If that title is not cryptic enough, I have work to do! But first—a little side track. I am now CIEE’s blogger…or one of them at least. I will write about once a month! I am relatively new to blogging, having only discovered their true potential about a year and half ago. But since then, I have been amazed! Blogs—like this one—can have many different intentions. They can inform, amuse, offer criticism or be a chronicle. This blog is a time capsule of sorts—recording my experiences every few days in Spain. Not only has it become my journal of sorts, but it’s also a wonderful way for me to let all of you know what I am up to. I recently discovered that I also enjoy photography immensely. Granted, I have had photography jobs for the last four years, but I never really thought of myself as “into” photography. But I am. I love the feeling of when I’m behind the lens. I can be anonymous and inconspicuous. I see things I would not otherwise see. But most of all—I remembered my first little red camera that was barely big enough to hold a roll of film. You had to flip the viewfinder up. I think I was somewhere around eight years old…More recently I have been uploading all my photos to flickr. This also serves a dual purpose. I have a backup, albeit not at the original file size, but printable. But I can also share more of the whole story with you.
Here is my flickr stream…but be wary of the folder marked “Spain 10.10.11” since it does have the bullfight, which got a little gruesome.
Madrid!!!
Moving on…I finished all of my homework—including three models for a studio pinup that was due today—before I left for Madrid. I was exceedingly proud of myself just for accomplishing this part of not procrastinating. I then took the airport shuttle at six in the morning while watching the sun rise. It costs about $7 but is the most efficient use of time, short of a taxi. I got to the airport three hours early...only to learn that you can’t even start to check-in for domestic flights until two hours before takeoff. Rookie mistake #1. In short, I was there WAY too early! So I killed a lot of time—by reading ahead in my homework. I miss English books so very much that what I do get my hands on I consume like popcorn! And I packed my suitcase full of books! The flight over was very short, we even landed 15 minutes early. I am becoming a pro at flying. I used to be nervous and listen to every word of the safety talk. Now I just watch to see how closely the flight attendants can synchronize their movements.
I landed in Madrid with another four hours before I had to check in to my hostel. Rookie mistake #2. I know myself well enough to know that after travelling/getting up early, I could use a short rest break before I searched for adventure. Though I did just remember that I may have not been able to check in until 3…but still earlier is better! I felt another bout of culture shock/intense loneliness. So I wandered some, read my guidebook…mostly trying to get some direction. Finally I decided to walk to the closest green space on the map. I found a statue and some pretty flowers and painted a watercolor. It made me feel much better, and gave me some interactions with other people. Everyone has to see what you’re painting, and I don’t mind.
Finally it was time to check into the hostel. They were super helpful and just all around quite awesome. Everyone there is young, independent, nice and full of spirit. It was an unexpected but pleasant surprise! I shared a room with six other girls. I did forget my lock, but luckily they had free ones. Rookie mistake #3. I think I just went to bed and slept for 10 hours that night.
The watercolor painting I did...the same-ish?
The next morning I woke up fairly early, ate the free breakfast and headed to El Rastro, the huge flea market. It was awesome! I was one of the first people there so it was still being set up. But I got a decent quality pea coat, some tights (patterned & trendy), winter gloves, a small bag and an English book. I finished the book by the next day…yeah. I miss English books so much! You have no idea…After the flea market I walked around…making sure to stop and get churros con chocolate at a very good place. Then I picked up my bullfight tickets and read in the plaza. It was wonderful.
Churros con chocolate...my best friend Erica's must-do in Madrid!
Me, at a sculpture in one of the many plazas in Madrid.
The bullfight was strange. Strange in that it was both beautiful and horrific. Such an unexpected combination. But I’m not going to lie, I’ve wanted to see one since I was little, so it was great to finally do that! It was a lot more grotesque than I expected. Dad—you were right—the bull really doesn’t stand a chance. The fight takes place in a couple of stages. The first stage they make the bull run around and around the ring. Then they stab him from a horse (the horse has armor). I have no idea why. Then they but some pointy/garland things on his shoulders. And finally the matador comes out. He then finally actually kills the bull using a sword. It’s a very strange process. A native here told me that it was a way to keep control of the herd. The bulls would get too strong to control, so they had to weed them out. I don’t know. It seemed a little strange, but I think I’ve said that… And the process was repeated six times with six different bulls. An American was sitting next to me, so it was helpful to talk to someone about it. He was just as shocked as I was. The most dramatic part was when the bull escaped over the first ring! I was sitting only three rows up, so he was a little too close!
How close the bull got when he jumped over this fence here!
The bull and matador.
Ole!
After that I returned to the hostel, where some other kids and I went to a free concert. It was salsa music, which was great. But even better, everyone was dancing salsa, so it was a salsa mosh pit! Then I slept for three hours before heading to the airport at 4am (not early this time!) and taking the train straight to class…sunrise number two and an excellent trip if I do say so myself!
Plaza Mayor in Madrid!
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