Dia Dos-Dia Cinco

After two long flights, we finally arrived in Madrid groggy and tired. A bus picked us up from the airport and took us to the hostel where we would be staying. At first glance, I was disgusted by our new living conditions. The rooms were tiny with four half sized twin beds, a desk, and a chair; and the bathroom was no better. Lets just say I wouldn't walk or shower without my Crocs on. Though we were definitely roughing it, my roomies and I (Lierin, Hannah, and Ky) made light of the situation. After setting our bags down, we were ready to explore the bustling city of Madrid. But within the first thirty minutes, we realize we are missing Connor. The teachers and instructors were frightened. But we all wondered how could he have lost the group? Luckily, we found him and continued on our journey. In Madrid we saw many sights, such as the Prado, Picasso's work, and even cathedrals in Toledo. Though I have to say my favorite experience was going to see the Real Madrid Soccer Stadium, and that day was sure an experience. We decided to take the Subway, to spare our legs from all the walking. On the subway we met and made many friends, but the most memorable is the dirty homeless man who approached us and pointed down screaming profanities in Espanol. We didn't expect that coming, we were only on the lookout for gypsy alerts; so Davin scared the man off with a fierce "Hombre." And of course, the laughs followed. Obviously we saw some very interesting people, just like the prostitutes who lined the streets. Everything made us laugh. Even the two thirty year old men who had the room next to ours made us laugh, at least sometimes. These two men would constantly knock on our door, and when we would go to answer it no one would be there. Once they realized we would no longer go to the door, they began knocking beats on our walls. This lasted for 2-3 days, and at first it was funny, but then it became REALLLY CREEPY. We were all kind of freaked out by these desperate men, and my friends thought that it would be the perfect time to play some sick jokes on me. Anyway, it was not a funny joke at all. But those are just a few of my experiences. And though some of my experiences may sound vulgar or uneducational, it is those that give you the real taste of the city. These memories educate you the most. Because when you leave the city all you have left is the memories of the people, foods, and structures. But you do not remember the objects for what they are, but for the feeling it left you with. That is what you hold on to. And with that said, my memories of Madrid have proved that I entirely immersed myself into another culture, experiencing all the quirks of the city. By doing this I have enjoyed exploring the flavor of the city, but it also allowed me to realize my appreciation of los Estados Unidos. So in conclusion, Madrid was a varying beautiful city. One in which I will always remember.