Palacio Real

Welcome to the Royal Palace...the future home of Bekah and I when we rule the world ;)

The view of Madrid from the Palace courtyard.

Wow. Truth be told, I actually was surprised that the outside of the palace wasn't more ornately decorated, considering the detail on many other historical buildings. In fact, the cathedral across the plaza was more architecturally stunning! I mean, God is more important, but I'm surprised the rulers of Spain were willing to take a backseat...

One thing I love about big cities -- all the street performers! This guy was rockin his violin!

Ahh yes, my future home... cozy, right?

Prado "pictures"

Well, I might not be able to take photos inside the Prado, and you might not be able to visit it, but I can at least share with you a bit so you understand why we were so impressed.

Las Meninas by Velazquez

Las Majas by Goya

Boys on the Beach and a Portrait by Sorolla

Botanical Gardens

Reina Sofia Photos

We couldn't take many pictures inside, but this bull statue in the courtyard was just intriguing to us...
Glass encased elevator. On the other side, it reads, "Reina Sofia."
I didn't know what to make of all this impressionist and modern art...
But I sure loved the polka dots!!!

In case you don't know, this is an image of La Guernica. We weren't allowed to take photos, so I did a google search for this and the one below.

This is my favorite Dali painting!

Catch-up (Not Catsup)

Oh man, am I behind! Sorry everyone. We've been so busy doing things (and with not having my own computer here), there just hasn't been time to blog. So I'll do my best to cover the past week.

Monday, June 27

Monica, Bekah, and I went to the Reina Sofia Museum. (Grandma and Pat can be happy now). Never in my life did I think I'd get to stand in front of a real Picasso painting. There aren't even words for how amazing it was to see La Guernica in person! I've studied it in at least 2 classes and heard so much about it. To see all of the prep work -- how much time Picasso spent sketching and painting each little section to make sure he had it all right -- that was just unbelievable. To me, it felt like this painting was as important to him as it is to the rest of the world. Many people consider it one of his most important works; seeing all of his preparation for it made me think he felt that way, too.

I think my favorite thing in Reina Sofia was being able to see Salvador Dali's paintings in person!! My brother Pat always talked about seeing Dali's paintings when he was in Spain, so it was neat for me to do the same. We spent so much time in the museum, but we only covered half of it (2 of 4 floors)!

Then, we met up with a friend of mine. Remember the one I ran into in the street: Kate Loy, the Vira Heinz Scholarship winner? Well, Bekah, Kate, and I walked around for a while and finally stopped to grab some tapas. It was great to catch up with her. She spent a week in Portugal visiting one of the girls who had lived in her dorm at Washington and Jefferson (Kate is an RA, so she's close with a lot of the girls in her dorm); then she was in Spain for a month doing an internship with a theater company; now, she's gone to Ireland for another theater opportunity -- this time to take classes and act (I think). I hear stories like this and think, "Wow, these people live such fabulous, interesting lives! I need to do better...I feel like a slacker!"

Tuesday, June 28

Bekah, Trish, and I went to the Botanical Gardens. I truly love natural areas tucked away in cities. They feel like such a refreshing retreat from the concrete fast-pace of city life. It was a relaxing way for the 3 of us to spend time together and enjoy one of the less touristy attractions in the city.

Afterward, Bekah and I went to the Prado Museum (it's free during the week from 6-8PM!!). We weren't so sure how it would work out, but we had to give it a try. I mean, one of the world's most famous museums for free? Heck yes! We stood in what seemed like an endless line for about 20-25 minutes, but once 6:00 rolled around, we got right in. Two hours was not enough to see probably even part of one floor, but we walked around at our own pace and truly enjoyed it. We got to see paintings by Goya, Valazquez, and Sorolla. Fantastic! I hope we get to go back, though. There's so much more to see!

Wednesday, June 29

While Bekah was at class, I went shopping with Trish. I bought a cute outfit at Corte de Ingles, Spain's biggest/most important department store. I've never seen a single store with so many floors!!

Then, Bekah and I went to Palacio Real ("Royal Palace"-- it's free on Wednesdays if you're European; but, at least we got in for 1/2 price because we're students). We tried to imagine ourselves living among such elegance and finery; we'd have to put our own twist on it, of course. I think that it would just be distracting for me, though. There is so much detail in every room. I'd try to write a paper and end up sketching the flowers on the walls... Send me to bed and I'd count the crystals on the chandelier... Tell me to pick out clothes and I'd make up stories about the people in the ceiling murals... (I think you get the idea) Good thing the royals didn't have to be very productive... ;)

Then, we visited the Moorish Gardens behind the Palace. Once again, I really enjoyed the flora! This was an interesting place, though. It served as the campgrounds for the Moors during one of the many wars between them and the Christian Spaniards. Later, it was landscaped into these beautiful gardens that sit right behind the palace.

