Right now I'm listening to new Jack Johnson album, Sleep Through the Static. It's pretty good and a bit more mellow. It still remains excellent "chill music." Ultimately, Jack's Hawaiian sound reminds me of LOST, as they film in the 50th State. LOST of course has been on mind since I've been downloading the new episodes from iTunes. It's nuts and drives me crazy with all these new questions and mysteries but I love it! If you are a late comer to LOST, there are two excellent FREE recaps on iTunes that will no doubt prepare you for Season 4 without having to watch the past three. It may be even more satisfying to go back and watch how it all plays out.
Ah, well I realize I haven't been talking about Spain at all, so enough plugs for American media. Everything is going well and I'm much more comfortable in Madrid. There is still much to see, so I need to use my time wisely, such as not sleeping in until 14:00.
Speaking of sleeping in late, the Madrid nightlife is extensive when compared to major cities back in the States, but also quite expensive. Since my weekends are long, (starting Wednesday or Thursday night) a lot of money unnecessarily goes to bars and clubs. In Sol, the party center of Madrid, it's imperative to look for promotions and free shots to get started because after about 2, drinks can be between 5-10 Euros. Convert it if you want, but I'll tell you right now that's too expensive to get drunk. And unfortunately, I can't flirt my way to free drinks, so in lieu of stretching out my bi-monthly allowance, I will buying bottles of wine and liquor at the grocery to pre-game properly. All the Madrilenos do it (on the street) and my host brothers advise it, so us Americas are fools not to every time.
So I haven't gotten a haircut since my arrival in Spain and for people who know me, they know I can't stand long hair. Well, honestly, as unruly as my hair may be, it's a tons better then mullet fad among the Madrid youth. Yeah, that's right mullets. What the hell? And no, before anyone asks, I don't plan on growing a fro or a mullet.
As expected, people are changing. For some program participants, the initial excitement is over and culture shock/homesickness is starting to set, others have found their social niches, and some seem to be waiting for the "Big Thing," whatever or whenever that may be. I believe that people and groups will inevitability change every week and I don't take any drama too seriously. Don't get me wrong, everyone is great (I mean that), but I will do my best to remain neutral. It's my trip to Spain and I'm in charge of my happiness, no one else.
So I'm slightly worried about this language thing. By all means my comprehension has improved, but I'm afraid it won't get better than that. I'm waiting patiently for it to 'click,' for the language to flow out of me (albeit with limited vocabulary), and just a generally understanding. I want to be confused for a Spaniard and not because I'm wearing Chucks. Perhaps I should only talk to Katie and the other students in Spanish, as annoying as that may get.
Oh yea, I posted pictures.
The picture you see to your right is of Segovia, Spain, an hour from Madrid. Yes, that's snow on those mountains.
Until next time,
Hasta Luego,
Chris
PS: Damn, I didn't realize how long this was getting, but I just remembered something. As is our American duty to watch the Superbowl, we headed to an Irish bar to witness the Giants crush the Patriots and something amazing happened. As Jordan Sparks sang the National Anthem, everyone in the bar sang along. Sure by that time I was drunk, but it was moving experience nonetheless, a sense of patriotism hardly seen. Of course, ironically, I never want to hang out with that many Americans again.
PPS: Oh yea, Friday night I witnessed a woman giving a man oral gratification at a club. Yea, I don't know if that's normal here.
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