So, Taryn arrived on the 25th of February to kick off a Marathon of guests and travel. On Friday, I got to know what it was like to have a medical operation performed in Spain. Throughout the past week a cyst had formed under my arm, which became extremely painful and needed to be removed. Fortunately, I had assistance (Taryn) because I was put on a local anasthetic and cut open. The doctor was great, and the operation went extremely well, as I soon healed up completely about a week later.

That night, we met Hansen and his girlfriend Zoe, who also happened to be in town at El Mercado San Miguel for some drinks and tapas, and then walked down to Hansen's house where we cooked a Paella for the girls and later finished the evening with some wine.

The following day, Saturday, we took the Cercanias (Regional Train) to Aranjuez where it was extremely blustery but very cool. We toured the Palacio Real de Aranjuez, yet another Spanish Monarchy monstrosity of a house and walked around in town for a while until the weather got really bad and we headed back to Madrid.

On Sunday, we were able to catch the market at the Rastro where vendors of just about everything you could dream of line the streets of my neighborhood. It was a lot of fun and the weather was amazing, so I was able to show Taryn everything in the city from the Royal Palace to Retiro Park, and even Prim, where I attend my classes.

Monday began the days of studying for my midterms. Fortunately, I was able to be extremely efficient in the Reina Sofia, finishing the majority of my studies and also finishing the family itenerary for their trip (They arrive on Saturday). Monday was also the begining of absolute stand out meals. After class, Taryn and I decided to catch the "Menu del Dia", or Menu of the Day at a local restaurant, as it is the only way to eat reasonably out in Spain. We went to a Restaurant called Ouixe, which is on the street behind my house. We were lucky to just stumble upon it because for 15€ we had an amazing three course meal with wine and bread!

I continued studying on Tuesday and was fortunate enough to have Taryn cook some great meals while I was preparing for my exams!When I took my exams on Wednesday and Thursday I did surprisingly well, and could not have been more happy to be done with them and also be done with planning the family trip!