Afterward, we met up with another friend of mine. What a small world!! I come to Spain to visit a friend and run into 2 others. I met Amy Saccente last summer while studying abroad in Costa Rica. She graduated in May and decided to take some time off from school before she starts her masters. So, she's a nanny for a Spanish family for the summer. Then, she's going to Switzerland for a year, and maybe New Zealand after that. You know, nothing big. Pssh. Cool life!! What a great way to see the country, learn about other cultures, and practice your language skills. Too bad I'm not the kind of person who enjoys working with kids...

Thursday, June 30

By this point, I didn't want to waste any more mornings while Bekah was at class (the time I had been using to upload photos, check emails, blog, etc.) by just sitting at home. So, Trish and I went to the Madrid City Museum. Unfortunately, the main museum was closed for renovations. We got to see one room filled with silver-work, which was fun for me to analyze how the museum was set up (put that internship of mine to work).

After Bekah finished class, we went to Teatro Real. We planned on taking a tour, but we got there too late. We were able to buy tickets, though! We're going to see an opera in Spain this coming Wednesday. What a farewell for me!

Then, we walked what seemed like forever before we finally found La Glorieta de San Antonio. From the outside, it's a quaint little church that contains murals painted by Goya. But it is also the final resting place of Goya, so it has another name, too: Panteon de Goya (or Goya's Tomb). It is absolutely gorgeous!! I think the neatest thing was that they have mirrors placed around the chapel so you can see the murals more closely. It feels like they're so close you can reach out and touch them. Such a neat way to observe details you'd never see by simply straining your neck to look up.

Then, we climbed a million and one stairs (uphill both ways) to see Templo de Debod, Egyptian ruins. It's a temple to Isis and Amun that was rebuilt in Spain because the construction of the Aswan Dam threatened it in its original location in Egypt. Knowing how old it was and that it is one of few Egyptian ruins outside of Egypt made it even cooler. I mean, who doesn't appreciate ancient Egypt? The Bangles and Steve Martin even sang songs about it!!

Well, that's enough for one day. I'll write more soon! :)

Goodbyes

Three of the five girls staying in our house are now gone. Even though the house isn't empty, it feels like major components are missing.

In Spain, like Latin America, emotions are often best expressed through ones stomach. What I mean is that food is often a good indicator of what people feel toward each other. Over here, people don't count calories or points or worry about eating another piece. If they want it, they take it. Because they have learned to eat for pleasure, to truly enjoy life. Unlike the diet trends at home that basically stress eating solely for sustenance, these people have learned to enjoy food and use it as a form of personal and emotional expression. That being said, our bellies and hearts are full after this week (even if the house may seem a tad empty).

Tuesday, Carlos made a special black pasta dinner as a farewell to Monica and Jenny, who left Wednesday. We all stayed up far too late, chatting, and pretending the inevitable wouldn't happen. It was a wonderful night with people who care about each other, just socializing.

Then, it was Trish's turn. Since she's Italian-American, she cooked stuffed shells and bruchetta as a giant thank you to the family that has become her own after living here for 6 months! It was very emotional and super sweet. Sadly, Trish left Friday (today) morning. I know Carlos, Marina, and Anastasia will greatly miss her. Even though Bekah and I only knew her for a week, we're going to miss her as well.

Cathedral of Salamanca

Salamanca - June 25

The old/new Cathedral. The 1st thing we got to go in!!

Salamanca, here we come!

Leaving Madrid, I noticed that the city is actually in a valley surrounded by big mountains. Not only was the view pretty, but it made me feel more at home :)
Welcome to Salamanca. I really love all of the parks and gardens that serve as retreats from the stone and big buildings of the city. They also usually have fountains and monuments that serve to cool you off while reminding you of the history/culture of the area. This is certainly a trend I wish we'd incorporate more into the US culture.
We saw one beautiful building after another.
Don't you just want to get lost in these streets?

Weekend excursion?

I have loved Sevilla since I visited in 2005 for a day or two. (You know, the Barber of Seville? Yep, same place). I distinctly remember calling my mom, telling her I was never coming home because I was going to move to Sevilla. Probably not a good idea to say that as a 16 year old out of the country for the first time... BUT it was always my goal to go back. Bekah actually really wanted to visit there because she'd heard such good things about it from several people.

So, when I arrived on Thursday, Bekah and I were bound and determined to take a weekend trip that would allow us to see more of the Spanish country. We tried for Sevilla, but that didn't work. Back up plan: Granada. That way, we could still visit southern Spain. Failed. We thought the weekend trip would never work. So, we spent Friday in Madrid with Trish, a girl who has been living with our host family for 6 months now!! We went to the pool (much appreciated on these 85-90 degree days), shopped a little, and explored. I think the best part was getting to know her a little more. She's the personal guide for the rest of us girls here in the house simply because she knows so much after her long stay and wants all of us to get the most out of our visit. She is so sweet & funny; I'll be sad to see her leave this coming Friday!

