We got to Madrid easily enough... Dulles was somehow perfect this time. Who knew it was possible?!? No one in front of us to check in, no one at security (since when does that happen at Dulles?), and the plane left on time. Not a bad start! The flight itself was decent. We had several crying babies and lots of turbulence, but we got here safely and early, so there is no reason to complain. Keeping with things going well, our bags all arrived, and we got to the apartment by 11:30am. Awesome!
Our landlord's mom, Pilar, showed us the apartment. Now let's be clear. It is small. Close to 40-square-meters-small. But it is adorable and really well equipped, and seems to have everything we should need. We've had a few issues so far... the internet didn't work at first, but our landlord's cousin came over last night and fixed that. Unfortunately, now the AC doesn't work, and there is a leak in the kitchen ceiling, but hopefully we can get that all fixed up ASAP. Despite that, it really is adorable, and seems great. See for yourself:
After getting the Spanish-only tour from Pilar, we unpacked and slept. I think we may have slept too long though, as we woke up today at about 5am, and can't fall back asleep. It'll take a few days to adjust, I am sure, but the nap was needed. We went out for tapas afterwards, and then to the grocery store, before coming home for the internet-fixing-cousin. A productive first day! Which brings me to...
Amazing Food Find No.1:
Montaditos. These are awesome. They are mini-bocadillos, little mini-sandwhiches, that are just amazing. I think the consensus favorite was the sandwich with Iberian ham and olive oil. Really, really good. Though the shrimp with aoili, smoked salmon, pollo asada, potato bravas (yes, a sandwich where potatos are the filling!), and bacon with cheese were also pretty great. Luckily, the place is around the corner and makes 100 types of sandwiches. 94 more to try!
Steve, recalling the glory of the montaditos:
Sort of Gross Find No. 1:
As I said, we went to the grocery store. Apparently in Spain, the milk and eggs (leche y los huevas... check out that Spanish, eh!) are not refrigerated. They are on a shelf, next to bread and tomato sauce. This seems somewhat appaling, but is probably made up for by the fact that they also sell a liter of wine for 0.91-euro. Awesome.
For today, we need to meet with Pilar about the AC and leaky ceiling, but then we're off to register with school and explore our new city a bit more. Stay tuned!
5 comments:
OMG - mini bocadillos?!?!? I lived on bocadillos (jamon iberica y queso) while in Madrid for work. You found bebe ones??! How fun!!
Can't wait to hear about the adventures! Rocket bar shall miss you...
Sounds so fun! I'm excited for you guys - and need to find time to come and visit!!! Keep the adventures coming. :)
Yep, the eggs and milk are like that in Italy too. I think it is a European thing. You will get used to it. Just drink more wine!!!!
Andrea
this blog must be in spanish by the end of the semester...otherwise...failure
Sounds like an auspicious start! Good idea about keeping a blog...I feel so voyeuristic. Kinda weird about the milk, but maybe it's high-temperature pastuerized. It should have a long shelf life if that's the case. I didn't encounter that while in Italy or Germany (parmalat was on shelf, tho).
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