Well, it's now my fourth full day in Madrid, and I'm already moved into a new apartment; so I think that's pretty good! It was hectic the first few days, but all in all, it went about as well as I could have hoped. When I first arrived, I was exhausted (hadn't slept for a day and a half) and I didn't have a working phone...so it was a little hard to maneuver. However, I found my way to the place where I was staying and eventually was able to rest up a bit and buy a phone, which certainly made life much easier.
Monday-Weds I stayed with another American girl who is living in Madrid. She was actually in the same Fulbright program last year that I'm in this year, and she's staying for another year to do a Masters program. I actually didn't know her before Monday, but a professor of mine put me in touch with her, because they had met while they were both in Madrid (my Spanish professor lives and researches in Madrid for part of the year, and Mary Kate, the girl I stayed with, was interested in her research). Anyway, Mary Kate was very welcoming and friendly; it was nice to make a new friend right when I got here and have someone who could give me advice on life in Madrid, since I didn't really know anyone else here when arriving.
Starting my first day, I had appointments to visit apartments. I visited one neighborhood that I didn't like, so I decided not to consider that apartment. My next appointment fell through, so I wasn't feeling all that hopeful. However, luckily, the next day I visited two apartments, both of which were pretty good. I decided I liked the second one a lot more, and although it was a little more expensive, I felt that it was worth the extra money. The apartment itself is pretty nice for what I'm paying; the room isn't too small, there is a good amount of closet space, there is wireless internet included, the kitchen is equipped with everything I would need, there is a nice living room and balcony, the bathroom is fine...basically everything I really need. And, its in a really nice neighborhood (called Arguelles). There are lots of supermarkets, bars, restaurants, everything you could want basically, right nearby. It's very close to the center of the city and is on the same metro line as my school, so the commute shouldn't be too bad. Also, while there is a lot going on, its not the absolute center of the city, so its not quite as hectic, loud, or crowded as the very center of the city (Sol/ Plaza de Espana/ Callao area...for those of you who know Madrid).
Also, I really like my roommate, Ruth, and although I've only known her for 2 days so far, I feel like we will live together really well, which is obviously really important. She is originally from Bilbao but has lived in Madrid for a year or so now. She is 24 and recently graduated from college and is working as a headhunter in Madrid. She's really sweet, and she's already introduced me to a few of her friends who live down the street. So, I think it will work out really well and I'm relieved to have settled a bit. There are still some logistics I need to figure out- like how to open a bank account here, how to get my money to the woman who owns the apartment, etc, but hopefully, I'll figure all that out poco a poco (little by little), as you say in Spanish. My next task is to try to find a gym nearby to join...I've heard there are several so hopefully I can find one that I like and is somewhat affordable.
I've also heard from a few of the other Fulbrights who recently arrived in Madrid, so maybe I'll meet up with them at some point soon. Anyway, I think that's all to report for now.
Hasta luego :)
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