Turn your heat on tonight when you go to bed and dream about me

This is what some people consider "clowning"

The 6^th day of the month of September

            So if someone told you the forecast would be 70-85 degrees, you would think, o nice, warm, not hot, cool, not cold…ya that sounds nice doesn’t it.  Well Madrid, what the hell, my bedroom hasn’t dropped below 84 degrees in 6 days…Europe, I thought you were supposed to be cool.

            Anyway, enough with the complaining.  But seriously, 85 freakin’ degrees…if you’re into solidarity, turn your heat on tonight when you go to bed and dream about me…ya right.  But I digress…so far the chronicles of 7 LMU students have been interesting, mostly filled with studying and reading books.  That’s a complete lie.

            So far, we have been trying to find our bearings, figure out how not to get lost on the metro, and manage eating dinner every night at 9pm and not going out until 11.  Solidarity fans, try this too…doubt you’ll like it.  All in all, Madrid, you’re a tough change…but I’ll get there.

            The bar scene here is no Ireland…maybe because they don’t speak English…that’s likely it.  Also, dancing like Americans still makes you stand out more than Mike’s tan.  Beers are still 4-5 Euros, cabs are cheap, and dudes are still kinda creepy sometimes.  I never know if it’s a dude trying to pick pocket me, touch my butt, or c) both.

            Bar hot spot number 1: El Chapandaz (= the cave).  It’s a cool bar, and if you’re any sort of smart, you will have figured out it looks like a cave inside.  They are big fans of alcohol + milk.  To me alcohol + milk = all sorts of bad from each end, apparently they like it here.

            Exploration number 1: Toledo.  A 15^th century town along the Tagus river…old, narrow streets barely wide enough for one car, cool churches and art museums, some dude named Greco has a painting there.  Met some people from other school, bueno.

            Hopefully the trip picks up from here…and cools down.  Adjusting to a non-Eng

lish place is proving pretty difficult, but hopefully I figure it out soon.  Look at some embarrassing photos below.

Maybe Ryan isn't a fan of this beer

This place has big ass drinks

 Some may consider people in this photo also in the clowing category

Stephen reads a map...and talks on the phone...what's up multi-task

Ya, you wish you were here…too bad

Sunday, the 29^th

Dear readers, I hope to instill upon you a sense of trust.  I ask that you trust me, for the next 4 months, the narrate the journey through Europe, namely Madrid, Spain.  If you lack this trust, leave now.

For those who care, today sucked.  I was on an airplane for 14 hours of the day…and US Airways, you suck so many dicks, your seats are tiny and leg room is minimal…this is me upset.  Anyway, I’m over it, I am in Madrid now. After clearing customs, Mike and I got a taxi to the host family’s house, a nice apartment in downtown Madrid; sweeping views of the city…ya, you wish you were here…too bad.

I slept, Mike and Ryan roamed the streets.  We hung out, ate dinner, took a walking tour of the city, and cruised out to the bars.  LMU girls, you missed out, you should have come.

Whatever, we went to an Irish pub of all places…lots of drinks…then bed.

This post is short, it probably sucks in your mind…but you read this far, so I hope you read for the next 4 months.  I am back in my house/apartment/room now, going to bed…Madrid is a cool place…I need to work on my Spanish…peace/paz.

Stubbs Spain Blog 2010

Sunday, August 29

This blog is meant to document the wild adventures of the life and times of Stephen Walden, Michael Baldacci, and Ryan Miller throughout the streets of Madrid, Spain.  This blog is not for the young, sick, or prude...please be aware of language or photos likely to be offensive.  If at any time you feel inclined, press the small x in the upper right corner...as an offended reader is an unwelcomed reader.  If you wish to journey through the writings synonymous with the Decalogue, Qaran, or other holy novels...read on.

Do not be afraid...

Parents...we will be safe

Relatives...we will send pictures and letters

Friends...we will have a fu*king insane time