn't have any hand soap in the bathroom and I was really concerned about that. I mean that is exactly how people get hepatitis A. Anywho, I suppose because of my complaining, they decided to move us. The school was like you can't live like that. So our director talked to the administrator and they found a new host family for us.

We had lunch, then class from 3 to 7. We immediately left to pick up our stuff and move at 7pm. The new house has cold water, yipee! We can also take a bath whenever and use electricity whenever. Yeah!! Seriously, you do not know how good we have it in the States. Although, it sort of makes me think I'm high maintainance. They probably just think I'm some stuck up American. Oh well!!!!

Tonight, we ate chicken and salad, it was delicious and don't you worry, my new host has promised me to show me how to cook tortilla de patata. I think every woman over here knows how to make it. Yeah!!

I've had a very long day and the Spanish class is rather intensive and difficult for me. I was even told by the instructor to not speak English. It made me think of the ESL kiddos back home. One of the professors gave us worksheets and the other professor talked to us a lot and explained lots to us. I like the second one better. Although, she did bring up American stereotypes and politics. Those are just such difficult topics to discuss amongst a class of adults with strong opinions.

Well I'm off to bed, ttyl :)

Tortilla de Patata, I think I LOVE YOU!

Ok, so some of you may know how much I love potatoes. I think I could eat potatoes everyday. The first dinner we had in Spain was Tortilla de Patata. (I blogged about it earlier)

Well, today for lunch Monica and I went to a small cafe. We ordered Tortilla de Patata Rellano (filled). They brought it to us like a sandwich. So they used the tortilla de patata as the bread. It was so delicious. I absolutely love this tortillla de patata. I can't believe that I've never had it before. I googled it earlier and it seems very simple to make. It calls for eggs, which is probably why I thought it was like a quiche.

Today I decided to ask Emma (the house owner/ host) if she would show me how to make tortilla de patata. She has agreed :) It was the only thing she said yes to, today. I'm extremely excited. I plan on making it for Jay and probably my friends as well at get togethers. I can't wait till you guys taste it. It is delicious.

Day 2

Today was a less eventful day and more restful. I woke up earlier and blogged. I had the usual coffee/ crackers for breakfast. After I blogged and ate breakfast, I called Monica. She came and picked me up to go to the local flea market. It was actually right outside our front door. People just set up shop right outside the door. We walked around and had lunch. I'm writing a separate blog for the lunch. After the flea market and lunch, we came back to the apt. for a siesta. I slept for about 3 hours. It was extremely hot but quieter than at night. When we woke up we called Claudia and Anna to meet at Plaza de Mayor. I didn't bring my camera today, so no pictures, but I will carry it around tomorrow.

There was plenty to see at Plaza Mayor, statues, mimes, local vendors, handicapped entertainers, and regular entertainers. We looked around but didn't buy much.

Something else I've noticed are dogs. People love to take their dogs out with them. They walk the streets, some are leashed, some aren't. I've seen two daschunds and they really make me miss my babies. However, I just skyped with Jay for the first time. It was very awesome and I got to see my babies. I love little Jerry and Elaine.

Today was a lot cooler than yesterday, except inside the apt, during our seista.

Tomorrow I have class. I start with an exam to place me based on my Spanish proficiency. I've already been speaking so much more Spanish. I've noticed some differences, the biggest one being "iez" at the end of verbs in singular form. There are other single words which are different. I'm trying to catch on.

Today I asked the house owner if I could keep bottled water in her refrigerator but she said there wouldn't be enough space for the 4 of us to keep our drinks cool. :(
I also asked if we could have a fan, but she said that it could cause a short in the electricity and we could all burn to death. So that was a No :(

I'm writing another blog about something cool that happened today too, be sure to read it.

My first full day, part 2! please read part 1 first

Well then, after we met up with Cristina and Ralph (her husband), we all went for a stroll. Dr. Rosado was going to take us to Plaza del Sol. As we walked through Madrid, I noticed a significant difference between the area where we were walking and the neighborhood in which I live in. There is graffiti everywhere; however, my neighborhood seems to have more. I also noticed shoes hanging from the electricity lines outside of our apt. building. I hope that doesn't signify the same thing as in the states. Although, I didn't see shoes on electric lines anywhere else I've been. I'm just going to think that my neighborhood is a bit more innovative and artistically creative. While walking through town, we stopped in a meat market/ bar for a drink and tapas. I ordered an orange juice, so I didn't receive free tapas. But, Claudia and Anna shared their tapas with me. By the way, the orange juice here is phenomenal.

