Ah, airports. We met again to revisit our love-hate relationship. Security checkpoints, customs, baggage claim, angry travelers...but your presence usually means I'm off to somewhere fun. I suppose your chaotic environment is an acceptable imposition for the reward of two months of adventure.
In typical Kelsey fashion, I chatted up my neighbors and flight attendants on both flights; being personable and kind to strangers has it's rewards, such as unexpected networking with other Washingtonians, extra airplane snacks, and (multiple) free Spanish beers from a very kind stewardess. Did you know that wine and beer now cost $6.00 a pop on international flights?! Major bummer. But yay for good manners paying off--thanks, mom and dad!
Watching the sun set over the west from 35,000 ft in the air was pretty spectacular. The symbolism wasn't overlooked either: ending one day and starting anew in another place...albeit jet-lagged.
Navigating from Madrid's airport to the center of the city on the metro was a breeze (thanks to my friend Lindsay's fool-proof directons). On one of the trains two men standing next to me called all of the passengers to attention, serenaded us for several minutes, then vanished at the next stop. I seemed to be the only one who was amused though.
Fun fact for all my public health friends: condoms are sold at the metro stations in dispensers with messages about safe sex. What an interesting place for sexual health outreach! I've also seen several smoking cessation social marketing ads on busses, but I'm afraid those are widely overlooked; everyone in this city seems to have a cigarette in their hand at all times.
Meeting many of Lindsay's coworkers from the American School of Madrid has been really fun; they're a great group of teachers who know how to have a good time ;) There was lots of yelling and excitement as we all watched the US/Slovenia game on Friday (which the US won 3-2, in my opinion!)
I've spent quite a bit of time wandering around town, and I'm pleasantly surprised to say that I feel like I have my bearings in Madrid. Every time I turn the corner, I stumble upon another immaculately maintained public garden or a beautifully ornate building. The sights and sounds are like candy for the senses.
The most interesting thing to me though is the pace and style of living. This city doesn't sleep! Siestas from 2-4:00ish, dinner at 11:00 or midnight, and the nightlife continues well past sunrise. The streets are so much different than the States; cars compete for space on narrow one way roads and many of the calles are strictly for pedestrians. Cars aren't needed to get by here, as the intensely urban enviroment provides all you'd need within a quick walk from your apartment. Specialized food stores, green space, shopping, entertainment, public transit...I think these Europeans are on to something.
I think that wraps up my general overview for starters; I'll post again soon to recount some more specific amusing happenings. As for now, I'm succumbing to another wave of jet lag.
Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!
Abrazos,
Kels
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