Madrid

This week the 65 students here split up into three groups and went to cities in Spain based on one of our classes.  Because I'm taking Political Science, I got to go to the capital of Spain, Madrid. We saw all of the sites: El Escorial, Aranjuez, we walked passed el Palacio Real, and went into the big cathedral next to it.  We also visited the Senate and the House of Representitives, and the office of that largest newspaper in Spain, El Mundo.  During this trip, I saw so many places, and learned a lot about the city and surrounding area of Madrid, and the history of the government, but I also learned a lot about myself as a traveller.  

On Monday, I learned tha the first day of any trip is always uncomfortable and disorienting, and that I always want to return to the place from which I came, back to my comfort zone.  I also learned the necesity of comfortable walking shows.  Not flats.  Ever.  

On Tuesday, I learned how much I love long train rides, and that gay neighborhoods can bring around great new friendships, wonderful yoghurt places, and matchmaking with younger sibilings.  

On Wednesday, I learned the beauty of places that are off the beaten path, like local markets.  I also learned that the play Sweeny Todd viewed in Spanish isn't that hard to understand, and that Spaniards sound funny when the try to sing in English.  

On Thursday, I learned that I love the office environment in general, and also that I'm very good at navigating subways all by myself.  I also learned that I absolutely LOVE Indian food.  

On Friday, I learned that cathedrals aren't all the same.  I also learned that religion is different for everybody, and that I don't have to conform to a specific religion t communicate with God.  I can question anything,and find the answers on my own anywhere:  literature, art, science, and my own mind.