Reina Sofia Museum

8:24am

Buenos Dias!

The World Cup is underway in Spain and the whole country puts aside their Real Madrid vs. Barcelona animosity to support one team. As I walked the streets of Madrid yesterday during the game, every TV available from the McDonalds to the train station was surrounded with at least five (5) rows of people, eyes glued, anticipating every move. Sadly, Spain did not win. The loss is similar to the feeling Alabama had when we lost to Louisiana Monroe. Our padre joked that we were not having dinner last night due to the upset.

After the game ended, our group went to the Reina Sofia Museum. This museum, located across the street from the popular Atocha train station in Madrid, is home to paintings from Picasso, Dalí, and some modern paintings and sculptures. The museum allowed us to use our cameras “sin flash” (without flash). I was able to get a picture with the Guernica, one of Picasso’s most famous paintings. I have all my photos from the Museum posted on my Facebook and will try to place one on here.

On another note, I ran the streets and parks of my new city yesterday. I made time to exercise about 40 minutes; however, I am out of shape and am sore today like I was after the half-marathon. Now that I have found a route I am comfortable with running and where I feel safe, I plan to reinstate cardio exercise in my life. Everyone here walks there dogs. Many people go to these parks; however, I only saw 2 other runners. Many people do not keep their dog on a leash. The dogs surprisingly do not leave their owners side, even the large rottweilers next to our house...

The other night Melanie and I met up with friends at a local bar after one of the fútbol games. Many of our closest friends left soon thereafter to grab a very late dinner; however, we met up with two guys in our group who were there with some of their Spanish friends. Melanie and I talked with these new “friends” for an hour and a half. What great conversation partners! I could not understand everything they said due to the large amount of slang used by the younger generation, very similar to the US. Nonetheless, we enjoyed meeting some locals and enjoyed a different side of nightlife here.

My family is wonderful as always! The girls (our hermanas – sisters) are going to let Mel and I listen to some of their Spanish music. We want to learn some popular songs here other than Shakira and Juanes. Yesterday, our padre gave us two roses from the bush in the front yard before we headed off to school. Also, we are able to communicate much better with our family and can understand them much better with every passing day.

Hasta luego!
Kristina