Day 2 - Mastering The Metro

I woke up in what I thought was the middle of the night because I realized that I didn't set an alarm.  When I looked at the clock it was 8:30.  At first I was extremely confused as I couldn't figure out if it was am or pm.  I also woke up in the middle of the night and didn't remember where I was - then a wave of happiness hit me when I realized I was in Madrid.  I got up to start my day.  I checked my email and realized that I needed to pay my rent (I was in fact 3 days late as I thought it was due on Feb. 1). Also my realtor had sent an email - he needed some additional paperwork.  I paid the rent and held off on the paperwork.

Then I headed to Darryl Solochek's office, Solocheck Libros, in Mirasierra which is on the outskirts of Madrid. Darryl is the brother of Terry who works with my aunt in California. I spent the afternoon with him and his wife Christina.  They were incredibly warm, welcoming and helpful.  I learned about their business and had great conversations with them. 

Darryl and Christina's company

To get there I had to take the Metro - which is just as easy to use as they say.  Each line has only one set of stops and it's all color coded.  So instead of following the A, C, E trains which are similar but different you just follow the one.  I took the 10 Line which is blue and the 9 Line which is purple.  The only thing you have to know is the last stop which dictates the direction. In other words instead of north and south you follow signs to the last stop.  

The Solochek's then took me to a fantastic lunch right next to their office.  I had concida which is the traditional dish of Madrid.  First, they serve a broth with noodles which is what the entire dish is cooked in - then they strain it and serve it as the first course.  Then they serve the chicken, sausage, carrots, potatoes and a beet type veggie as the main course.  It was unbelievably delicious!!!  And the best thing is the soup, main course, a desert (I had mint chocolate chip ice cream - so yummy!!) and a glass of wine was all under €12.  

I have to say that it's only my second day and I really feel at home.  Although, I can definitely see why so many people called me brave when I told them my plan. It's not easy being in a foreign country - especially not speaking the language but it's such an amazing experience and it's only Day 2.  I'm feeling pretty good as far as jet lag goes - I may be a bit tired though as the floors in the metro stations are definitely swaying under me.  

When I got back to me neighborhood I went on a hunt for a bookstore, recommended by Darryl, with message board to find group to help me learn Spanish.  It was not an easiest task - not because I didn't know the area but because it was raining.  I of course went a few blocks the wrong way and when I backtracked I realized that it was right in front of where I started. I found a few things that seem good.  Then I headed back to my flat to dry off and work on this website - not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon. 

The site took me about 4 hours to create including some trouble and customer support time. By the time it was live, with many errors (please forgive me for that - I plan to go back and edit this afternoon as it's rainy again) it was 10:00 pm and I still hadn't had dinner.  Luckily, I had taken half my lunch home (I know - typical American) so all I had to do was go in search of a bottle of wine.  I found a place (once again, thanks Yelp!) and set out.  Somehow, my night adventures end in abandoning my mission and finding a new place.  During the day though I never have a problem.  Maybe I am more jet-lagged than I thought.  

Got my wine and had my leftovers.  By the time I was done - I was exhausted and headed to bed.  

Another great day - I LOVE MADRID!!!