Buenos,

Since I last talked about Madrid there have been a couple of changes. Everyone is back from vacation. At around 8:30 pm the Parque Retiro is literally packed with people. Also, the weather has gotten a lot colder this week due to storms all around Spain. Fall has arrived, but apparently out weather will be nicer next week.

Since I've been in Spain for a few weeks now, I have compiled a brief list of general general obeservations Madrid and Spain that differentiate them from America. Hope you enjoy:

1. Stores: All of the stores, especially the smaller grocery or clothing stores, look like they were just opened. Merchandise sits on top of boxs and next to random pieces of furniture so it is unclear what you can buy and whether they will be there tomorrow. This transence is only increased when due to the fact that everthing is closed midday for lunch, so one can never be sure if they will ever be able to go back to a cool book store or whatever else they found. (Picture 2)

Also as an aside: do not forget atheltic shorts if you want to wear them here. Literally no stores (Corte Ingles, Nike store, etc.) carry any shorts that are less than 25 euros.

2. No one follows the signs. For example ... in the Parque Retiro there are clear signs that say do not walk on the grass; nonetheless, the acts of picnicing, napping and snogging (think Harry Potter) are frequently preformed next to this signs. See picture 3 for evidence.

3. Melodramatic: Everyone enjoys exaggeration. Whether it be in movies or artwork or just everyday speach. This one is harder to document, but take picture 4, a painting of Los Reyes Catolicos as proof. If you saw the whole painting you would agree with me that it's a little over the top.

4. St. Christopher is better than St. Catherine. Duh, but Spain agrees. The amount of art work I've seen representing these two saints is definitely favoring Christopher, in probably a 3:1 ratio. (Picture 5)

5. Lines. The Spanish like to stand in line almost as much as their Duke counterparts. Simple tasks, like getting student IDs take a least 45 minutes due this predliction. The fact that cutting these lines is a common practice does not help the situation.

6. Speedy. Spainairds run very fast. In the park they will sprint past you only to stop twenty yard later. Also Spainards eat very fast. My host family always finishes their plates before me, and I considered myself a fast eater in the states. (No fotographic evidence)

Spanish Lesson

Estoy bueno ≠ I'm fine ... but rather "I'm hot"

Context: When at dinner and your host mother asks if you would like more food say "Estoy bien", not "Estoy bueno" unless you are very concieted and want to prove you don't understand what she is saying. I know this from experience.

Hasta Luego

Brent