Jan 9
With ~54 hours in this city under my belt, it seems like the perfect time for an update! After arriving at my host señoras apartment on the east side of Retiro Park (the largest green space in the city), I settled in and met my 3 roommates. We went to orientation on Wednesday morning, and I saw EVERYONE!!!!!! All of my SLU friends have also settled in nicely with their host families. After orientation, Gabby, Hope and I ventured off for 3 things: Euros, SIM cards, and our transportation cards. 3/3 errands completed successfully! We found time for lunch at El Golfo de Cai, a restaurant near Cuatros Caminos with an AMAZING menú del día for €13. I had a spinach and ham crepe, pork, a banana mousse-situation, and of course, vino tinto ;).
After lunch we headed to, drumroll please…. La Plaza Mayor!!!!!! A place I’ve learned about in every Spanish class I’ve ever been in, I can finally say I’ve been! I’m certain there is lots of history in the plaza, but to us, it seemed like it has now become a tourist hot-spot with many over-priced cafés…. still cool!!
First day of classes!
After our exhausting, 20,000 step day around the city center, I of course was only able to sleep ~4 hours before waking up to go to class! Every Tuesday and Thursday I will have four classes, three 4000-level spanish classes in the morning, back-to-back from 9:30 to 1:45. After a nice three hour break, I round off the afternoon with Intro to Theology at 5pm. Perfecto! The SLU-Madrid buildings are abundant with patios, including a rooftop patio with a GREAT spot for a panoramic photo – thanks to traveling with Jason Coates I always think of our summer vacations when taking “panos” as he calls them.
To round off this long, busy, exciting day, a beautiful sunset as I came up to open air after riding the Metro on my 30-minute commute (a very very efficient public transportation system by the way, St. Louis- take notes). It had the same colors as Harry Styles’ new album, Fine Line, which I was listening to on my ride home. Coincidence? I think not!!
As for what’s on the books for this fin de semana, no sé! Probably off exploring Madrid’s finest tapas and parks!! Be back soon – Grace ! Love and miss you all ❤
Grace's Guide to Studying Abroad 
Yay you! Glad the travels went well, and excited to follow along on your journey … thanks for setting up the blog. Love you!
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