Madrid, Spain - excuse the Hemingway-ness

So, yeah. Been in Spain for something like six weeks. Sorry for ignoring the blog, but I’m afraid that if I had written an entry during the beginning of my stay you would have thought I was having the worst time of my life. Also, I’m lazy. Orientation was kind of crappy and I was sick during two instances in the beginning of the program. Ugh, that sucked. But I’m better now. Spanish food is treating me as well as it will ever treat me. I don’t mind the eggs or the ham as much but I sure do miss beef and decently cooked vegetables. Definitely don’t miss salt or olive oil.

Been going to school for something like a month. I have few complaints. Not really in love with my classes but I’m trying to make the best of them. My favorites are probably Historia del Presente (we just go about discussing random topics in Spanish culture and recent Spanish history) and Lengua (which, despite the busy work, is taught by a very friendly Peruvian professor who is a pretty good instructor. The workload isn’t too intolerable, although I’m in class more than I’m used to and weekdays are pretty busy for me. Then again, I have three day weekends and those are pretty great.

I can’t really complain about my homestay either, although, of course, I will. My senora is great, and her kids are not bad. They’re pretty different from me but generally respectful and not too annoying or intrusive. They’re on the older side so it makes sense. The worse happens when they argue and yell at eachother. The mom, though nice, is a bit of a nagger, and the 16 year old kid is kind of at his most rebellious, so everything requires disagreement. Including, but not exclusively, making his bed, eating dinner, going out to play basketball, studying. It’s amusing to experience but kind of awkward. I’m not used to family altercations, especially since when I’m at home I just avoid them by reminding myself that the living situation is incredibly temporary. My Senora’s cooking isn’t bad for the type of diet they eat here. The only other thing I should mention is that I leave NOWHERE near anyone else I have met which makes hanging out a bit of a chore. I live in a southeast Madrid barrio named “Vallecas” which has a strong working class and immigrant population (yes immigration is an issue here too in case you didn’t know). So it’s not too weird when I hear people speaking languages I don’t understand in Spain. My guess typically tends to be Romanian as to the foreign language of choice when I don’t know what’s being spoken since they are the strongest new wave of immigrants in this country. At least the documented ones.

I’ve had a good time in Spain and definitely don’t regret having come. Done some cool stuff, seen some things. Left Madrid twice (Segovia and Salamanca). Both were excellent trips in different ways, but I am still looking forward to getting out of Castille and seeing the very different parts of Spain. As of now I know I’ll definitely be hitting up Andalusia (southern Spain) and Valencia. Time is running out as well as money, and I know I will probably not be here again for a long while or, possibly, ever again. So I’m trying to get out of here and visit some new place at least once every weekend.

Heading for Paris next week. Don’t know what to expect. Heard good things but it’s a lot of stuff to fit into two days. London was great but it was kind of overwhelming too, so I can only assume it’ll be similar although probably more rushed. Also hear it’s expensive. Great news for me!

As for postcards, um, I’ll start working on those today. I’ve been really busy this past week especially when my cousin Kati, the one who I stayed with in Lyon, came to Madrid. Those were definitely excellent times and I’m glad she was able to make it out here, but I’ve been playing catch up with life and schoolwork. Generally caught up though.

Anyway, how is everyone in the States? I’m online quite a bit so feel free to send me a message randomly. I miss things in the states like you people, Costco, and one dollar McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. If I’m on and not away I’m probably there and wanting attention. So… feel free to indulge me.

I’ll try posting more regularly after this, I swear. Bye for now.

PS: Also went to a bullfight. Perhaps some thought on that experience later.

PPS: Here is a picture of some Paella: