In Madrid and Quite Content

I made it to Madrid, and I am in love! I live in an absolutely beautiful neighborhood called Chamberi, and there is so much to do in this neighborhood alone (especially people watch). I am going to become a professional bench-sitter just like the Spanish. I arrived from Paris late last night, and I was the only American on my flight. Every single person on the flight was Spanish, which meant it was a pretty loud flight. I noticed that the French are quite quiet with their speech - not so with the Spanish!



I have been studying my Spanish over the last few days, and it is coming back to me quite nicely. I am actually able to somewhat communicate here. I attempted to speak some French while in Paris, and each time I tried, the French person would either stare at me as if to say "sorry, I don't speak whatever alien tongue that is," or they would immediately begin to speak in English. Here in Spain, when I begin in Spanish, they actually carry on in Spanish which is quite nice - my accent must not be as horrendous as some at home have led me to believe.


I have had a lovely first day in Madrid. This morning, I explored my busy neighborhood. It is absolutely pristine. It is slightly outside of the main center of Madrid, which must be why it feels like a huge city (but without the constant honking and dirt). In fact, it might be one of the cleanest neighborhoods I have ever seen. I spent the morning sitting outside of a coffee shop and immersing myself in the splendid pastime of people watching. The hot sun absolutely delighted me after the rain and wind in Paris. No second went by without people walking by. There were many families, and many non-families. There was an entire main street with no cars passing by - only a sea of children on bikes, scooters and rollerblades (dressed in their Sunday best). I felt like I never wanted to remove myself from the moment. With so many people to see, the sun engulfing me, and a new culture to explore, I felt laden with hedonism - every sense was fulfilled.
I cannot wait for what is to come.

Internet is spotty until tomorrow evening. Then this week I'll post a little about Oxford and a lot about Paris!