City Life

For the past week we have been in Madrid exploring the city and trying to get settled. We have so far managed to setup bank accounts, get telephones, and find an apartment (in theory). We haven't quite signed the lease yet but it is ours for the taking.

The apartment is in the center of Madrid in an awesome district. Tons of nightlife and tons of stuff to do. There is a jazz nightclub on our block and a bar called The Speakeasy just down the street. Get psyched.

So our biggest adventure thus far has been getting cell phones. We started our search for the best plan/provider at this store call El Corte Ingles. This store is has everything you could ever need. From books, to camping equipment, to perfume, to cell phone providers. So we spent about an hour and a half talking to some lady from this company Vodafone. After deciding on a plan we tried to buy the phones we want but they didnt have any more of those models. So we went down the street to another Vodaphone store where the workers told us a totally different story about the plans. Regardless, they didnt have the phones either. So we went to another store, got the real deal scoop from some chica and got our phones. I can receive all calls for free aparently so feel free to call away. I think to call me you dial 011 (international access code) then 34 (Spain's code) then 666107297. Yes, my phone number starts with the devil's number.

We've been bumming around Madrid for the past week while staying in my Abuela's (grandmother's) apartment. Good food, not too teribly much to do, but its still nice to spend time with the family. We move into the new apartment this weekend.


We managed to get out of the house this past weekend and go out for a few drinks. Of course we managed to stumble a little to close to the district of gay bars in the area. Chris got hit on by some guy who touched his burly beard without asking. The one fun thing about going out here is that people just walk around with drinks in their hand. On the metro, out on the side walk. No big deal. So pregaming is way more fun. If that isnt reason enough to visit, I dont know what is. Also of note, I wore a hat out and I was the only person in the entire city of madrid wearing a hat. Really bizare. Nobody goes out to bars wearing a hat. Its like dinner at Ivy...

Chris and I have started "playing" for the local frisbee team but it doesnt seem that intense. There is actually a co-ed tournament this weekend outside of Madrid that we are going to. Should be good times.