After 15 hours of travel that included 2 planes,1 train, and a bus, I’m back in Madrid. And it feels good. Not home…but much more “home-like” this time around. I have 20 students in tow who, for some darn reason, keep looking at me for directions and answers! Oh. That’s right. 😉
My students so far seem lovely. They seemed to bond almost instantaneously at the airport, which was amazing. A couple quiet ones, but I think they will get comfortable soon enough given the clear ring leaders we have in this group. In their predeparture letters, many students expressed mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness. Understandably. But what makes this group unique is their openness to take the leap into the unknown. For all they knew, I could be a charlatan posing as a college instructor with inside knowledge of what makes Spain the healthiest country in the world!! Wait. Is that not right? Moving on.
We are staying in the same hostel as last year (Hostal Persal) which I highly recommend for those looking for a budget friendly option! Hostels are often times run by families and you can feel the pride that has gone into keeping this place running like a well oiled machine. They had all of us checked in by noon and genuinely seemed to care about whether we were comfortable or not.
This year I’m committed to exploring the Mediterranean diet further. True to this mission I began by ordering the menu del dia (daily special). For the low price of €12, I received a starter of grilled mushrooms, ham and egg, an entrée of salmon, salad, and a roll, cheesecake for dessert, a beer to wash it down (calm down, it was 2 pm!), and an espresso to cap it all off. Needless to say I’m full. But not bloated. TMI?
The biggest difference with traditional Spanish food is that the food is actually food. The salmon and salad came with no dressing or condiments. There was not salt or pepper on the table. Just a slice of lemon. And admittedly, it lacked flavor. Or did it? I honestly don’t know. I think my taste buds are still operating on American time and it will take a couple of days to acclimate. I’m trying to savor each bite and taste the food for what it is. I’ll get back to you on this.
I’m off to an 8 pm welcome dinner with our local hosts. They reminded me that Spaniards traditionally eat dinner at 10 PM so this will be challenging for them, but they are gracious hosts above all else. And I’m grateful.
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