Since our plan of a full weekend failed, we finally just decided to do a day trip to Salamanca. No jokes, please. I have wanted to visit Salamanca since (2005) seeing a beautiful courtyard filled with alcoves that represented major cities/provinces. The one for Salamanca was so outstanding. Plus, yes, there is some interest simply because we have a Salamanca at home. To make things more interesting, Bekah actually had the option of studying in Salamanca or Madrid. So it seemed fitting that we should take a little trip to check things out.

It took us about 3 hours to get there (good nap time!). When we arrived, we were astounded by the beauty! Now, Madrid is no slouch when it comes to eye-catching architecture, but Salamanca just seemed much older and even more elegant. Every building looked so regal that it was tough to tell what was old and historically important from what was just a regular (beautiful) building. Thank goodness we bought a map!! We were able to see most of the buildings we wanted, but we didn't get to go in many of them. Apparently, we arrived in the middle of a 3 hour city-wide siesta (my hypothesis - I actually have no idea what was going on). Whatever the reason, many buildings were temporarily closed up. Nonetheless, we really enjoyed wandering around and taking everything in. Salamanca is much smaller than Madrid; it's a university town. The pace is slower, the atmosphere very serene. It was a nice get-away from the hustle and bustle (still very exciting) of Madrid. There was just something about it that couldn't be captured with a camera (though I sure tried!!).

In the end, we were grateful that our idea of a packed weekend in another city didn't come to fruition. I was still trying to get over jet-lag, and Bekah was pretty tired from burning the candle at both ends. In Madrid, you get up early, nap midday, and stay out/up really late. I swear, these people don't sleep! Our host parents (Marina and Carlos) don't get home from the theater school they own until sometime between 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM. So if we stay up to eat dinner with them, that means we don't usually get to bed until around 1:00 AM. I think I was made for the European lifestyle, as I do that naturally :)

Salamanca was extremely enjoyable, and it was nice to explore Madrid more on Sunday. We slept in, spent time with the family, and then went shopping/exploring with Trish. All in all, it was a great weekend!

But next weekend should be even better because we're going to....

....BARCELONA!!!!

Streets of Madrid

Enjoying our walk around town...

Do you recognize the Moorish influence in Madrid? All the water, the fountains, the celebration of what was naturally here. (I do realize this particular fountain isn't a great example of the Moorish influence, but it reminds me that that tradition does exist) I really wish we had some fun fountains in Bradford...
Who doesn't love posing with random monuments that serve as the center for a market??
The street where I live. Now that's a street sign!
We tried to go to a party that Bekah's school was throwing. We found the right place, but no one was there. So, we decided to just walk around since we so enjoyed the quaint little street.

1st Spain pics

Oops - forgot they show up in reverse order...

Me in Spain. I love the streets here. The architecture is just so gorgeous and the colors so nice and bright!
Oh Babs. She was so excited about these trendy pants she'd just bought at a market we stumbled into. And this, boys and girls, is why it rocks to just wander and explore when you're in a new city! :)
My 1st pic upon arriving to Madrid. Don't you just feel the city calling you?
I did something I've never done before -- I finally took a picture on an airplane! Mom & Lisa, this was for you. You told me to document EVERYTHING, so here it is! :) I hope you like it!

It's a Small World After All

I guess my grandpa is right. Sometimes I get annoyed when he sings this song because it gets stuck in my head forever. But it's so true.

Yesterday, I was walking with Bekah and saw a face I recognized. I grabbed Bekah's arm and explained how I knew the girl we passed on the street: she was a Vira Heinz scholarship winner and had studied abroad in London last summer. Had I remembered her name (Kate Loy), I would've said something. But it all happened so fast. I turned to Bekah and said, "Did that just happen?" Honestly, what are the odds?! To run into someone from PA on the streets in Madrid. I think it's an omen that the streets of Madrid hold good things for me to find. Thankfully, I live in the Facebook generation. As soon as I got home, I found and messaged her. Turns out, Kate is working with a theater company that tours Spain. We have plans to go to tapas on Monday. Wow.

But maybe I should start at the beginning of my trip. It starts with Delta calling me on my way to the airport to say my flights were canceled. Oh boy. Thank goodness they had automatically rescheduled me. Whew. I got to Madrid without any troubles. When I walked into the greeting area in the airport, I wondered how I would find Bekah in the crowd. I didn't have to worry for more than a second, though, before I was being tackled and hugged. "Hi best friend!" Finally, FINALLY, we were abroad together!

We came to the house, ate "breakfast,"and attempted to plan out our trips. When it became obvious that we were both too sleepy to make clear plans (that's what happens when I reluctantly sit down after a full day of traveling), we decided it'd be best to take a quick nap. Upon waking, I met Jenny, Monica, Patricia (Trish & her visiting parents) - two girls who are also living here. We all had a quick bite, and then Bekah and I headed out to explore the city. Que fabuloso!!

I'm so grateful that this trip is finally happening. (If you know Bekah and me, then you've probably heard us talking about our desire to study/travel in Spain together). I just can't wait to get out there and explore. So enough blogging. The city is calling! Because, it's a small world after all. ;)