Madrid, España: iPhone Edition

I have been really excited to post these pictures. Five weekends ago (omg time flies) was one of the most beautiful weeks in Madrid. I enjoyed the sun everyday, which made me miss California more. However, I am slowly becoming more in love with Madrid and by the end of my semester I know I will be terribly sad to leave. Every corner is more beautiful than the last corner. The people, the buildings, the trees, and even the dogs are just so beautiful to me. Then you add a little sunshine and it becomes a perfect day. I absolutely adore it and I really hope this means the sun is here to stay. 

I went to Parque del Retiro two days in a row and I am so happy I did. I explored some parts of the park I had not had a chance to visit yet. There were so many people, I do not think one piece of Retiro was not covered by a family, a couple, friends enjoying a picnic or dogs playing fetch. It seems as if all of Madrid was at Retiro that weekend. I then explored some small adorable streets off of Paseo del Prado, right next to Retiro, only to realize I had been there before. I would have continued to explore except my feet could no longer withstand the pain so I had to head home...after I treated myself to a milk tea with boba of course. Those two days I decided not to bring my camera and I am really happy I did not, but I captured some great images of Madrid on my iPhone. The quality may not be the best because my phone is old for technology standards...I have only had it for two years, but whatever. Please listen to the song by Lykke Li, which I have played on repeat while writing this post, and the last couple of weeks. Let's fall in love with Madrid together.

♫♪ Lykke Li-I Follow Rivers (Magician Remix) ♫♪

Piece of art from free mini museum in Parque del Retiro 

Spring is coming!

My best friend 

Peacocks in Parque del Retiro

Night view from my room

xoxo

Just me, myself, and I

Hello to all of my six blog followers. I know it has almost been a week since I have posted about the things I adore and my adventures. I have just been trying to stay on top of my weekly schedule so I have not spent too much time thinking about my blog. Today, my weekend has officially begun so of course, I am lounging and relaxing, which is a perfect time to update you about my past weekend. 

Last weekend, I did not have any sort of agenda. I just had an entire weekend to myself, which I definitely needed. I have not done too many outings on my own before, except on my weekly runs last semester (which I stopped doing after a while..oops) but I enjoy it. I am always incredibly absorbed in my surroundings and for this reason, I had a great weekend. On Saturday, I tried waking up early and failed. I do not know what it is because I am pretty sure I am no longer jet lagged after three weeks, but I cannot get out of bed early. My body and mind completely reject that idea so without hesitation, I press snooze. Luckily, I know myself so well that every night I have to set about four to five alarms to make sure I will actually get out of bed at some point in the morning...Anyways, I got ready and set out for a day in the sun. I was originally headed to Parque del Retiro, but decided to get off two stops before to explore Palacio de Cibeles. I originally thought this was a post office because someone said you could buy stamps and mail letters, which is not true at all. Unless, I totally missed that floor. I realized it was a free admission except to see some art exhibitions inside and to go to the top floor. At the top floor, you are able to see an entire view of Madrid, which I hope to do soon. 

Regardless, I went inside and the interior was as beautiful as the exterior of the building. I decided to see how many floors I could explore until someone asked me if I had bought a ticket. The whole time I felt like I was not supposed to be in certain areas since I did not buy a ticket, but I just went with the flow. There was a floor I enjoyed the most that was exhibiting photography on victims of war, addiction, and violence in foreign countries. A photographer had captured the smoggy desert between the border of Mexico and the United States. Another had captured the compassion between a recovering drug addict and a HIV victim at a rehabilitation center in Spain. A different photographer fearlessly photographed images of the violence in Syria. These images were really unexpected as they reminded me to appreciate my life as well as to not forget the struggles others endure. I spent a good hour or two in the Palacio. I really liked it aside from the exhibitions. There was an area on one of the floors where you could study. There, I saw a couple cuddling on a red couch, taking a nap (so jealous). After, I decided I should explore Calle de Alcalá, which happens to be the longest street in Madrid.

