One week done and weekend fun...

Hola!
I've been having some technical difficulties so, I have lots to fill you in on.

The weather has been quite interesting. Its been raining off and on then hot, then sunny, then overcast, and last night we had a thunder and lightening storm. Therefore, you never really know what you are in for when you wake up.

Here’s a recap of the last few days:

The weekend was off to a wobbly start but had a pretty solid finish.


Calle de Sacramento

Thursday night I had dinner at a charming little restaurant kiddy corner from the hostel. I ordered a fried prawn tapa dish that came with a yummy fig relish that was incredible. I tried my first ‘tinto de verano’ a popular summertime drink similar to a sangria but much lighter. It's a mix of red wine, low-sugar lemonade, ice and a lemon wedge to top it off. They're both refreshing and delicious...the cute waiter who brought me another one on the house wasn’t so bad either. I gladly accepted...I would hate to be rude ;) That night I had plans to meet up with a classmate but it started pouring down rain and I still had not found an umbrella so that was a bust.


Another take on the women's restroom sign :)

 Friday was a little overcast but nice...it seems to remain warm throughout the strange weather patterns (clarification: warm by SF standards). I found a few new wfii cafes in the neighborhood, so I posted up at one of the outdoor corner cafes with the most sun. I worked on my tan, enjoyed a cafe con leche, a grilled chicken and pepper bocadillo all while finishing some homework. For dinner, I stumbled across a trendy little spot with (again) outdoor seating, where I relaxed and people watched over a thirst-quenching mojito.



After dinner, I mustered up the courage to go out on my own but wasn’t very successful. After I accidently stepped in a freshly painted crosswalk and almost slipped in the white paint, I figured that was a good sign to simply hang up my party hat and call it an early night…there is always tomorrow.



I hurried home to scrub the thick white paint out of my black leather flats, that resembled one half of an Oreo cookie, and was able to get most of it off
(yes, classic Robin move).



*Joseph, if you’re reading this I hope you’re rolling on the ground laughing right now.*

Saturday I spent the day roaming around the gay and lesbian district of Chueca. I found a sweet deal on a simple beige bag that I so desperately needed as the 2 purses I packed for Allison and I went mysteriously missing after checking my luggage with American. If I was about to hit up the town that night, I would not be caught dead carrying around my backpack or else next stop: Nerdville. I found the ultimate sale at a little boutique called Blanco where I spent a whopping 5,99 € or $8.60 USD!!!



<insert curtsy>

Saturday night was amazing. I captured some lovely shots of this stunning city.



The sun was just beginning to set so the sky was a luminous glow of various turquoises and blues with clouds scattered throughout. Phenomenal.







 I continued on to La Latina, a neighborhood I have visited in the day but not yet at night. My travel books say it´s an "older" crowd (late 20’s and 30’s).

The soccer game was in full effect so a lot of people were out that night.


Goal!
Barcelona won!
(Although Barcelona and Madrid are rivals).

Along my walk, I came across the Mercado de San Miguel.



It's a huge indoor marketplace serving an array of gourmet food, wine, pasteries and meats. It's amazing!




Jessica, you would have loved the wine collection!

I walked around and met two guys smoking outside of a restaurant.

(EVERYONE smokes here).

They were not only friends but also both named Ivan. I ended up hanging out with them all night. Another one of their friends walked up and surprising enough, his name was Ivan too.

I totally thought they were messing with me so I checked their IDs and...confirmed: they´re all three named Ivan.


Ivan, Ivan and Ivan

So there I was with Ivan, Ivan, Ivan and Ivan #3's super sweet and very beautiful girlfriend, Silvia. I was able to practice my Spanish as Ivan and his girlfriend did not speak English but the other 2 Ivans’ English was quite good.




Me, Silvia, Ivan and Ivan

Sunday was exceptionally special as I went for a long run through the city. There's nothing like experiencing a new environment on foot and covering so much more ground than walking. There’s just something so liberating and freeing about running through the crowded streets and bypassing pedestrian traffic jams (runners, you understand).

The only problem? I never packed running shoes (I didn't have room).

Therefore, I ran in my Coach sneakers…which I do not recommend.

I made do with what I had readily available: my passport pouch worked as a great phone and key holder. I was able to capture some amazing photos with my iPhone.


Puerta de Alcalá

Parque del Retiro (the Central Park of Madrid)






Statue of Cervantes




Plaza Canovas del Castillo

My run turned out to be an extremely long one as I continually managed to get myself lost on my way back. I didn't think I would need a map...


Statue of Velazquez in front of Museo del Prado


Palacio de Comunicaciones (its gorgeous!)


A beautiful outdoor restaurant with live pianist

I ran by this outdoor urban gallary going on right now:










The art institute







Well, it’s Tuesday night and I’m still sore!

This weekend Allison arrives! We’re meeting up in Barcelona (Bar-tha-lona).
I'm so excited!!!


The story behind Chanchito :)
Thanks for my little travel buddy, Lp!