December 17, 2011
It is my second day here in Madrid. Saturday, December 17, 2011. It is currently 3:53pm, which means nap time. I really have no concept of time here yet. At home, it is 6:53 in the morning. Everyone is just now starting their day and mine is more than halfway through. Well, my flight was good. I got through it without getting lost, but sitting for ten hours straight is really tough. I sat in between two girls around my age, one of which I talked to for a lot of the time. She was going home to France. I did not get her name though, and I wish I had. Because ten hours really is a long time, I watched Crazy, Stupid Love, A Better Life, two episodes of Raising Hope, 30 Rock, and Larry Crowne. I probably only slept for about an hour and a half because I could not find a way to get comfortable. The plane was pretty packed. The food was okay though. As for how I was feeling, I was definitely overwhelmed the moment I no longer had my Mom with me at the airport in Los Angeles. I all of a sudden had the urge to cry and it was impossible for me to control it. The same happened during the flight, but this time it came after I got to thinking and it was the result of coming to terms with the fact that I need to change a lot of things and my decision to leave behind something I believe in for good. It is so hard for me to negate my feelings, and even though I hate to cry in public, I could not help it. At least it was dark, and if anyone had asked me about it, I would have attributed it to the sad, but happy ending of Crazy, Stupid Love. I have never been more happy to walk than when I arrived in London, England at Heathrow airport. It was huge and it was really cool to be able to see all different kinds of people from all over the world, with all diffferent types of accents, and different color passports. (continued at 11:21pm) I ended up talking to this lady who was also going to Madrid and we ended up helping each other out up until we arrived in Madrid and got our bags. Even though I did not leave the airport in London, it hit me that I was far from home, in a completely foreign place, on my own. It was the most amazing, terrifying experience. My flight to Madrid was delayed, but I was too tired to care at this point. Once on the flight, I was finally able to sleep. It was only about two hours long. Because of the bad weather and strong winds in Madrid, however, the turbulence was horrible and landing was a nightmare. We arrived in Madrid and once I arrived at the exit I was greeted by a face I had only seen in pictures, but after having been alone for so long, it was comforting. His name is Leonel and he is one of the coolest, most interesting people in my life thus far, and he is a priest. We left the airport and proceeded to go to the place I would be calling home. It is on the corner of a nice street, on the bottom floor of a three story building. The lady I live with, whose name is Manoli, is one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the privilege to meet. Without even knowing me, she opened her home to me and has been nothing but nice to me. I wish I was more expressive in Spanish, but all I can say is thank you for everything she does for me. She will not let me help, but when I get the chance to sneak some help in, I do. She has a dog, whose name is Navidad, Christmas in English. She is a really good dog and I think she has taken a liking to me. I am convinced she understands English, so it is our secret language since I cannot speak it with anyone else here. Leonel gave me a phone I can use to call home with, and after talking for some time, I took a shower. While in the bathroom, I noticed two toilets, one of which does not really look like a toilet and I have no idea what it is for, and am too embarrassed to ask about. I talked to my mom on the phone before going to bed. I slept well, and the next morning I woke up around 11:30 and went out to see what was around the house. The streets are small and traffic is heavy, but it is a nice place. There are little shops and bars everywhere around here. There is a mall down the street called Dolce Vita and I went in there as well. After, i went home and watched television, and Manoli made pasta which was delicious. I had my first beer and have come to the conclusion that American beer does not compare. I took a nap and then went to church at 6:30. We walked, since it is only two blocks up the street, and I had the chance to meet some of Manolis friends. Even though they are all older ladies and I cannot really relate, I enjoy their company. They are fun to be around. Have I mentioned that it is hard for me to understand anyone here? Everyone talks so fast and uses common phrases that I do not understand. Anyway, the church is simple and small, but I like it. I was wary of going, since it has been a very long time since I had been to one, but I enjoyed it. I am going tomorrow as well. Can you believe it? After church, we went home and Manolis friends came over. They taught me how to play cards, which I suck at, compared to their hardcore skills, but it was fun and I am hoping to get better. They play every Sunday and sometimes on Saturday. I made myself food after everyone left and watched some television. It is now 12:16am, already Sunday here. It has been a good two days. I am hoping to get over this jet lag soon and I also hope I meet some people my age soon as well so that I can experience Spain in that manner and not by myself. I have to wake up early for church tomorrow so I will end here. I am not sure what is in store for me, but I cannot wait to see. I miss my family and my dog and I miss my friends, I know they would love it here. I hope all is well, Goodnight.