Palacio de Cibeles

View from inside the Palacio (Metropolis in the distance)

I went over to the Metropolis, which is one of the most famous buildings in Madrid, as it is used on practically every post card. I loved the gold detail at the top, it makes the building stand out more than it already does. I decided to keep walking down Alcalá when all of a sudden I heard a familiar tune. Ok so for starters, I used to be really good about keeping up with music, as I used to spend hours looking up new bands on my free time. Now, not so much. So I decided to make an effort recently. Last week, I updated my Spotify and added songs I had Shazamed on my phone while shopping around. Also, lucky for me, my boyfriend offered to show me some new music, so I am all about reestablishing myself as a lover of music. So back to my story...I was walking down the Calle de Alcalá and I heard this song that I was listening to the day before. I wanted to dance, right there in the middle of the street. I looked up beyond the crowd of people and there was a commercial shoot going on. I was not exactly sure what it was for, but there were hired actors walking across the camera. The main focus of the commercial was a man dancing to "Happy" by Pharell Williams in front of a metro stop. I wish I could have been a random participant in the commercial, maybe even have my own little segment to dance around and show my moves. It was unreal that a commercial was taking place and really cool to see the whole production. The director, who might I add was a complete stereotype dressed in all black with his beanie and ripped up clothes, was directing the hired actors and the dancer. The assistant was running around giving water to the dancer and monitoring the traffic flow on the side walk. People were yelling "action!" I stayed for a while and crossed the street to watch another dancer (who was much better than the first) dance to "Happy." Let me just say, that song was stuck in my head the rest of the day.

♫♪ Pharrell Williams-Happy ♫♪

His feet are happy

After, I made my way over to Parque del Retiro. This park is absolutely beautiful. In the center of the park, there is a large pond where visitors can rent a boat and float along the water. I bought some watermelon flavored sour candies, my taste buds were immediately infatuated with them. The sun was beginning to set, but that did not stop the tourists and locals alike from visiting the park last week. There were vendors of jewelry, art work, and snacks all along the park sidewalk. Families, couples, and friends walked around me. All of a sudden, I recognized someone that I met here in Madrid and so I spent the rest of my time with him and some of his friends. We stayed until the sky was an array of pink and orange. I went home in time for dinner and my Saturday was complete. 

Parque del Retiro

My feet look large

On Sunday, I set out for El Rastro. El Rastro is a very popular open air flea market in Madrid that takes place every Sunday until about 4 pm. I got there a little later, but I was still able to get some shopping in. They have anything you can think of from clothes, antiques, artwork, household items, souvenirs, and even some iPhone covers. I liked Parque del Retiro so much that I ended up there again and bought the delicious watermelon candies from the day before. I think I would be lying if I said I did not go back just for the candies...then again the park is also worth the second trip.

xoxo

Furlicious

I just want to start off by admitting I was a mini paparazzi last weekend. I couldn't help myself! The fashion in Spain (Europe in general, really) is amazing. Every woman on the street, males, babies, and even dogs are dressed head to toe in fashion forward outfits. One of the first things I noticed in Madrid that are a must this winter season is FUR. Not faux fur, but real fur...or at least it looks real to me. I feel like I stand out as a complete tourist because I seemed to miss the memo and forgot to bring my mink coat from home. I'm kidding. 

I am not sure how the Spaniards and Europeans do it, but they look fabulous. I will see women on the metro on my way to school, mind you it is a regular Monday or Tuesday, and they'll be going to work in their fur vests or long fur coats. I know what you are thinking, fur can be incredibly overwhelming and possibly a little tacky too. I would definitely have to disagree with the array of outfits I have seen. They will add a designer purse and short little booties to the outfit and they're set for the streets of Madrid. I know I would never be able to pull off this look or really want to, but I admire the courage it took these woman to look in their closet and say, "Gonna put my fur on today." I mean I am hoping the fur is fake, which is unlikely, but somehow it just works. Even the older generation are rocking the fur coats, some are even matching with their girlfriends (see below for evidence). 

Overall, seeing fur at least ten times a day is just something that I kind of appreciate. This is because I am reminded I am not home, I am in Madrid. Not only is the food, Spanish, and architecture different, but also the fashion. I love me some stylish women, so I cannot wait to see what other trends I will be seeing while I am here.

Fur in front of the famous Metropolis

Fur twins

Fur vest in front of a commercial shoot

xoxo

I am never really alone.

