So I'm kind of slack with this blog, but I figure if I can manage to get something on here once a week that's good enough! Well, last Wednesday night Elena's family invited me over for dinner. I was so excited to finally meet her parents after hearing so many good things from the Prices and Molly. They couldn't have been sweeter! They made me feel so welcome and I had so much fun with them. Elena also invited her friend Gaby who I really enjoyed meeting too! Elena's mom made a delicious meal for me which consisted of a salad with smoked salmon, brie, and walnuts, croquetas, chicken stuffed with cheese and mushrooms, and a lemon and pineapple mousse for dessert. This dessert looked and sounded questionable to me, but I think we all ended up having thirds! Elena's dad kept telling me that if I ever need anything while I'm here that I should never hesitate to ask and that they would always be there for me. I am so lucky to know such generous, nice people from Madrid!
On Friday afternoon, Molly, Sarah, Mimi, Grace Perry, and Paul came to Madrid! I picked them up from the airport and then we went to find their hostel. Their hostel was quite different from the one we stayed in in Barcelona which was definitely a good thing! It had much more of a "homestay" atmosphere than "nightclub." After they got settled we went to a little bar Sarah's Spanish teacher had recommended, called La Tosta. We had the best sangria here and open faced toasted sandwiches for dinner. I definitely hope to go back there soon! After La Tosta we wandered around the streets off of Puerta del Sol and went into a few Irish pubs. Of course Molly and I managed to make some more international friends at one of the pubs. Our favorites were a guy from Italy and a girl from Iceland. The girl is the guy's little brother's nanny and has been living with his family all year. Well, they've been dating for 5 months but if the guy's parents find out she will be fired. So, his parents thought she was meeting some friends and he was studying. Molly and I eventually decided we didn't like the drink prices at O'Connell St. Pub and wandered off from the group to a local hole in the wall, El Secreto. This bar had a cozy atmosphere and we made friends with the bartenders who made us some good deals. We eventually met back up with the rest of our group and went to a bar called The Bourbon Cafe. Ladies (and man) dressed in crazy outfits got on stage here and danced to great oldies. We were missing our first night back at the Row and were feeling nostalgic so we showed those Spaniards how to shag and enjoyed all of the great American music!
On Saturday morning we all met up and walked down Gran Via and towards the Royal Palace. On the way, we ran into the Chinese New Parade. We honestly felt like we were in China. The line of people in the parade went back as far as we could see and we were going against all of them to try to get to the palace. We felt so in the way! A bunch of people had signs that said "Welcome to Shanghai." Not really sure why.
After finally reaching the Royal Palace and walking through a bit of historic Madrid, we made our way to the Plaza Mayor to have lunch on the terrace. It was pretty cold but it was beautiful and our lunch of Tortilla Espanola and croquetas hit the spot. After lunch, we all went to Parque del Retiro. This is definitely one of my favorite places in Madrid and Leah and I were excited that everyone got to see it. I think this is a place I'm going to have a hard time tearing myself away from when it gets warm.
For dinner, we all met up with Elena for dinner at where else? VIPS. VIPS is like the Spanish version of TGIFridays and the past 3 times Elena and I have gotten dinner together we've gone here. I'm not complaining though, it's very good! I think the Barcelona girls left wishing they had the chain in Barcelona too. Molly hadn't seen Elena in 5 years so it was great for them to reunite! Elena certainly held her own at dinner, speaking very good English for everyone. She had a hard time understanding Sarah and Mimi though because of their stronger accents.
(Missing Brent!)
After dinner we went back to El Secreto and had a relaxing, laid back rest of the night. So laid back in fact that I got home before Cristina did. She couldn't believe it the next morning when I told her she stayed out later than me. On Sunday, Grace Perry and I went with Molly to reunite with her Spanish host sisters Cristina and Camino. She had not seen them in 5 years either! We went to Museo del Jamon, a "typical" Spanish restaurant where you can grab a quick sandwich at the counter. After lunch, Molly and I took a walk and I showed her a few places before she left like the national post office and the Bank of Spain.
I had so much fun with everyone this weekend! Thanks for coming :)
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