Futbol/Thanksgiving

Real Madrid vs. Zurich

Thanksgiving at TGIFridays

Me and Kerry at Thanksgiving

Over the past 3 days I have been asked for directions by three different people AND mistaken for someone who worked in a store I was browsing in...I think its safe to say I fit in. In the last 6 days of my time in Madrid I have FINALLY figured out how to live like a Madrilena in this city and of course, I'll be heading home. Isn't that the way life always works- you finally feel at home somewhere and then you have to pick up and move onto the next adventure. I guess that's what makes life interesting.

This week, I went to a futbol (soccer) game at the Santiago Bernabu stadium. The game was Real Madrid vs. Zurich and OF COURSE Real Madrid was victorious. Our seats were in the nosebleed section, naturally, but with a crew of 30 students, we had a great time. The crowd had so much energy and was so passionate about the game that it made me, the non-sports girl, even excited. One of the highlights was the streets before the game started. They were one big party FULL of people in crazy outfits and futbol fans that couldn't wait to get inside. I'm so glad that I got a chance to experience a huge part of Spanish culture...plus I got to catch a glimpse of Cristina Ronaldo, hot stuff.

Thanksgiving in Madrid was everything I could have asked for. I was sad to be apart from my family but everyone here really bonded together to make our own Madrid-family. For lunch, about 15 of us went to TGIFridays for some American grub. If you can't be in America, at least eat American food. For dinner, Pilar made us a Spanish-style Thanksgiving feast! Complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, baked apples, and chocolate mousse, I couldn't have asked for anything more. After my dinner here, I was able to make an appearance via Skype to my family dinner in America. I sat at the head of the table and talked to everyone, and got a look at everything on the table. I really felt like I was there. Technology is amazing. I'm thankful for so many things in my life: the opportunity to study in Europe and travel, my amazing and supportive family, the best friends in the world, and that everyone is healthy. I'm excited to reunite with everyone back home but Spain will always have a special place in my heart. I don't want to say goodbye to everyone/everything but time is ticking...