Hola España

Apparently I've come to have a distinct lack of planning in my life.

I don't know if this newfound listlessness is only in respect to Spain or if it's life in general, but I've realized I didn't really make plans for this trip.

Part of this is definitely because it was surreal. I've never left the country before, and while I know Europe exists, until today it was an abstract and out there thought, a place I planned to one day visit, and the home to a bunch of people with nutty accents.

But this monoply-esque money is real euros, the signs in Spanish don't magically translate themselves to English, and not having a plan can run you amuck.

Take for example, not having an real plan for getting from the airport to the hostel. I knew I had read that there was a train, but I knew nothing about the Madrid Metro, which lines I needed to be on, how to get there in the airport, how much it cost - nothing.

After I managed to get my baggage and get through customs (the real worries of my trip), I suddenly found myself at the exit door of the airport, looking out at Spain for the first time, with no idea how to get there, and somehow I was sure those sliding doors weren't a magical portal to my hostel. Luckily, I plucked up the courage to ask the information desk where the metro was, understood enough of her Spanish to know there would be signs, and set off to find my way. Though I didn't run into any issues, the lack of planning and focus made that part of my trip almost scary, and very abrupt.

I ran from line to line on the train carrying three bags, and when I finally got off at the right station, I had no idea where I was or where my hostel was from there. So I did the probably American thing to do -- I scammed free wifi at McDonald's. Sad to say that my first meal in Spain was, in fact, a happy meal. In Spain you get apples and fries!

But my second meal was much better, though also much more expensive! I did have some minor planning for this trip, since I booked a hostel with two girls from Mizzou also on the program. Without even meaning to, I ran into them in the lobby while checking in for my hostel, found out we were in the same room (not planned, but hoped for), and the three of us went exploring later this evening. We ate dinner on our way back, at the bar next to our hostel, we could even see the balcony to our room from the table.

And, exciting news... I bought my first drink!!

Sangria = yummmmmmmmmmmmm!

Right now we're just chilling out in the lobby, enjoying the free wifi and the nice couches. I'll leave my first Spanish purchase for another post.

Adios!