So after following Dr. Rosado around town for a while, we decided to split up. Ralph and Cristina planned to go to the Real Madrid Soccer Stadium, so Anna, Claudia, Francisca and I tagged along. Ralph and Cristina insisted that we take the metro since it was easy and quick. I was rather nervous but after a couple of rides, I didn't feel as nervous. It is the quickest way to get around and you can get all across the city super-fast.

The soccer stadium was extremely large and neat. We took a tour through the bleachers, locker rooms, press room, on the field sidelines, and where the players sit. I took about a 100 pictures. It was very neat. It sort of made me think about the people that go tour the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Odd, I've never been inside the Cowboys Stadium, but I've toured the Real Madrid Soccer Stadium. Too funny.

After the stadium tour, we had lunch at Brios. It was wonderful, but the service wasn't so great. I think we went at their Siesta time or something because the waiters changed throughout the service. The other thing I didn't like was that they charge EACH individual a bread/appetizer charge for the bread they place on your table. I was made aware of this prior to coming, so I know not to eat from the basket or understand that there is a charge for it. It was also difficult to get your second drink. It's like they bring the first one then forgets about you, even if you ask for it several times. Ok, I shouldn't complain that much, it's just different here. The actual food was TERRIFIC!!! I had the ensalade de salmon con aguacate (salmon salad with avocado). The salmon reminded me of sushi; I think it was raw.

After lunch we rode the metro back to our respected homes. I decided to tag along with Cristina and Ralph, since Monica had left with Dr. Rosado prior to the stadium tour. I went back to their hotel room. It was very nice; they even let me take a shower, since my flat host doesn't let me take long showers. If the water cost goes up, I think it cuts into her profit margin.

Cristina and Ralph decided to have dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world. Of course they invited me and I went. We had dinner at 830pm which is an early dinner time here. The food was delicious. I had the cazuela de pescados (fish bowl). It had a variety of fish and was very tasty. Ralph had the cochinito (little pig). This is a delicacy. Cristina and I both tasted it, it was delicious. The chicarones on the pig were Delicious!! Some of the best I've ever had, crispy with plenty of meat on each slice. The service was like at the other restaurant; they charged us for the bread and get this the butter that they placed on the table. However, the waiter was nice enough to give us the butter for free but charged us for the bread. He also charged us for my second drink (agua con gas/ club soda), which he never brought and Ralph's bread which he didn't eat.  Once we brought it to his attention, he subtracted the charges.

After dinner, we decided to go surprise Anna and Claudia at their house. We rode the metro there. We got lost trying to find their house, but it was only about a 500 feet detour, and then found their house. Thankfully, they were awake and willing to go to the fiesta at the plaza with us. It was like a very large outdoor concert. It was after a Gay Pride Parade. The streets were filled with people and the Plaza Espana was the concert site. They had a band and djs. There were also plenty of vendors to supply food and drinks. Oh ya the time thing, we got there at 1130pm, even though there were 1000's of people there, the party was just getting started. We decided to leave at 200am, because the crowd was just getting more packed and crazy. Walking back to the metro was a nightmare. We had to push our way through the mobs of people. There were also broken bottles, plastic bottles, and trash all over the streets and plaza. It was filled with trash. I can't imagine having to be the cleaning crew there. I just couldn't believe how much trash was on the ground. The worst part of the night was when we were walking down the stairs to the metro and someone threw their drink on us. It was AWFUL!! I was totally disgusted. I didn't get completely soaked but the majority of it fell on me. Cristina and Ralph got a little wet too. It was terrible. :( 

Once on the metro, there were plenty of people riding it to and from the fiesta. I also noticed they were not embarrassed to show some PDA. However, I had noticed that throughout the day, but that night was rather rated R. Everyone uses the metro, so there is a variety of people on it. I'm still going to use it; I just keep track of my purse and hold on to the bar as it moves.

Cristina and Ralph walked me to my house, and then they went back to their hotel. By the way, the escalators were not working on the way back, so we had to climb so so so many steps. I was exhausted. I'm so glad Jay took me to buy walking shoes at Academy the day before my trip. I love my TEVA Tirra's. They are so comfortable and my feet didn't hurt at all. However, my legs were sort of sore from all the walking.

Once I got home, I told Monica about my day then went to bed. I woke up at 815am, after going to bed around 3am. I can't sleep because of all of the noise from the street. It is so loud and I can't believe people sleep through all of this. They are having a flea market today in the streets. So a lot of people were up early setting up their stands and yelling. How am I going to do this during the week? I just want some quiet and A/C, because it's still hot.

Well, I'm going to get ready and head down to the street market. I have another full day ahead of me. I start school tomorrow, wish me well.

Here are some pics from the stadium and city of Madrid.