I'm in Madrid, Spain!
I still can't believe it. After almost an entire day of traveling, Jasmine (another study abroad student) and I have arrived in Madrid, Spain! It's a really beautiful city with really beautiful people. I'm loving being surrounded by all things Spanish - it's actually a little difficult to write this post in English after spending the day in Madrid. First impression of Madrid = kind of like a classic, warmer, more colorful version of downtown Atlanta. But everyone speaks Spanish and you can just feel the cultural difference while walking through the streets. Enough talking, pictures are always more fun <3!
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| Packing for Spain was a challenge within itself! |
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| At the ATL airport before our flight |
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| At the Charlotte, NC Airport for our layover, fun times! |
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| This was our "dinner" that was served at 6pm (ATL time). The salad was great...that meat/potatoes?/carrots combo...not so great. But it would be my last meal for 8 hours, so I ate it! |
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| On the plane to Madrid! We met another student, Celia, who studied in America for a year and a half and was returning home to Spain. She was super sweet and a great first impression of her country! |
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| At 11:54pm (ATL) time, we were preparing for landing in Madrid, and they served us breakfast! My body was super confused. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to bed or try and wake up - sleeping on the plane was not the easiest. |
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| It took us a while to get to our residence, so when we finally did, I was praising God! |
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| Our rooms, very quaint decorations! |
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| The outside of our residence, love the blue and white! |
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| Jasmine posing in el centro de Madrid! |
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| First meal in Madrid, yum - I'm never too tired to eat! |
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| Panini tostado (goat cheese, peppers, onions) |
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| Little known fact: I collect Starbucks mugs from different cities. It's a useful and fun item to collect and a great way to remember all of the places you've been! I also have an Atlanta mug :) |
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| Ordering from Starbucks is even more difficult in Spanish! I just knew I wanted something with helado (ice)! |
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| We found a store! The moment I felt at home :) |
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| Lace seems to be popular world-wide, me gusta! |
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| Young people ride bikes and walk here, it's fun! |
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| Um, delicious. There were about 50 more that I couldn't fit into the picture. |
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| At another store, kind of like a boutique version of Nordstrom...way too expensive. |
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| Happy with some Starbucks and new items! Look at that huge flag in the background! |
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| The set up of the stores is very cool. |
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| Madrid is full of small cars speeding around everywhere! My SUV wouldn't survive. |
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| Everyone in Madrid smokes. Boys, girls, teens, men, women, the elderly. Yet, they appear physically healthy - maybe the everyday walking & small portions? This was one of the many posters advertising hypnosis to help people quit smoking. It's definitely part of their culture. |
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| Walking to dinner at 9pm |
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| Jasmine's little cousin, Taylor, who lives in Madrid. So adorable! |
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| Oh, just having an early dinner at 9:30pm! Lots of trendy young adults were hanging out here too. Pregaming, I suppose! |
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| Bite sized local sandwiches and chips for dinner! |
