So it's been a while since I posted anything and I should probably be in touch more. In the week that I haven't posted anything, we have all had an extremely busy week with orientation programs, the housing search, and adjusting to Madrid!!!! This week started with me finding an apartment- SO EXCITED! It is in the neighborhood I wanted to live in, which is really nice. I can move in on the 1st, but probably will stay in my homestay a little longer than that (free food...).
This week we also had orientation programs at the Museo del Prado and a tour of Old Madrid. Both were really interesting! I really want to go back to the Museo del Prado (on a free day.. haha) and explore more. And the tour was good for helping me gain my bearings in the city. The rest of the days we had more orientation programs and our intensive January course to give us some background on issues in Spain.
Besides that, this past week was dedicated to becoming "acquainted" with the nightlife of Madrid. One of the most popular places to go is Sol, in the center of the city. On any given night of the week there are tons of people and things going on at so many bars and discotecas. BUT the nightlife doesn't even get going until 2 am or so here (inconvenient since the Metro closes at 1:30) and most people stay out until 6 am when it reopens for the next day. Keeping up with Madrid is exhausting!
This weekend was also full of exploring! On Saturday a bunch of us met up at Parque del Retiro, a beautiful and huge park in Madrid. There were tons of things going on- street performers, rowboats in the lake, soccer, rollerblading, you name it. Sunday we went to a famous market called the Rastro.. it basically has a bunch of stalls with purses, clothes, scarves, you name it! Everything was super cheap (aka that is where everyone's souvenirs are coming from). Then we took an hour bus ride out to Sierra de Guadarrama on the outskirts of Madrid to go hiking! Except we weren't really that prepared..we assumed there would be a sign or a visitor's center or SOMETHING indicating what we were supposed to do. Nope. Guess it didn't help that it was Sunday. Then we started seeing a bunch of hikers (all of whom were in giant coats, snowboots, and had walking sticks and huge backpacks.. I think we were underprepared). We followed and eventually we did find the trail! haha It was beautiful, but I want to go back again when it is warmer for sure!!!!
Today is the start of classes- the three classes that we take at the American consortium. It is certainly easier to continue this vacation in Spain.. but after a 7 week break it will be nice to get back into routine!
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