Day 26

As soon as I stepped out of my room after I woke up this morning, Hugo saw me, hardened his face, and ran at me to hit, kick, and bite me, and screamed at me to leave. Good morning, Liz.

I played a board game with Claudia, and got to attempt to understand her Spanish, a new game, and try to follow the rules that she makes up and changes as she goes along. Our multi-lingual arguments are pretty funny.

Site of the day: Museo Nacional del Ciencias Naturales. I entered through the wrong door as did a funny ginger studying here in Madrid. We toured together once we found the right door. He turned out to be nifty to have around as once we were inside the museum he definitely navigated the huge place better than I would have on my own. His Spanish was very relaxed and quick, I understood about half of what he said, but managed to understand all of his questions and answer coherently, so I think I actually fooled him pretty well. The museum was pretty cool, another break from art. Check out the giant squid! They have a super impressive collection of animals.

I liked this area of Madrid, so I did a bit more exploring, and went to an exposition on bridges in Nuevos Ministerios. I learned some interesting stuff, but to be honest, it was kind of boring. The AC was out which probably explains why I was the only one there.

I found a really nice park, and sat to write in my journal a bit and watch kids play soccer. They start so young! I watched this kid who looked close to Hugo’s age who was a total boss. I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned this, but Hugo has no skill whatsoever with a soccer ball.

A beautiful Spanish lady of 82 years sat with me and we chatted for quite a while. I couldn’t understand a lot of what she said, but what I did gather that she told me repeatedly was that I have my health, my youth, and my beauty; I am in Madrid and the weather is great—this is the life. She’s right, this is the life. While this weekend when Michael Kielbasa (WCS dance champ crush of mine if you speak that jargon) was at the venue I frequent, my dear friend got married, and I felt the need more than ever to have a hug from the little girls or anyone I know cares about me, and to have a face-to-face talk with my dad, I am in Madrid, and the weather really is great, and this really is the life.