Madrid

So the arrival to Madrid was very smooth thanks to great directions by Francisco, the most recent couchsurfer to host me!

My last day in Seville was ok. Since I have worn out my shoes, my days have been a little boring because I cant walk around like I could at the beginning of my trip. Six months is too long for shoes that I wear everywhere, everday... and my orthotics need replacing as well so its a double whammy.

I ended up walking to this hair place not far from the hostel. Not one person in there spoke english but I manage to communicate so its okay. I got this really cute little spanish girl to wash and cut my hair. There are only 2 moments this trip that I have felt panic. One was at 7:57 am in Dublin where I had to catch my 3 day tour bus by 8 and could not find the station... and the other was when I thought the hairdresser was done cutting my hair then she put some hair in front of my face and CUT TWO MORE INCHES OFF! haha! I said "woah woah!" and grabbed it to see if it would go back in a pony, and she laughed and pulled all my hair back to where I would have a pony to show me that it all fit. I have to give her full credit - it is exactly the length I wanted, with all the bad ends cut off, layered around my face, and every bit fits into the pony tail! Pretty good for the fact that we didnt speak the same language! All that and it only cost me 12 euro!

Not long after that I headed for the train station. I arrived there by bus and then paid for my ticket. My train left a half hour after that, it was a high speed AVE train so it only took 2.5 hours! The main train station in Madrid also has a big metro station, and because of the great directions from Francisco I made it exactly to his workplace early... so I killed time until he was done work.

Most of the people I have surfed with, I have been chatting to for a while. I like to get to know them a bit before I stay with them, that way we develop a friendship and it is more fun. Unfortunately the people I had contacted earlier from Madrid were busy or away, so I ended up contacting Francisco rather last minute who agreed to take me for 2 nights! He lived about a half hour from the city centre in a newer area right next to a big mall. I just hung around there during my stay with him because its not comfortable to walk far and I have done so much lately! I just wanted to relax. Him and I have a ton in common, he is a really intelligent and interesting guy. We talked for hours! I am sure I will see him again at some point. This afternoon he flew to Poland for a trip. He has travelled sooo much, we will have to talk more so I can hear more of his experiences abroad.

Today I moved to my new home for the rest of the time in Madrid, the Mad Hostel! It is fantastic. Very very clean, kewl atmosphere, great common room that is full of people right now. Free internet access!

I just went for a wander for a couple hours through the centre of Madrid. It has a very very nice vibe, its lively but not chaotic. Tomorrow night I am going to an international exchange through couchsurfing where I will meet some other people.

Saturday I plan to be homeless for the night, sleeping on a bench by the airport because I fly out so early on Sunday. The forecast for the next 3 days is 34, 37 and 38...... and this city doesnt have any beaches! The low for saturday night is 21 degrees so I am sure that I will be thankful to sleep outside instead of in a hot room with 5 others!

Perhaps this entry was a little boring but I must go and read my english book that I was so excited to buy. Now I wont be as bored! My mom bought and shipped me some shoes yesterday and I am SOOO excited to receive them! And hello to Indigo Eve, Bazette, Momo and Auntie Kare! Thanks for the comments, glad to know you are out there keeping tabs on me!