En el comienzo

GAHHHHHHH

Where do I start!? I am looking through photos realizing so much has gone by already and I have been slacking on my blogging. I think this helps me process as well as share my experience with others back in the states!:)

The first day of travel...started out a little crazy. My flight to New York from LAX was delayed...then my flight from NY to Madrid was another 2 hours delayed. We all boarded the flight however and were held captive in the airplane for 2 hours...breathing that wonderful airplane air-conditioning. ( I only say that because I think I got a little sore throat from that...?)

Anywho..ARRIVED in MADRID!!! Wide-eyed and giddy I got into a taxi and somehow mumbled the name of my hostel to the taxi driver. The surroundings resembled Paso Robles...haha strangely enough..Kinda brown with rolling hills. We drove for about 20-30 minutes and arrived smack dab in the middle of Madrid. My hostel was located in the center of the city party central.

I met some girls from Dublin that were just staying for the weekend and I hung out with them in the common lounge until my room was ready to store my bags. First experience in a real hostel..I'm glad that i got my own room. For a cheeper stay you can share with 18+ people in a common area...sketch.

Walked around with the Dublin girls then went back to the hostel, showered and crashed for about 4 hours. Traveling for about 14 hours and waking up in a 9 hour time difference hits ya! I woke up and got ready. I met a girl in the lobby from Australia as we were both using the internet that is only available on the first floor and we went to dinner. 

Chatting the night away we became great friends and found an Ice bar! haha Met some guys that were in a study abroad program and later a guy that was headed out for the Camino de Santiago! I really want to do at least a part of the Camino de Santiago at some point! Our friend Teo was from Brazil and he was doing the last half of the camino by himself like his father has done before him. 

Ice Bar

Near the SOL metro stop 

don't remember what this was..

Outside the Palacio Real

(on walking tour)

new friends!:) People teaching but in a different auxiliary program

Tyson, Jimmy, Roland and Michaela

Orientation hotel!:) roommate Annie from Portland, OR

Orientation free tapas and drinks

Well hopefully caught ya up a little! It's been over a week and we have stayed in two different hotels for orientation while looking for housing. Moved out of the orientation hotel today and I am staying in the airBnB with a friend. I reserved it before coming and have until the 28th to find an apartment! Please keep me in your prayers:)) Safe place with cool roommies hopefully with a spanish speaker. My friends already found places and i knew that I had a place for another week so I haven't really searched too hard. But the time is NOW! Luckily I have a local friend of a friend that is helping!:)

Besitos from España!:))