honesty & the first days

Ok. Where to even begin (pretty sure that's how I started my last posted about leaving for Spain...)?! But, that's just how I feel! So much has happened: from taxis to food to sight-seeing to even just physically getting to Spain. Ok, wait. Let me back up. Today is Sunday, November 1, 2020. I arrived in Madrid Thursday morning, October 29, having left Michigan Wednesday morning. My passport, with the attached visa, arrived at my house late Monday evening, October 26. So, I went from thinking I wouldn't be in Spain on time to start teaching (my first day is Tuesday, Nov. 3!), to getting my visa, packing everything, and leaving in less than 2 full days. And while I've been preparing myself to leave for a few months, traveled abroad before, and know the language, I was still super anxious and completely overwhelmed to leave the comfort of my home and the people I love. I am strong, adventurous, and capable (and lately I've had to remind myself of these qualities), but I just want to acknowledge the fact that change is really hard for me, even if it is for the right reasons. Moving on.

I boarded a flight from Detroit to Dallas-Fort Worth and, added bonus, met up with my Uncle Brian for lunch! He is a pilot, and therefore has access to enter the airport, as well as benefits to hook me up with a sweet flight from Dallas to Madrid. I am super-duper thankful to have seen him before heading out, as well as all he did to get me a first class seat to Madrid. The pandemic is certainly a horrible thing, but there is always a silver lining: COVID has restricted travel for many people, and therefore my flight was less than half full! And therefore, I experienced a once in a lifetime flight with lots of space and treatment like a queen!

Fast forward to Thursday morning: airport customs and baggage claim were a breeze (again, COVID = no people)! After that is my first "challenge:" taking a taxi to my hostal. I'm not sure why this stressed me out so much...I think we always hear stories of people getting ripped off or that taxis aren't safe, but I made it safe and sound with no issues at all! Cool! One thing to let go of, and confidence going up! It definitely was a weird day though. Since my flight arrived so early, I had the whole day to explore and get stuff done, but again, all alone. So, I pushed myself to walk around the city and get some important stuff done...like getting a Spanish sim card and trying to get appointments and looking for a place to live! And later that night, the floodgates open and the emotions that I had been holding in all day rushed into tears. Some things have been really difficult administratively, and not knowing where I'm going to live is another challenge. I've been praying a ton and also writing pages and pages, just to clear my head. I'm happy to report that those feelings have only gotten better over the past few days with growing comfort walking about and finding my way! Other good news, I was able to get an important appointment I needed to start teaching (I was literally sobbing at one point because it wasn't looking good...), my COVID test came back negative, and I've seen a beautiful apartment with kind people as one option for permanent housing!

Now for more fun content! I have been walking literally everywhere...at the end of the day I am exhausted, and my calves are so sore! But, it all those kilometers are worth taking in every inch of the city and listening to the Spanish around me and people watching and soaking up the sun! Down below, you can see, in order, el Palacio Real, el Catedral de la Almudena, el Monumento Alfonso XII, and el Palacio de Cristal (which currently has a very cool flower/nature exhibit up).

Here is la Plaza Mayor de Madrid, the streets, and this unique flower/jewelry shop that I stumbled upon. Honestly, the design of the city and the architecture is so different to that of cities in the United States that everywhere I look I am in awe...Madrid is simply beautiful!

Next...the food. Ohmyword. It is so delicious. Spain is for sure a food destination. Again, I was a bit stressed to go into the restaurants and cafés. Maybe it has to do with the language or maybe being a foreigner and not wanting to stand out? Anyway, I bucked up a bit and have enjoyed the best breakfasts and tapas! We'll get to larger meals once I get settled in... :) I even stopped at the Chocoletería San Gínes, a famous "chocolate cafe," for churros con chocolate and founded in 1894. Under normal circumstances, it is open 24 hours a day! and I have to say, they. Were. Amazing. and I arrived just in time before the line got too long! Another worthy mention, were my tapas last night! Not exactly sure what it was called, but it was basically pieces of bread with sausage (?), pico de gallo, cilantro, spicy mayo, and sour cream...SO GOOD. Sounds simple, but there was just something about it. Otherwise, I've also had my share of pb&js in my hostal.

I have already learned and observed many things about life in Spain. I am enjoying the little things, and trying not to let my stress or constantly changing emotions get in the way. I know that with time, a more home-y place to live, and meeting new people, I will feel even better! Until then, I am taking it one day at a time, and enjoying the pleasant weather and city life! Thank you to all who have reached out and/or sent letters! Your kind words of support and advice have been so helpful and appreciated!

*side notes: The title of my blog "Mensajes de Madrid" translates to "Messages from Madrid." I am currently in Madrid (the city and autonomous community) but my teaching placement is in a small town north of Madrid city called Buitrago de Lozoya. So I may not be living in the city of Madrid, but I will be in the community of Madrid. Therefore, the title works. ;)