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.