I have just begun my third week in Madrid. I am having so much fun and learning so much about Spanish history and culture. I have also made many new friends. Some of the things I have had to adjust to are having meals later (lunch at 2 and dinner at 8!) and walking everywhere and using the metro. I have always traveled by car so I had to learn how to work the underground metro subway. While the subway is sometimes crowded, I find it very fast and convenient. Another thing that I have had to adjust to is always speaking Spanish. This trip has made me feel like I have a long way to go if I want to be fluent. Additionally, people often speak to my friends and I in English because we are so obviously American. We are still trying to practice as much as possible though.
I have really enjoyed my classes thus far. My literature teacher is super energetic and funny and she has taught me so much about Spanish history. She is very considerate and teaches us the history of the locations we are planning to visit on the weekend. Last weekend we visited Segovia, home of the powerful Renaissance Queen Isabel. We visited the castle where she lived. I really enjoyed seeing history in real life as that does not often happen in America. I have also traveled to many exciting places in Madrid such as the Royal Palace, the Real Madrid soccer stadium, the Prado Museum, and the famous Retiro Park. I am so excited to continue this trip learning and making memories with my friends.
Queen Isabel’s Castle in Segovia