First Day at the Spanish School and First Days in Madrid

FIRST DAY AT KING'S COLLEGE, BRITISH SCHOOL OF MADRID

The school is in a very fancy area of Madrid, called La Moraleja. The school is British-run, and therefore abides by British standards and British curriculum. Almost all of the staff are British. The students are generally all Spanish, and learn English upon entering the school at an early age. I am currently in a classroom with "Level 2" students aka ages 6 and 7. The earliest grade is called "reception," then "level 1" and so on. It is fascinating to watch students learn and perform in school in a language that is not primary to them. The kids are adorable, and have the darkest hair and the most shiny mediterranean-colored eyes (every single one of them is gorgeous). When performing school work or speaking with teachers, they speak in English but when speaking amongst each other, they speak Spanish. Of course, they prefer to speak in Spanish because it is easier for them and they have a subject 3 times per week called "Spanish" which is like literature and they love this because it is much easier for them than learning in English. Even though the language is not native to them, their writing (in English) is absolutely beautiful (in terms of penmanship, vocabulary, and creativity). Many of them speak Spanish, English, and French - wow. Many times during the day, they didn't know how to say something in English. For instance, one girl wanted to tell me about a drum but only knew the word in Spanish. Even though they are supposed to speak English in school, I always listen when they speak Spanish and I wish they could speak Spanish because I want to learn it from them.

Their school day is longer than in the states. It runs from 9:25-4:30. However, they have two exercise breaks that last 30 minutes, and well as lunch for 75 minutes - so they spend a good portion of they day outside.

Below are two pictures of just one of the outside play areas.

Madrid City Centre
The next set of pictures are from the main city center drag in Madrid. This area consists of Gran Via and Puerta del Sol. It is only one metro stop away from where I live. I couldn't be happier that I am so close to this city center, yet not living in the midst of it. I am learning Spanish in my neighborhood because it generally consists of all native Spaniards; in the city centre, there are so many tourists that it would be more difficult for me to advance my knowledge of the language. Also, the city center is of course much more "loco," so it is nice to visit whenever I please while having a more peaceful escape to call home.

The BEST street band I have ever heard. They were playing the livelist version of "hit the road jack" that I have ever heard, and that saxophonist played like it was his destiny.

After snapping this picture, I joined them by sprawling out in that sunny spot for a good hour while simply watching the world go by.

The Cathedral of Almudena and Artwork inside the Cathedral

In the 17th century, King Philip II moved Spain's capital from Toledo to Madrid. Quite a surprise to many people because at the time, Toledo was the largest capital in Europe (even larger than ancient Rome). The Hapsburgs ruled at this time, and had no great buildings in the Madrid capital so they began to build tremendously. Because their riches were quite bare due to prolonged religious wars, they built Madrid with brick rather than with expensive granite (such as in the City Hall building above). This square was the heart of medieval Madrid.

Quite an enticing sign for this quant little restaurant, but do they mean "food + drink = smiley?"

Charming alley way that leads to a convent where one may buy pastries from cloistered nuns. Of course, the nuns may not be seen so the purchase occurs via a lazy Susan.

The Spaniards LOVE their ham. This is a common sight generally everywhere.

Ahhh..... Mercado de Miguel. Here, one may be enticed by formaggerie, ham (as above), fruit, wine, wine, and more wine, sangria, and the most charming of atmospheres. People stop by the fruit stand to pick up fresh strawberries, then to a wine area to choose a lovely bottle (hand selected by helpful Spaniards), before enjoying both in this laid-back seating area.

Why is Micky Mouse in this photo? I am also perplexped.....

One of countless squares where one can't help but sit back, have a drink, and bask in the sun.

Too good to be true.... and not only is everything 1 euro, but inside you will find a delightful ambience where standing to chat with other patrons is the norm.

The bustling main square, Puerta del Sol. First, is a picture of the square hundreds of years ago. Second, is the same square today.

Puerta del Sol from a different angle.

Bordering Puerta del Sol, here lies the governor's office. This was the first post office of Madrid in 1760, founded by Charles III. It is also known as the notorious police headquarters of Fransisco Franco. Many of the poor folks that were detained and interrogated by the Franco police tried to escape by jumping out of the windows to their deaths.

There is always a guard (see right-hand picture). It cannot be seen from the photo, but the back of their hats are flat. This is rumored to be so that they can comfortably enjoy a cigarette while leisurely leaning against the wall.

Many clever street performers strut their stuff in Puerta del Sol. Those three heads are real people that attempt to frighten passers-by.


A tribute to Rick Steves because if it weren't for him, independent travel (at least for me) would not be possible. He is the best travel companion - he offers guidance and wisdom and always knows the way to go, while never getting annoying (and if that were to happen, he can be shoved in a bag unlike other companions).

Europe: Where life's greatest mundane-ities meet elaborate, blow-your-socks off architecutre. The above building: simply a bank.

Yep, that dog is doing exactly what you think it is doing.....

This building looked very important, but I couldn't figure out what it was....

Here is a bronze replica of Gran Via to celebrate its 100th year. People took pictures all day - I did not find it impressive, hence why I only took pictures of the people taking pictures and not of the creation itself.
Gran Via, the heart of Madrid.

My Madrid Neighborhood - The lovely Chamberi

My humble abode. I absolutely love my small, quaint room. I feel so free to have such few belongings after having lived with so much clutter... I wish my home could always be so simple... Perhaps when I return to Seattle, I will attempt to discard of much of my bottomless "kitsch." Our Madrid apartment is tiny, but just perfect. I live with two other American girls who have both been living here for two years to teach English. The apartment is so small that there is no common area - only three bedrooms, a tiny bathroom, and kitchen.

This is how we dry our clothes - this is the view from our kitchen.

My neighborhood - Chamberi, Madrid.

These two photos are taken directly outside my front door. Never have I witnessed a moment when people were not sitting on the benches and when children were not playing on the playground. There are several beautiful fountains like the one above throughout my neighborhood. I have already grown all-too accustomed to sitting on those benches underneath the beating sun.

Tonight I am exhausted from my first day of school, so I am staying in and enjoying my lovely boxed wine (price 1 euro = $1.34) ... tomorrow, off for tapas with my roomate!