Jet lag provides unexpected douses of wakefulness which I will quickly take advantage of.
It is about 9 pm or 21:00, but I am a bit too tired to go out again for dinner. Instead I am feasting on left over plane snacks and am quite satisfied! These past few days have called into action all of the character building qualities I have learned thus far. Patience, confidence, humility, endurance, humor- it could go on and on. However my emotions sway, the things I have done so far have truly been beautiful.
The hotel we are staying at for the first three days is a 4 star hotel in the heart of Madrid. The room surprises me because of its tranquility amist the whirl of the city. It is not far from the Plaza del Sol which is a large, pedestrian friendly area for shops and restaurants. Walking along the stone streets, it s the towering Spanish architecture which sets Madrid apart from other city's I have been to.
In the center of Plaza del Sol is the symbol of the bear and the tree which is an attraction and meeting point for many people. The other night, after having dinner with the group, we walked in search of cold medicine and post cards only to walk in to la Plaza Mayor. Originally built for public affairs such as theater performances, religious productions, and royal parties, the Plaza looks like a large courtyard with restaurants and attractions lining the outskirts. The moon had fully risen when we arrived, but people of all ages were socializing as if the sun were as high as the moon. We sat down at a restaurant for water- which was 3.30 euros- and became part of the night in Plaza del Mayor.
Today was another adventure of stumbling upon a lovely sight. Two others from the group and I wanted to find a park to write post cards in. We headed towards la Plaza Espana which was, to our surprise, was hosting art exhibits and a dance performance. It was unifying to applaud and shout "guapa" with the crowd. Also in joining the crowd, I posed next to Don Quijote and his companion Sancho in front of the fountain.
I am standing tall on the left, but only to reach the horse's hoof.
1 comment:
becca!!! you made it and have already had such adventures to speak of. i am curious as to the beautiful events that brought out your various learned character attributes. i was thinking about how last night was your "first night in the nursery" and wondered how you fared.
in a hotel, you say? calm and serene despite the noisy streets? sounds lovely. i imagine you lying in your bed, reading your gigantic book quietly and contentedly, like an old woman. do you have friends yet? have you found out whether your classes will be in english or spanish?
how was your flight with the lay-over? did your airport vocabulary come in handy?
i miss you, becca, and sigh every time i think or say your name.
your amanda
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