Handicraft Expo IFEMA, Madrid Spain
It’s “Raining Like Magic” in Madrid!
Wow… it’s raining in Madrid… this reminds me of Ferngully’s soundtrack
How soothing…
a herd of pirates!
Today, mis a migas and I took a relaxing stroll around Puerta del Sol. It was a lovely day… suddenly a group of about 20 men (of a certain ethnicity, not necessary to be mentioned here) ran through us - almost made me trip - as if they were avoiding something or someone – indeed! they were hiding from the police! My friend explained to me that these men sell pirated CDs and purses or belts of famous brands. It is illegal, of course we all know that, but they still sell them in the day time on the streets of Sol. When they feel the police coming, they run like crazy through the busy tourist crowd. No pics, sorry, I was afraid. Really, it was almost like a scene from War of the Worlds or Godzilla where everybody runs for their lives.
My friends said not to worry, they don’t have weapons. They just run when the police come, then they’ll probably start selling again in another street block.
Kalau di Indo mah, nggak usah lari, lha polisinya kan juga jualan 
Ya nggak sih?
my 1st español dialogue
mi primer diálogo español!
Ok, so after surveying the potential flats and visiting my friends’ place, they’ve finally let me go. I took the challenge to take the metro - then bus, back alone to my other friend’s flat where I left my luggages. My friend was so kind to let me have one of her spare vodafone ES SIM card [my U.S. number doesn't work here]. Turns out I couldn’t sms internationally with this number [to the U.S. or to Indonesia], but I still wasn’t able to locate T-Mobile anywhere yet either. Well, we’ll see if I need one later on.
So I needed to buy credit and dinner. Here are my 1st two dialogues:
Arrival in Madrid
The flight attendants have already started to speak Spanish!
Of course, I was first greeted with ’su pasaporte por favor!’ When I collected my two luggages at the baggage claim, I noticed the suitcase sign said recogida de equipaje! I searched for an exit from the airport but I could read nothing but salida!
So there I was picked up by my two friends as promised and someone from the office. We went directly to the flat that my friend suggested, but it turned out to be more expensive than I thought. Luckily, out of the blue, the apartment that my friend suggested even earlier, changed their mind and would let me stay there even though only for 3 months. At first they prefered one who would have a longer lease (1 year contract, more profitable than a 3 month one) to me, who was actually there first! The other girl was not even sure she will come this month. So… here I am staying with one of my friends for one night untill that landlord can make up his mind to give the cheaper flat to me or to the unconfirmed 1 year future inhabitant.
What shall I do?
Pleasant Flight & 1st Glimpse of Madrid
Thank God, I had a pleasant flight all the way from cowboy city OKC to spaniard Madrid. Had the chance to watch Music and Lyrics. Oh Hugh… can you not have had a more ‘rediculous hair and rediculous outfit?!’ and your voice?! well, I must say was, well actually… rather charming and entertaining!
First Glimpse of Madrid (aerial view)
What struck me first was the… Vegetation! How uniform?!
… and Crop Signs!!!
Mining Site
At last, I’ve arrived.
Today is The Day!
¡Hoy es el día!
The last day of finals week, the day the school semester ends - for me to get away from everyting - and embark upon a new adventure. A foreign habitat for the summer would serve me best at the moment. I am overly excited to learn a new language, a new culture, and a new working atmosphere.
¡Bienvenido a España!
1 day and counting…
I can’t believe I’ll be leaving for Madrid, mañana (tomorrow!)