Madrid - Days 1 & 2

   It's about quarter to two in the morning here now, so I am going to try to make this as brief as possible, but I wanted to update you all on how I am doing, since I know you are all dying to hear ;)
   The flight was LONG. For all of you dreaming to go to Europe, I don't recommend it. The Europeans definitely got the better end of the deal. Everything is cheaper for them in the states, and they arrive in the states around the same time they left Europe like they didn't lose any time at all!
   Anyway, the girl sitting next to me on the flight over was from Valencia and she was super nice. She let me use her cell phone to call the people who were picking me up and invited me to come to Valencia and everything. I also met some girls who are going to be studying in Valladolid from UW-Stevens Point. They were so nice. Can't wait to get to know them better when we all get to Valladolid!
   Once I got here I was too excited to go to sleep, so I ran some errands with Cristina (the girl I am staying with in Madrid until Sunday) and saw some of Espana. We got back and crashed because she didn't get much sleep the night before either. I overslept a bit. They were going to take me to the parade for el dia de los Reyes, but I didn't wake up until 6pm. I ate a bit, then Cristina and I were off to downtown Madrid. Here are some pictures of the palace and the beautiful cathedral next to it.

We walked around downtown Madrid for a few hours. Ooooh I almost forgot! Cristina took me to the most famous place for churros con chocolate! They were so good!!

   This morning I slept until 3pm. Whew. They had already left to have lunch with their family an hour before, but left me a note to help myself to food. These people are so generous. God has really blessed me on this trip, let me tell ya. It was nice to kind of sit around for a while today, just to get oriented. I was able to write in my journal and read for a bit before everyone got home. I have had some great conversations with this family :) Oh, p.s. they all speak English, which is nice for me. Not so much of a shock right away.
   Anyway, so the plan for tomorrow is hitting the shops for sales, since it is like the day after Christmas sales for us because today was el dia de los tres Reyes, which is like Christmas for them. Then Cristina's mom mentioned wanting to take me to Segovia and Toledo. I'm excited! Her dad also mentioned going to the Prada museum too, which would be really fun. We shall seeee!!!
   I need to get up at nine am, so I should go. But, since all of you are asking, the weather here is great. It has been in the high forties, low fifties. And it is b-e-a-utiful!
   Also, my address for when I get to Valladolid, in case you want to send me awesome things to remind me of home ;)

Kimberly Zander
C/ Gabilondo 1, 10º
Valladolid, Espana 47007


   Thinking of you all!
         Kimberly