It has been a while since I was able to catch up last... Among some of the more recent things I have done are as follows: The first week of actual classes started last week. I have some great Professors in my classes, and I have been pretty consumed with the beginning of classes (buying books, making it to Prim on time, and trying to get into some type of routine). On Saturday, the 24th I walked around the city checking things out with Sean, and at the Train Sta...

Saturday night, I got to meet most of the people I will be at school with at Middlebury. Gaby Ventura sent out an e-mail and organized a meeting place and we were able to meet for dinner. We walked around a bit and finally found a really cool place to eat and have a couple drinks just to the south of Sol. The group was small, only 5 of us as Phillip was unable to make it. I met Sean, a guy from Ponoma in California who is originally from Washington; Gabby who als...

Wednesday was a huge day in Spain "Dia de los Reyes" (Day of the three kings). The holiday here is celebrated as more important than christmas. Dan and I dressed up and enjoyed a feast of Argentine Asado, which is by far the best meat in the world. We also had another Spanish dish with cod, cabbage, and potatoes that was great as well. We finished our celebration by having King's Cake, which Senora Ferrero made for us. The entire experience was one of a...

So, I spent the past couple days Flat Hunting, and finally found where I want to live (I hope). Its an apartment on calle de toledo, which is right near the center of town. Anyway, Sunday evening Dan and his Family returned from Galicia and I came over and stayed with him. Sunday night was pretty relaxing, as I was able to set my stuff down, enjoy a home cooked meal with the Perez Family, and sleep in a bigger bed. Monday, Dan and I slept in and then went and ...

For the New Years Festivities Dan and I surely made a day of it. I moved to my hotel mid-morning and then went to Dan's house to hang out. He introduced me to Spanish Ham, which is probably the greatest thing I have ever tasted. Here in Madrid it is a delicacy as they feed the pigs black acorns and each family keeps a ham leg in their house on a special cutting board throughout the holidays. We then went to one of Dan's favorite local spots where I tried more Spa...