Gathering my bearings...

Toledo is long and gone. My recent transition from Toledo to Madrid meant going from a small and quaint little town to a vibrant, urban city that never calms. It has been my new task/aim to get accustomed to this very modern place. Strangely I have found that I often forget I am actually in another country (language aside); cities share commonalities. And along the same lines, I have observed that American companies/culture seem to strongly contribute to this feeling since they can be found everywhere, whether that is the Dunkin' Donuts down the street from my apartment or the American Pop music layered in between Spanish songs at many clubs.

With that, I have wandered somewhat aimlessly the last few days which is something I definitely recommend. Try walking (for once) with absolutely no purpose or concept of time. Simply amazing. As for my specific happenings, since Thursday I have: (1) experienced Old Madrid (2) been in the biggest department store of my life--"el corte ingles"--completely overwhelming (3) seen the Plaza del Sol (both during the day and night) (4) figured out my cell phone (5) stayed out until four or five in the morning (5) ventured to the Prado Museo--complete with paintings by El Greco, Rafael, Goya, Velazquez, Rembrandt, etc. (6) walked in El Retiro, which I imagine is similar to Central Park (7) tried and continually failed to withdraw money from many ATM's (8) watched other students immediately take out money from those same ATM's...curse my bank who assured me everything was ready for my trip (9) stood at the center point of the entire country (10) visited the Palacio Royal y Plaza Mayor (11) dined at a hole in the wall sandwich place. I had a delicious bocadillo de chorizo (12) been rained on (13) got lost (14) figured out the Metro (15) began to plan future trips in Europe (16) fell in love...w/flan. (17) realized coins can be useful (18) listened to my senora "the dinner philosopher". Best lessons so far: "La calle es el mejor profesor" = "The Street is the best professor" or "One should take time to walk and eat with people everyday." or "No culture is better or worse--just different." (19) found the Real Madrid Stadium, which is only ten minutes from my apartment (20) experienced tortilla espanola. Google it. (21) gone in the wrong bathroom; it had really weird artistic signs for both (no words). I did not know what was what so I, being proactive, simply guessed. You already know the result--I chose poorly. I have never seen those before, and I haven't since (22) and finally, I have taken many pictures along the way.

See...

flowers + arch + view

bubbles.

Two additional thoughts: (1) kids are the same everywhere.
(2) had to coyly pretend I was taking a picture of something else in the distance. Papa watching.

long.

Tarot cards

formula for great: [ADD] an old couple, a little boat, and mix in a rower with a pony tail.

Retiro [another part]

Park Entrance

art resides aqui

the ritz

dog + dad + kid receiving sunday advice = the good life

*note: taken immediately after the dad timed the son's sprint to a trashcan
**note: photo compliments of my camera's mega zoom option

dressed for the part...Madrid is clean.

Plaza Mayor

oldest door in Madrid or Spain (I forget which)

Always Something...

Palacio Real [w/zoom]

Palacio Real

Madrid Cathedral