My time in Madrid is coming to a close.

Tomorrow will he my last full day in Madrid. These two weeks went by so quickly. Without knowing it my shoulders have started to relax. I don't walk in a hurried manner. I eat and drink my fill. Best of all is how much I've laughed in the last 14 days. I don't know the last time I spent so much time with my cheeks hurting. Yes, there have been tears from both Caroline and I. They are healthy tears. Our chats have done wonders and I feel more at peace with this world. The tense mess that my stomach has been in for the last few weeks has decided that I'm ready to backpack through France solo despite me not knowing french. All is well because I'm a smart girl with a good head on my shoulders and I know that my father is looking out for me.

Next chapter of this blog will be alone time. I'm meeting Alfonso who I went to Galloway with. We will grab coffee or a drink in Barcelona and then the next day it's off to France. I got my eurorail pass today and reserved my high speed train to Barcelona. I'll be sure to take pictures on the way. My camera already has 600 photos on it. Emily was right when she said I would need more memory!

For now, good night. I look forward to what tomorrow brings.

Sunday Sunday sunday

August 22nd 2010

Mama miles' birthday is tomorrow and I hope it is a wonderful one. If you can give her a call and tell her happy birthday- I think she is avoiding celebrating this year.

So far Madrid has impressed me. There are always people out on the streets. If you want to get anything done you have to do it before 2 because from 2-5 it is siesta time and people close shop and take a nap or a break from work. The tourist attractions all have some free time atleast once a week so Caroline and I have been working our schedule around these times so I haven't had to pay to go to museums or anything else. And the Metro is awesome- I would never have to own a vehicle. Or would I want to because the city traffic confuses me. With the metro I am able to get anywhere that I need in a matter of minutes. Such a nice change from having to drive everywhere.
Foods i have consumed: kebab and egg dishes so far. Caroline has been feeding me and then I insist upon doing the dishes.
What else? I've only been here a few days but I can already tell why this place is home to so many. It makes me question whether Tucson is the place for me. I haven't decided yet if I want to live in a city but if so I would need to be one where I can get around easy on foot. Cause I am so over "miss pris" and paying for car insurance.... But that is a whole nother story.

For tonight I will do laundry and rest my feet after a long day of walking to the Sunday marketplace, the park and all over the city.

Ciao!

Day two

Second day in Madrid. Caoline and I went to a park down the street from her after purchasing smoked salmon, cream cheese, bread and cucumber for sandwhiches. We read for a bit and then tried to make an annoying bee fly away. After attempting to stretch and making jokes for a little while, Caroline's friend joined us at the park. We walked together to the Museo National Del Prado and spent an hour or so looking at all the art there. I got to see some really amazing paintings and sculptures- but most importantly I got to feel the history here.

After the museum, we headed back to her flat and drank some wine juice... Can't remember the name. And then her boyfriend Sergio came over and we made sangria, drank it and played monopoly for the evening. The language barrier is hard but I'm trying my best.

Great second day. I can see why one would choose to live here.

First day in Madrid

First night in Madrid and I couldn't be more content. I arrive at 9 in the morning. Caroline greats me inside the airport and we take the metro to her flat near the city center. After an egg sandwhich and shower we take a pleasant walk around the city, split salad and pizza and grab a cup of coffee. But still I was in need of a siesta. So we take the metro back and within 30 seconds of hitting that pillow I was gone. Never has waking up to realize where you are felt so good. I am in Madrid, Spain! I had this similar effect when waking up in Auckland. But for some reason it is different here. I haven't felt this at peace before. Then we went out again for a little stroll since it is so nice out at night. We went to Areil. This bar had a great atmosphere. It looked like it could've been a hookah shop. Instead we heard the dj playing shaggy and other funky laid back jams while we sat on the bed in the corner drinking our "Cana" (little beer). And yes I said bed. Strange pero perfecto.

Madrid is awesome. Yes it sometimes smells of piss, and all of the walls are covered in grafitti (which I love), and I get turned around, but it's character is undeniable.

Today was an amazing day. I can't wait for tomorrow.

Pics/video to come. Adios.

ESPANA! ESPANA! ESPANA!!!!!!!!!!!

The Journey to Spain has already begun. I sublet my apartment to Gabby. She is a godsend because otherwise I don't know how i could afford this trip. I caught a ride up to Phoenix with Andrew who is great company on the road. Spent the afternoon with Kate and friends playing pool at the local bar and now i'm waiting to be taken to the airport.

First stop - ATL (seeing Mama Miles who has no idea i'm coming! I can thank Garth for keeping a secret!)

Then flight from ATL to MAD. I'll be arriving in Madrid on Wednesday morning and i've got massive butterflies.

THERE WILL BE ONE OF THOSE MOVIE SCENES WHERE FRIENDS MEET IN THE AIRPORT AND RUN AND HUG AND MAKE A BIG SCENE. OH YEAH, I AM SO READY. HOPE CAROLINE IS READY FOR ME!!!

(Photo thanks to Google.)

Photos from Faerie Shoot

All photos are courtesy of Emily Jones. Her work looks great.

The photoshoot took place on Mt. Lemmon in Southern Arizona in August. Up on Mt. Lemmon the temperatures are much more pleasant than down here in the desert. It made for a very enjoyable day frolicking through the forest, streams and ferns.

Update: recent and upcoming endeavors

Tucson summers have this incredible ability to consume your every moment. I am officially a college graduate now and i'm ready to jump into the things that I could never do while taking classes.

My summer happenings include- Finishing my last U of Arizona courses. Roadtripping from Tucson, AZ to the Wakarusa music festival in Ozark, Arkansas. Being a delegate at the League of Women Voters National Convention in Atlanta. Becoming single. Accepting it. Then doing a faerie photo shoot up at Mt. Lemmon, AZ. And now, I am going to Europe for six weeks. Three of those weeks i'll be on my own. I'm very excited to do something solo that puts me out of my comfort zone. The butterflies are mounting considering I leave in 2 days.

Soon pictures will surface from the photoshoot and some other fun summer adventures- such as Wakarusa.

Current goals: Have no fear. Don't hold back. Live.

Cheers,

Smiles