Today is day 2 of my Spain trip, where I'll be spending two weeks in Madrid taking language classes. Spain is somewhat of an odd choice for me, given their love of meat and late night partying. However, I've really been wanting to improve my language skills, and I'm always looking for an excuse visit Europe.
Yesterday I was mainly occupied with finding the apartment and trying to stay awake long enough to fight my jet lag. I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to get out of the doors of my apartment house. One was demonstrated by the cleaning lady, but a second flummoxed me. Several times, I conveniently met someone coming in and was able to slip out the door. Finally, I decided to solve the mystery by loitering near the front door and pretending to read my phone when someone else left the building. The door only unlocks when you press a button about three feet from the door handle, so I never would have found it on my own.
I chose my apartment for its proximity to the language school, but it also turns out to be within walking distance of three large art museums, all housing major collections of European art. I hope to visit them many times. Tonight I had a few hours of Rubens.
Other highlights from the past two days:
I watched a man and woman dressed in authentic 17th century clothing have lunch at a cafe while speaking what I think was Norwegian.
I ate a salad composed of hot gnocchi and cream sauce poured on top of arugula. It was delicious and definitely expanded my definition of what counts as a salad.
I visited a market that seemed to be composed people selling either flowers or socialism. I'm not quite sure of this combination- delicate things brought from other countries that can decorate your life?
5 comments:
Where in Spain are you?
We have found that the definition of 'Salad' can vary tremendously over the world from our US version so hot gnocchi with cream on veg does not over surprise me.
Finely the mystery is solved - the answer to where is RM going on vacation is SPAIN! Have a great time.
I like to keep my locations a secret until the last minute. That way the paparazzi can't find me.
Where better to polish your Spanish than Spain. It sounds as if you will be bringing home a new food repertoire as well.
Ah the paparazzi. Of Course! Always a dreaded risk in the physics education world
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