Madrid

I had an amazing time in Madrid.  The bus ride wasn't too bad, 4 hours with a quick stop in the middle. It was really great to stay with such a big group in our hostel, so that made the stay much better (& so much more fun, of course!)

It just so happened that 13 of the 14 students there were from Michigan State!  So naturally we had to break out into the fight song and other MSU cheers throughout the weekend.

The first day we walked down to Plaza del Sol (where I went with my family months before, so I already had a grasp on directions to major tourist attractions)

a fountain in La Plaza del Sol (The plaza of the sun)

in front of El Palacio Real (The Royal Palace)

About half of the group standing in front of the gates on the side of El Palacio Real

La Plaza Mayor

El Mercado de San Miguel

(this market was really different than those in Barcelona and Valencia, this was enclosed in a small building with rustic wood all around, it was a classy market with wine bars, tapas bars, and of course loads of meats and cheeses.  There were also churros con chocolate, crepes and other delicious treats)

love locks

on our night journey we came across a ukelele player who sang in perfect English (this would not have happened in Valencia).  We all sang and danced with him to "Twist & Shout", "Blue Suede Shoe" and other classics

In el Parque Retiro, a man making huge bubbles for little niños.  There were also magicians performing in the park, as well as vendors with their jewelry, sunglasses, and fake purses sprawled out on towels.

There is a lake in the middle of the park, so of course we couldn't resist the opportunity to go out on row boats.  Here I am with my friend Abby and her friend Kyle (who is teaching English in Madrid for the year)

I even got to row for a bit!

Nearing one of the entrances of the Parque Retiro

Flamenco show!

The first male flamenco dancer I've seen (there were 2 at this performance!).  Each time I watch a tablao de flamenco (flamenco show) I appreciate their rhythm and syncopation even more.  This was definitely one to remember.

In between all of this fun we needed to get a dose of culture, so we went to el Museo Reina Sofía (Picasso- Guernica, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Georges Braque among many others ) as well as El Museo Nacional del Prado, where we saw works of El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, Las Meninas, & incredible sculptures.
Years of art history classes have definitely payed off.  It is really incredible to see works of art in front of your eyes that you have studied intensely in class.  Especially to see Las Meninas in person after visiting the Picasso museum with my family, where he painted picture after picture in imitation of this work of art.  My Spanish history class last semester has also provided me with more background to be able to appreciate the Spanish art as well.
I am so grateful to have the freedom and ability to travel and experience new places, cultures, and peoples.

Later today:  tutoring Carlos with his English at 6, followed by a soccer game at 7!
But first I have to make it to my translation class on time

Hasta luego!