Dos Semanas en Espana!

Anne Marie, Jennifer, Rachel and I in the courtyard of El Escorial!

Today I have officially been in Spain for two weeks! I already feel like I have learned the ropes and am becoming more of a local!

On friday, we decided to venture into Sol to go shopping. This was our first time in Sol during the day(however,most of the bars/clubs are there so we have been at night). During January there are rebajas which means sales so everything is extremely discounted, which is great! On Saturday, we started our day by going to our new favorite pizza and pasta place, where we are in the process of becoming regulars. After our lunch we decided to go on an aerial tour of Madrid. The tour took place in gondolas that ride over the city on a cable, it was absolutely beautiful!

Today I went on a day trip to El Escorial! It was about 45 minutes from Madrid. El Escorial isa beautiful palace that has been used by many of the kings of Spain. It overlooks a beautiful mountain range. It was a great trip and its always really fun to see other parts of Spain. After our tour we were at a local bakery when a huge parade of people came by us. We had no idea what was happening but there were a ton of people, dancers, instruments, etc. Were pretty sure it was a celebration of St. Christopher(at least that is what we were told). It was really cool to see!

The first two weeks here have gone great. My room mate Anne Marie and I are both battling colds but are getting better. At dinner tonight Anne Marie informed our house mom "Mi nariz esta ocupado", literally that means my nose is busy, but Mari Carmen(our house mom) still understood she meant congested and just replied "mas o menos"(more or less). She is EXTREMELY patient with our spanish skills. Even though I still struggle occasionally my spanish abilities are getting much better! We are still in the process of planning trips, and are getting SO excited for Paris next week!

Street Parade in El Escorial!

View from the Palace!