The Awkward Café: My First Week in Spain

Hello my fellow earthlings!

On Thursday, June 30 I made my way to Spain and it is everything I expected and more! The 8 hour plain ride was more than worth it. I landed in Madrid on Friday morning after surviving the navigation through the Chicago airport and starting off at the wrong terminal. I only had a small breakdown of stress so I consider that a win in my books!

Being in a new city, in a huge airport, in another country, and not speaking English is slightly intimidating at first. It takes a hot second for the brain to adjust to such a shock. Luckily I did not have any issues with my luggage. Once I exchanged my money, I managed to figure out my way around the metro and get to down town Madrid near Puerto del Sol. I did not have much of an idea where I was going other than I was going to Way Hostel (which was awesome by the way!) I went on a tour of the city and saw the Royal Palace and other landmarks such as el Templo de Debod, an egyptian gift to Spain. I tried my first sangria and tapas and peaked through the curtains of the night life of the Spanish Culture. It was Gay Pride Week there so it was crazy with loud music and festivals on every Plaza.

The next day was quite the interesting one. I had tortilla and café con leche, checked out of my hostel and made my way to the airport. I thought I was taking a reasonable way, but boy was I wrong. I ended up having to walk about 2 km while rolling my suitcase. Oh, my poor suitcase. It was extremely hot and it had to roll a long way. It never stood a chance. I had walked so far that I had rolled the wheels off my suitcase and they congealed to the plastic that was holding them together. MY WHEELS MELTED OFF OF MY DAMN SUITCASE. And of course, there was some confusion on exactly where to go, but I made it to my group and we headed to Salamanca.

When I first met with my host mom, MaryPaz, I was a little frazzled because I was not used to only thinking in Spanish and it was hard to understand her at first. LUCKILY, I have gotten much better at understanding her and I am even able to have small conversation with her as well! My room mate Haley is awesome as well. We get along great and we even found out that we had a class together last summer! It's weird how life works like that.

Haley and I on our first night out in Spain!

Throughout this past week I have done a lot of sight seeing, tried some sangría, tinto de verano, mojitos, chocolate con churros, and so many other new dishes that my host mom has made. Speaking of which. She is one of the cutest people I have ever met. She can be a little passive aggressive at times, but the way she talks with such passion just makes me so happy. She also has this little cute dog named Clipper that she takes on walks to the park. Its so adorable.

Needless to say, Spain has held a lot of first for this curious cat right here. I had my first discoteca/bar experience. I am so sorry people had to see me dance. It was actually a pretty good time, but man I was so tired the next day. HOW DO YOU PEOPLE DO IT!? Bless your souls. This was also my first time in Europe, first time living with a host family, going to school in another country, speaking Spanish on the regular and understanding what is going on, and my first time truly appreciation all of the history in Spain. Some of these pictures show how beautiful Spain is, but it does not do it justice at all. I cannot wait to see how the other 5 weeks go. My classes are going well and I am learning so much. I will be sure to keep you all updated on my adventures. I know I haven't written much about my life in the past 6 months so I have a lot of catching up to do. I hope you enjoy my adventures through my stories and hopefully you can share some of your stories as well. After all, this is a café.

Check out my Instagram for more pictures! @offamyrocker

Until next time.

Let's Chat Soon.

Besos.

Temple of Debod, The Egyptian Temple

I bought this dress for 6 euros at El Rastro (Flea Market). What a steal!

Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

Royal Palace, Madrid

Drinking the touristy sangria, but I like tinto de verano better. Tinto is the more local drink. Sangria is more fruity.

House of the famous Cervantes, author of Don Quijote

Looking out over Salamanca at sunset. You know me and my affinity for sunsets.

The walkways of this historic church were not suited for the people of today.

La Iglesia de San Millán. The oldest church in Salamanca.

The infamous Rana (aka frog) on top of the skeleton head!

My other love: waterfalls.

Just some of the beautiful architecture in Spain. This picture features our professor, who is so excited to teach us and show us all of the amazing things in Spain. He is a truly wonderful person who has graced us with his presence.