I usually have my door closed when I am in my room, but during the afternoons I like to keep it open. I prefer the door open as the sun shine lights not only my room, but the hallway as well. Today, I got a little visit from a certain friend of mine. One name, Nana. I was on my computer when I saw some movement in my peripheral and I look over to see Nana sitting in my room. I decide not to shoo her away (I mean I eventually do) immediately. Instead, I sat on my bed to take a few pics of her when all of a sudden she comes up to my bed and jumps up. I have never had a cat before so I kind of start talking to her like she was a dog, shooing her and trying to move my covers so she would get off. That did not do anything, but cover her head and she nuzzled into my covers more. All I kept thinking was, "omg, cat hair..." and so I made her get off my bed. I realize now that I like her company. I have even become immune to her meowing that it does not even bother me, it is kind of cute.... Kind of. When no one is home, it is comforting to have a little friend around the house.

Also, don't judge me for not making my bed.

Spotted

Loving life in my bed

xoxo

The Sky is Pink

The sun sets around 6:30 pm here, which does not necessarily mean the day is coming to an end since the night life is just getting started. I have been here already two and a half weeks and it seems the days come and go. Sometimes, when I am walking around the city square or walking home from school(I have been doing a lot of walking, which is good since the amount of baguette bread I am consuming is getting out of control), I will look up and see the sun setting. I think to myself, the day is already coming to an end? but it just started. However, the sunset never fails to ignite a certain feeling in me. I do not always have my camera with me and I am happy about that. I appreciate the moment because I am surrounded by constant beauty that even the sky wants to reflect the life here in Madrid. The sunset may look the same everyday, but they never seize to amaze me that sometimes I cannot help but take a quick picture.

On my way home from school, the view in front of my apartment

Sunset in Sol

...Ok, so I made this post earlier in the day before I went out. I stayed out until sunset and it was again, so amazing. Oh, Madrid.

Sunset in Parque del Retiro

 xoxo

I'm Feeling Youthful

Yesterday, I did not have any sort of agenda and just decided to explore the beautiful city of Madrid. I was in good company with my roommate and two girls she introduced me to the first weekend I arrived. We initially were in search of some Moroccan tea houses, but failed to find any, so we decided to head to Sol and walk around. I somehow navigated everyone in the right direction (I mean I had to ask two people, but hey, I still did it). Our walking around did not last long as we stumbled across an adorable little shop and I ended up with two pieces of clothing. I mean, I know I do not need more clothes, but I could not resist. The girls I was with did not help me as they convinced me to buy them. I returned the favor by convincing one of the girls to buy two pairs of shoes. I only did it because they were really cute and sometimes it is necessary to indulge and treat yourself. After, two of the girls were exhausted and decided to head home early. So, one of the girls (the one with two new pairs of shoes thanks to me) and I decided to walk around in search of a snack. I had a craving for some gelato and walked into the first place that I saw. We sat and while I enjoyed my chocolate gelato on a cone, we just talked. At one point, I looked at the TV screen playing music videos and there was this beautiful girl singing a song I have not heard yet. It is "Youthful" by Foxes, which I have linked below. Take a listen, it's good.

♫♪ Foxes-Youthful ♫♪

My friend and I continued to get to know each other. We talked about some serious things and some other not so serious things. She opened up to me and told me about her past and her hopes for her time here in Madrid. It was starting to get late and I had to make it home in time for dinner. We parted ways and on my way home via Metro, I thought a lot about the importance of sharing stories. Stories link us from person to person as they are a part of us we have trusted another person with. I have actually been thinking about this a lot because I have had some really great conversations recently. For example, with my home stay mom. I have mentioned her before and she is not so much a mother as a grandmother. She is probably around her 70s or 80s. She has four older children, all married with families of their own. She lives alone, with Nana of course, and has opened her home to students studying abroad since 1998. Initially, it made me sad to think about her alone at home while my roommate and I were at class or out for the weekend. She stays at home all day and only travels to the closest grocery stores due to her bad knee. All three of us have already set up a routine, as she spends most nights watching TV and days cleaning or organizing her home. Due to her limited hearing, she has special ear phones she uses to hear the TV better. Before I go to bed, I love seeing her sitting in her nightgown with her slippers and her giant earphones. Anyways, I no longer feel sad when I think of my home stay mom alone at home. The stories she has shared with me has changed my mind completely. She has seen a lot of the world, she has traveled to Italy, France, Switzerland, different parts of Spain, Mexico, New York City, New Orleans, and so many more places. Over the last fifteen years, she has made some really great memories with students and has little souvenirs around her home they have brought her and from her own travels. She even kept a note one of the students wrote her. She loves history and art museums, having visited all the museums in Madrid. When she tells me all these stories from her past, I keep thinking to myself, wow, she has lived a great life. She has taken advantage of her surroundings and traveled far and close. She has opened her home to strangers. I would have never known any of these things about her if I only was going off her life at home. Her stories have opened my heart and mind. 

