Cinco de Mayo

The countdown continues, as I wrap up my study abroad semester with the conclusion of a lovely five-day weekend and eleven loops left on my paper chain. That's right, just ten more days, and I am out of here, back to the land of deep-fried Oreos, and all the people I love most in the world.

Today, Jade and I made a fast trip to El Rastro market so she could buy her sister a necklace, and I could desperately search for something remotely Spanish to get my friend. I came to Europe with a strong determination not to return with an abundance of tchotchkes. I would spend my money on travel and food and drink, and for the most part I have held to that. But I had a request for castanets from one friend, and another is bringing me a gift from her semester abroad, so I must reciprocate.

This has been a really good weekend for me in Spain. We had Wednesday and Thursday off for two public holidays (labor day and then a Madrid regional holiday) and since I never have classes Friday, I have had the past five days for me. I have not done anything especially touristy or out of the ordinary, but I feel I enjoyed aspects of Madrid which make me love this city.

I went to the gym, did another confusing Pilates class in Spanish, walked for hours, had coffee in some really cool cafés, and drank some really delicious gin and tonics as well. The gin and tonics were from a place called La Bicicleta and they have at least 8 different gin and tonic variations including cucumber, basil/lime, frutas rojas, grapes. It is an awesome little place. Plus last night we went out and ran into a Spanish friend at a bar that plays American hard rock/metal music and serves HUGE kalimotxos** ironically called "minis." It may be the last real night-out I have in Spain, but it was well spent, and drama free, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Also in the last five days I have gotten into a brief conversation with two Sweedish women, and had a lovely encounter with a Portuguese/Italian couple (he was from Lisbon, she was from Naples). I have enjoyed the sun and the people and the city, and I really think that these have been five days well spent. Plus I started reading Don Quixote. The Spanish was far beyond me, but I have been enjoying the English translation that I am reading. I will have to find it when I return to the US, since I am borrowing the library's copy.

So all is well, but nothing is out of the ordinary at this point, which may be a good thing. I am comfortable and happy here, the weather has taken a turn for the better, and I will miss Madrid, though I am STOKED to be going home.

Now to pack. Wish me luck.


**kalimotxo (pronounced cali-moh-choh) is a Spanish drink made by mixing red wine and Coke. It is delicious.