Madrid 8/14-8/15

Despite the short length of the flight from Lisbon to Madrid, we were served a meal.

Upon arrival that evening, I found that my bag was not there. The airline had left mine about 12 other people's bags in Lisbon as ours was such a small plane. The woman at the Lost Baggage desk pretended as though she did not speak English when I first went to request tracking my bag. It appeared as though she didn't understand any English words or simple gestures and I was too flustered to think of how to explain my situation in Spanish. Flustered, I waited for the others to approach her. They soon did so, yelling in Spanish and accepting tracking info for their luggage. Eventually, I was left alone at the counter. Having practiced what I needed to say as I waited for everyone else to finish, I stepped up finally ready to speak Spanish. Before I could open my mouth, the woman clearly stated "I am guessing you live in the United States." She then proceeded to speak in excellent English and give me the tracking information for my luggage. I arrived at the U Hostel and shortly after hand washing my clothes, I went to sleep.

The next morning I took a walking tour of the city and learned quite a few centuries of Spanish history.

Plaza de la Puerta del Sol

The city's icon

Catedral de la Almudena on the Palacio Real de Madrid side

The more impressive side of the Catedral de la Almudena 

Later on, I visited the Royal Palace and Egyptian temple with Emilio, a Mexican student in the hostel.

Palacio Real de Madrid

all gold errything

part of an extensive collection of armory in the palace

Templo de Debod

Throughout the day I talked to a lot of students, mostly Australians on holiday. I also befriended a middle aged woman in order to use her travel adapter. Turns out she has sleep apnea, just like my dad.