El Placio Real

Toledo

 Today our group went to Toledo, which is about an hour away from our school in Madrid. We visited la Catedral de Santa María de Toledo, and it was very impressive. I really am enjoying every minute here. We spent most of the day walking around, learning about the history of Toledo, and enjoying the beautiful view. I did some shopping today, and even bought myself a pair of pearl earrings. I have to have something to remember the trip!

Celebrating the Team

Today was the first day of classes, and I sure have a lot of work to do in the next five weeks. After staying in my room for most of the day, I wanted to study outside just for a change of scenery. When I left Casa do Brasil there was a parade for the soccer team. Talk about perfect timing! There were so many people lining the streets wearing their red shirts, singing, taking pictures, and yelling to the players. When the bus drove past with the players on top, the people went insane! It was an incredible moment seeing everyone supporting their team, especially the kids. The group I was with asked a stranger to take a picture of us, and it ended up being a guitar player in a popular band in Spain. This has been an exciting experience, and it is only the third day!

VIVA ESPANA!

I cannot believe how much better this trip gets every minute! I got to experience Spain winning la eurocopa, and it was incredible seeing how passionate everyone here is about their team. Everyone was wearing jerseys, waving the flag, had their faces painted, or were blowing horns. Everyone is running down the streets singing and chanting VIVA ESPANA! Flags hang out of all the windows of the apartments, restaurants, and people's cars. I have never seen anyone so proud for their country. I don't think people will stop honking their horns when they drive by for the next week! I am excited to see what the rest of the trip will bring!

Me standing in front of the Adidas store, I mean, posing with the Spanish soccer team!

Nike Madrid

I found it! After a bus tour, we went to the center of Madrid, and walked along the streets with tons of stores and restaurants. There was a sale going on, but I resisted!

My First Run in Madrid!

Did you think I would come all the way to Madrid without lacing up for the month while I'm here? Of course not! This morning I went on my first run at a park next to the school. The weather here is unbelievable, and you can run throughout the day. The sun does not set until close to 10pm, so ideally I can run before our usual late dinner. The park was filled with other runners, and trails leading in all directions. There are also tons of hills, so hopefully that will make my legs that much stronger. This has already been such an unbelievable experience in the 24 hours that I've been here, and I can't wait to keep running, go sightseeing, and learn more Spanish!

A street in Madrid!

Adios America!

Hola! I have been in spain for a few hours now and never want to leave. The people are so welcoming, the weather is great, and there are runners everywhere! Can it get any better? We landed in Madrid this morning, and after a few hours of waiting for our driver to pick up our group, we headed to la Casa do Brasil where I am studying. I am rooming with a friend from my previous Spanish classes in a double room with our own bathroom. The time difference, lack of sleep, and times we are allowed to eat certainly will take time to get used to. Usually, breakfast is served early in the morning, lunch is late afternoon, and dinner when I am normally thinking about going to sleep! The food is completely fresh, and I have already tried new delicious foods. The streets are lined with shoe, clothing, and bathing suit stores. Luckily there are not any Nike stores around here, otherwise my debit card would be in trouble. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and small grocery stores. I am enjoying the small interactions I am having with local people because I am really starting to feel more comfortable speaking. I am excited to wake up early and run the streets of madrid for the first time!

Here is a picture of my room!