First Day at the Prado

Vivian and I are getting into a nice routine. Every school day, we get up and leave the apartments by 8:30 to take the train. We are having to leave a little earlier than we used to because one of our train lines is under construction, so we have to take 3 separate trains to get to school. I got an Abono Transporte, which is like an ID card so that I can get an unlimited monthly Metro Pass. I feel like an official Madrilena now! My first class felt a little bit short because there was some sort of accident on the highway, and my professor was late, so for the first 20 minutes we just sat there talking. Vivian had to go talk to her professor for her independent study, so I took the train back to the apartment myself. When I got here, Ana had cleaned my room and changed my bedding, and was doing my laundry! She is so nice :) I have heard some horror stories from some of my classmates about not being able to go into the rest of the house, and being really limited on their shower time and electricity, but Ana is very relaxed and makes us feel like home. She is also trying to help me add more money to my Spanish cell-phone. I registered it, and it came with 12 euros on it already, but now I'm out and it won't let me add more money. BOO! I decided to go try and put more money on it at the ATM (you can do that here!), but it didn't work there either! I think tomorrow I'll have to go to the Vodafone store and see what they can do for me. Otherwise I'll have to get a new phone! UGH

I also went to the Chino (that's what they call dollar stores here), and got myself a few school supplies. As far as I can tell, they don't make many notebooks with lined paper here, but they use graph paper instead! I bought some plain white paper to take notes on. All the paper here is a little longer and skinnier than paper in the US. I thought that was interesting. I also got a little fan to put next to my bed for nighttime and when I'm hanging out in my room. Ana said I am welcome to use it. I am going to give it to her when I leave because I won't have room for it in my bag, and I won't be able to plug it in at home without a converter.

After La Comida, which was ribs (not as good as my Mom's :)), I went to class at the Prado! I'm glad I stopped for a coke on the way...I didn't get a siesta today! haha Class went really well! We spent two hours there, and only looked at about 5 paintings. I'm anxious to prove myself to my professor. I want him to know I have art knowledge! Hahaha It was also wonderful to see the art for real. I mean, I've taken Art History several times, but it really is different seeing the art in reality. I am excited to go home and tell my professors that I've actually SEEN what we are talking about in class!

Class was great, but it was really hard on my feet and my back. I'm glad I wore good shoes, because it would have been much worse if I hadn't! I know the other girls were complaining too.

I have now mastered leaving through the correct exit at my metro stop. GO ME! After I got out, I decided to go to the store and get everything I need for turkey sandwiches so that I can make them for La Cena. Ana is only responsible for breakfast and either La Comida or La Cena, so I have to provide myself with the other. This way I won't starve, and I don't have to go out every night for food!

I'm going to try to go to bed a little earlier tonight. I will have class at the Prado again tomorrow, and I'll have to go to the Vodafone store to get my phone fixed, go buy some sunscreen and aloe, and then pack for Portugal! I can't wait! It's going to be so much fun! :)