All By Myself

Today, I thought I'd discover Madrid on my own. I was a bit nervous at first. I really didn't quite know what to expect and I was afraid I'd get lost and run into trouble (I have a very crazy imagination). Thankfully, I have mad navigation skills. This is what happens when you don't drive: you get really good at reading maps. Although I did let myself get lost a few times, I always found my way back. There was never a time when I felt I was in danger. I think this city is pretty safe for the most part.

First on the agenda was to locate my school so I know where to go tomorrow. It was pretty easy to get there and it is in a nice neighborhood. I believe it's the financial district. There were lots of big buildings and shops and restaurants. I got really hungry by the time I got there so I thought I'd get food. Because it is Sunday, most places are close. I'm also not confident enough with my Spanish, so I was just too intimidated to go into the restaurants that were open. So I went to Starbucks. Yup, I'm a loser and went to Starbucks in Madrid. I butchered the little Spanish I know and thankfully the cashier was nice enough to help me out a bit.

Next, I decided to find a cellphone store recommended to me by Erica. It's in Chueca. From what I've heard Chueca is the new up and coming neighborhood. It's also the gay neighborhood...I was super excited to go. When I got there though, there wasn't much going on...maybe because I went on a Sunday. So after I went to the cellphone store, which was closed, I took a walk down Paseo del Prado and proceeded to Parque de Retiro. So far, the park is my favorite part of the city. It is amazingly beautiful. I could have stayed there forever. There are lots of greenery, a big pond, huge statues, fallen leaves...it was very cute and romantic. A makes- me-want-to-have-a-boyfriend type of place, but not super cheesy. I sat for a while and listened to a street musician play the saxophone. After a few minutes, a huge group of friends came and a few of them were carrying bongos. The saxophonist walked over to them and they started playing together. Then the girls and a boy from the same group started flamenco dancing. It was awesome!!! I was just happy...really and truly happy. Good music and dancing in a beautiful park - what more could you ask for??!!!

Finally I had to tear myself away from the show and start heading home. (Side note: Elaine, I found a Topshop on my way home!!!) I really needed to get started on my homework for tomorrow. Right when I was about to start, my doorbell rang. I was like who the hell could that be??? I was a bit hesistant to open the door, but I did it anyway. A Spanish guy was standing on the other side and he says are you Fran?? Ummm yes? I'm Juan. Oh Juan, my future Madrileno friend. I had gotten his contact information from Amanda (yay!) and I've been trying to contact him since yesterday, but I didn't know how. I totally forgot that I emailed him my address last night. After knocking on random people's door, he finally found me. So we went out to get a drink. First, he showed me his very nice apartment in Chueca. He's got lots of books, so he's obviously a reader. He also has a guitar and he plays it very well. Then we grabbed a beer at a nearby bar. We just talked about random stuff - from the Hapsburg family to Magellan to girls and relationships - and it was great. I totally forgot about my homework. Then he walked me home so I didn't run into hoodlums.

And now I REALLY have to do homework....boo. I'm not liking school already.