Madrid

Totally got lost yesterday when I left the hostel to walk around. 4 hours later I finally made it back. I think it really helped me learn the city though. Last night a bunch of us from the hostel went out to dinner at this place nearby and then we all just came back to socialize before going out. They work on a much different time schedule here. They have a light breakfast around 10 or 11, siesta(nap) at midday, tapas in the late afternoon and then eat dinner at the earliest at 9:30, some even at 11, then they go out dancing until 5 in the morning. I didn´t quite make it that far yesterday though. I fell asleep in a chair while talking to some of the people in my hostel around 11. I am blaming it on the jet lag! I met an australian girl who was also traveling alone and we have been touring the city together all today. There are probably 40 people in my hostel and only one other american. This morning we went to the changing of the guard at the royal palace. There were 400 guards invovled and over 100 horses. It was really cool and it only happens 8 times a years so glad I got to see it while here. Then we went on a walking tour of the southern half of the city. There are so many nooks and crannys to the city. All the buildings are really close together and follow the patterns of the street so there are a lot of interesting shaped buildings. And sense most people walk or moped the streets are filled with people. I love it!! Later today we are headed on another walking tour but of the northern part of the city which we had yet to see. Tonight we are going to a flamingo(the local dance) show and then out. Should be a ton of fun and we got some amazing deal which makes it even better. Can´t wait!!

Well after about 18 hours of traveling I am finally in Madrid! I had to take 6 trains to get to the stop for my hostel. I will post some pictures in the next few days because you guys have to see this place. The building in amazing! Strange to be sharing a room with 11 other people. Was strange to come up from the metro station and be in the middle of the hussel bussel of the city. Definitely looked around thinking, What the heck am I doing here? but mainly, How cool is this place?! The section of the city that I am staying is pretty run down...but safe(dont worry Dad). It just has a lot of character. I am off to go explore but I will try to take get back on either later today or tomorrow sometime. Big hugs from Madrid!!