Dad's visit!

These past few days Dad has been in Madrid exploring the city and experiencing first hand why I am so happy here! I showed him the local places, introduced him to my friends and ofcourse we did lots of tourist things, too! I had such a great visit with my dad and was so sad to see him leave! It made me realize how much I really miss my family and friends back in the states. In a perfect world, you all would move out here :) Here are some highlights of our time in Madrid:

Dad was able to meet my friends his first night here in Madrid. We met for a few drinks in a plaza near my house. He kept going on about how wonderful my friends are here in Madrid (I would have to agree!)

Dad and I took a daytrip to Toledo, which is only 30 minutes outside the city by train. It is a beautiful town with lots of history and one of my personal favorites in Spain. I was glad that he was able to see it and learn some more things about Spain's history!

We also experienced a bull fight this weekend. Madrid is home to the best bull fighters in the world and during the month of May they have their big festival. The curiousity got to us and we decided to see what it was really all about. It was an interesting experience but I can't say I would ever go back. I also would be lying if I said I was brave and didn't cry.... Due to the huge controversy this causes (and the brutality) I decided to limit the pictures from this part of our trip.

On Dad's last day in Madrid we went to the oldest restaurant in the world, Botin! It was a really cool experience because it was underground and cavelike! I ordered the baby squid in its own ink (which looks super creepy but was very tasty!) and dad got the suckling lamb. It was very good food and now we know why it has been around so long! After such a wonderful trip I'm already looking forward to being back with the family this Christmas! :)

Island Getaway

This past weekend I flew out to meet my dad in Palma de Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands of Spain. It had been nearly 8 months since I had seen my dad, so I was already excited for this weekend but it was just that much better by going to an island. We had a wonderful time exploring the city of Palma and enjoying the beach.

Dad was lucky enough to stay in Mallorca a few more days with some of his Welsch friends that we met up with. He will be in Madrid on Thursday and I cannot wait to show him my city and home in Spain! :)

My first game!

This past Sunday evening I was lucky enough to experience my first Real Madrid game! My friend Justin was given two tickets by his friend and he was nice enough to bring me along! We had really great seats and it was cool getting to see the players live! We played against Mallorca and ended up winning 4-1. Also, I was fortunate enough to be there for the presentation of La Liga trophy. :) Hala Madrid!

Cristiano Ronaldo (Erin, I missed a goal while trying to take this picture for you haha)

Presenting the trophy!

¡Hala Madrid!

For the first time in 4 years, Real Madrid won the Spanish league. So today celebrations took place in Plaza Cibeles, where the team goes to show off the trophies. The place was packed with thousands of people full of excitement!

The Captain and Goalie, Iker Casillas. This is who all my students thought Johnny looked like.

Pamplona!

This past weekend there was a puente, or long weekend, in Madrid. We had Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off so it was the perfect opportunity to do a little travelling! We decided to go to Pamplona, a city in the North of Spain which is known for its annual festival San Fermin (or more commonly known as Running of the Bulls) but we learned that there is so much more to the city!

The city is absolutely beautiful and clean. It had a great small town Spanish feel to it and despite the rain, we couldn´t stop ooh-ing and aah-ing at every corner we turned.

The north of Spain is also known for its food. So many people had told us that we would love the food up north but we didn´t understand what all the hype was about. Let me tell you.. it is to die for. The people in the north treat their food like an art. Not only is it beautiful but the mix of flavors and quality of food is unbelievable. We were also spoiled because our Spanish friend, Ana, cooked us delicious homemade Spanish food while we were visiting. She tried teaching me her ways but I doubt I will be able to reproduce something as good!

I will definitely be making another trip to Pamplona and recommend that others also explore this beautiful city!