Reflections

On my last full day in Spain, I figured some reflections were only appropriate. But first a quick note about my week.

My week was nothing terribly interesting. We went to the Sorolla museum which is actually his old house. It's a very nice and his art is very calming. I would like a sunny seaside vacation now if you don't mind. Two of my friends left this morning so we spent their last night hanging out in Chueca, Madrid's gay district. On Wednesday the huge gay pride celebration started in Madrid. There was a huge crowd of people hanging out in Chueca and shows going on with drag queens and dancing and singing, it was crazy.

The whole neighborhood was decorated with flags

Last night selfie

This morning when I woke up at 10AM my host mom said something about "madrugón", meaning to wake up early. I was unaware 10 was early. Anyways. I'm spending today packing (my favorite thing) and hoping I can make my way through the metros tomorrow without injuring myself or someone else with my luggage. I'm gonna be that guy- you know, the one that blocks all the stairs and gets in your way and takes up so much room and that you generally roll your eyes at. Oh and hopefully my bag will be under the 50 pound limit. 
Later I'm going to head out to the gluten free bakery one more time and then hang around Chueca to see some of the gay pride parade! Madrid has one of the biggest gay pride parade's in the world, I'd be a fool to miss it. And now on to my very deep and insightful lists--

Things I Will Miss:

-The sun being up until 9:30/10

-Parks everywhere, it's like every block is required to have at least one park. And then there's Retiro which is just a beautiful big park.

-Siesta time when the city shuts down from about 2-5

-Humidity free heat

-Tortilla española

-Homemade gazpacho

-Campesina flavored chips

-8/9PM dinners, I think it just makes more sense. I actually tend to eat around then when I'm at school anyways. 

Things I Will Not Miss:

-Being verbally harassed on the streets no matter what time of day

-People trying to sell me things everywhere all the time on the street

-Feeling like I need to be cautious of my surroundings every minute of the day

-Cold, short showers

-Sleeping in 85 degrees at night without air conditioning

-Almost everything being closed from 2-5 every day

-The really really hot heat

Things I Miss About the US:

-Starbucks. Hate all you want, but I miss sugary coffee drinks.

-Kale, tofu, and tempeh

-Ethnic food (again with Europe not doing ethnic food well)

-Peanut butter

-My cushy bed

-Thunderstorms and rain in general

-Having a desk to work at

-Being able to speak anytime I want and not feel like I sound stupid

-Having lots of food I can eat
-Being able to pay with my debit card (they don't really do that in Spain)

-Oh, my friends and family I guess.

¡Disfruten mis amigos!