I hope I can look back on my life and share stories like these with others. Even at the age of twenty, I have heard some some amazing stories from those younger and older than me. I feel blessed that others have trusted me with their past and their hopes for their future. Through each story, I am realizing how young I actually am. I mean, I did just enter my twenties a couple of months ago...I am feeling very youthful right now. The reason I am in Madrid is to travel and experience new things, so that is exactly what I am going to do. Inspired by Foxes song, I will end with this:

"Don't tell me our youth is running out, it's only just begun"

xoxo

Architecture, Art, and A Whole Lot of Eating

Hello. I am currently sitting on my mini couch in my jamies. This will be a short and thoughtful post as I am sleepy and want to go to bed soon. 

This country has so many beautiful buildings and so much history, that I cannot even keep up with it all. I am amazed by how much detail goes into everything and I am really trying to take it all in by not taking so many pictures. That sounds kind of contradictory because pictures allow you to old onto a memory forever, but I get so distracted by taking pictures because I want the right angle, lighting, pose, etc. You catch my drift. This was especially true yesterday when I went to Salamanca, Spain. There are two cathedrals, Catedral Vieja de Santa Maria and Catedral Nueva, that are just beyond words. A photograph could definitely not capture the detail. I will admit I got a little emotional inside the cathedral only because I was thinking how beautiful it is to build a church like this one in appreciation of your faith. In the city of Salamanca, the dome of the cathedral is the highest point. When I looked up at the dome from inside the church, I got a little dizzy, but I did not look away because I kept thinking about how much effort, time, and care went into building the dome.

Salamanca is also home to the first university in Spain, University of Salamanca. So it is pretty old. On one of the details on the outer part of a university building, there is a sculpture of a small frog and to those who find it, will have an abundance of good luck. Lucky me, I could not see it and everyone else around me could. People kept trying to point it out to me so I eventually just agreed and said, "oh yea I see it..." Although I actually might have, I am not too sure though. There was this building that I loved called Casa de las Conchas (House of the Shells) because it had shells that surrounded the entire building. I hate to admit this, but it also reminded me of the TV show, Spongebob Squarepants, which always brings a smile to my face. Other than the beautiful architecture, the city was unexpectedly surrounded in graffiti and street art. I really liked that. I saw it as two colliding worlds coming together in some way. One more thing about Salamanca. I found one of my favorite things in the whole world here. Boba!! Let us just say, I was very happy on this cold day.

Salamanca, España

Catedral de Santa Maria

The dome of the cathedral

After renovation, a astronaut was added to the cathedral's detail lol

University of Salamanca-Can you spot the froggy?

Casa de las Conchas

Catedral de Santa Maria

Plaza Mayor

Boba

Today, I woke up late and met up with a group of girls I met here in Spain. We went to the Mercado de San Miguel. It was the best. It was a bit crowded, but that added to its appeal. The mercado was made up of stands that sold small servings, which was great so I could try various things. Let's just say I spent more than I should have on food today. I could not help myself! There were tapas, croquetas, sangria, and a pastry area. I got a mini ice cream. After, we walked around trying to find a little cafe because the girls wanted an espresso. I noticed this restaurant that looked interesting and realized it was the oldest restaurant in the world! Okay, so before I came to Spain I watched an episode of Bizarre Foods with my family and wrote down places I should go to in Madrid. This restaurant was one of them, so it was a nice little surprise. Eventually, we made our way over to Museo Nacional del Prado. It is an extremely large museum and so we only saw a couple rooms. Overall, it was a good day, the highlight of course being the food.

Oldest restaurant in the world

This post was longer than I had in mind, oopsies. Now, I am definitely ready for sleep. 

xoxo