"Me Voy A Casar!"

Buenas noches ustedes, BIG NEWS! There is a new man in my life. He is funny and smart and absolutely adorable. His name is Mario and we look quite good together, don’t you think?

Ha ha. Mario is Marta’s comically theatrical nephew (I can see where he gets it from). He is also a talented artist (I see where he gets that from also) and drew me something to put up in my room… such a charmer. Mario and more of Marta’s family - including their little chiwawa - come to her place every Saturday for lunch. It has been fun seeing them on a regular basis and spending the day together; because Marta and I are usually the only ones here it is quite exciting to have a full house! Marta always cooks a big meal and everyone else comes with fine wine, good bread, and sweet desserts. Below: Mario thinking he looks pretty funny in my glasses with dry spaghetti in his mouth.

Last weekend Danielle and her roommate from London, Bree, came to visit us in Madrid; we took them to some of our favorite spots (so far) for sightseeing, tapas, drinks, and dancing. I've been spending more time with a couple new Spanish friends from school, Levy and Hanna. They are really fun. Also excellent walking city guides. Alicia and I work out together during the week and I've gotten back into running. Marta says there is a park close by so as soon as spring arrives I'll be moving my workouts outdoors, can't wait...

Yesterday it was my friend Christa Lee’s birthday but we decided to pretend it was a Bachelorette Party celebration. Engaged/Birthday girl, Hanna, Alicia, Chrissy and I went out for sushi dinner than to some bars where we met Levy and eventually we all ended up at one of our favorite clubs Pacha. Of course we were all decked out in accessories and Christa Lee borrowed my ridiculously large fake diamond ring to wear and kept yelling “Me voy a casar!!!!” (I’m getting married) all night long. It was hilarious. The best part was almost everyone believed us…

I got home last night - more like this morning - at 6:30 am so I was lazy in bed all day. Around 5 Alicia and I decided we should face the day and went out exploring. We saw Madrid’s Gothic Cathedral, the old Opera House, and Royal Palace. We got out just at dusk and the city was so romantic! Dad I thought of you when we saw a guy was playing the Hammer Dulcimer in the Plaza Mayor. We revisited the Mercado de San Miguel to re-stock on Muesli and artisan bread, and couldn’t resist a couple tapas before finally heading home for dinner. It was an early night because tomorrow Alicia and I are taking the high speed train to Toledo for a day trip, the city is supposed to be beautiful. Next weekend we’re off to SWITZERLAND!

Only in Spain will your professor cancel class when his Vespa breaks down. Second hardest thing to find in Madrid so far (still have not found any peanut butter) is deodorant. Who knew? Hasta luego.