Day 5 - My First Sunday

I couldn't fall asleep last night and I can't figure why.  I think the temperature had something to do with it.  In addition, I think I'm just too excited for my own good.  I just love being here and am enjoying every second.  I don't want to be wasting time on sleep. 

Today is going to be an errand and catch up day to prepare for tomorrow.  I heard from the gal I met on the tour about meeting up at the flea market we talked about but I declined her invitation.  It is a 30 minute walk and I need to get my stuff done so I'm prepared for this week.  I need to be rested and focused.  

I got up, did my homework (yes I had homework for the first time in a hundred years - and it only the first of many assignments I'm sure), took a shower and headed out for coffee and an early lunch of jamon, olives, breadsticks and café con leche.  Then I'm going to head off to the food store again to stock up for the week.  

mmmm - jamon, olives, breadsticks y café con leche

While I was finishing my lunch in the plaza de cheuca,  I noticed a bunch of kids.  The plaza is pretty small so it was kind of obvious.  All of a sudden an elf appeared out of nowhere and started freaking out.  He was leading the group of kids in something - I'm not sure what as he's speaking Spanish.  How funny!!!

Random elf who appeared out of nowhere.  

Since not much is going on today, I figure I'll talk about my neighborhood and house.  My barrio (neighborhood) is called Chueca.  It's in the heart of the city and is extremely safe (so everyone tells me).  I do feel safe and only had one incident so far.  It was weird and typical of a city and I never felt like I was in danger.  The only bad part of my barrio is it's the gay part of the city so there are a million beautiful men but not one is interested in me - grrrrr 😁.  Oh well - it is in the heart of Madrid.  

My house is great!!  I have a room in a flat with 4 or 5 rooms. The gal who owns it is Loretta. Unfortunately, I can't talk too much with her because the accommodation agency requires that she only talk to me in Spanish.  This is a huge drag because she seems so interesting.  She from Italy and is an artist.  Her work is hanging all around the flat.  My room is great - it's small but it has everything I need, including a bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower, a very comfy bed, a small closet and some additional storage.  See pics below. 

My room - view from the door.

My room - view from the bathroom.

My very comfy bed.

My sink and shower. 

My toilet and shower. 

Another great thing about Madrid- yes there about a million and a half but here's one more - I can drink the tap water.  No more lugging gallons and gallons or litters and litters.  

Also, I can't believe I forgot about this but I was offered work already - specifically on my second day.  Another one of Daryl's friends (I'm so happy my aunt put me in touch with Darryl) found out I was here for a year and insisted - yes insisted that I tutor his wife and children. Unfortunately, I can't start doing that until March when I graduate but I'm definitely interested. 

After I got all my stuff done at home - I want for a walk.  I passed by a store with discount sweaters and I bought two.  I sure should have brought warmer cloths.  I was thinking about the 'Spanish sun' not about Spain in January and February.  Oh well - live and learn - my new motto :). 

I stopped into a cute tapas place on the way home and got a glass of wine and un tapa. 

mmm - dinner.

Now I'm going to update my blog and  get ready for tomorrow.  

Again, thanks for reading and feel free to reach out via the Comments section.