arrival...

so the day has finally come for me to begin my adventure in Spain! let me first begin by saying that my name is Marisa and I am a junior at Boston College studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain for the spring semester. I am going through a program called API (academic programs international) where I will be taking classes at the Universidad de Salamanca, integrated into the classes with other Spaniards!

Yesterday was the day of departure...although it still feels like today with all of the time changes I've been through. My flight was scheduled to leave at 6:05pm from Logan. However, the plane decided it would be a great time for the left engine to take a break, thereby delaying my flight an hour and a half. This caused me to miss my connecting flight to Madrid, but I was still in a chipper mood since I was on my way to Spain to begin my semester abroad. Upon arrival in Madrid I discovered my luggage, along with a few others who had missed the same connecting flight as me was suddenly missing...SIGH. So now I'm crossing my fingers that our bags will come tomorrow.

Despite the loss of baggage my time here so far has been great. I'm staying at the Hotel Regina and have a roommate named Ashley from Colorado. She's really nice and we're getting along well. We both went out exploring and in search of a reasonable place to find some clothes and toiletries to tide me over until my baggage arrives. I am most awed by the beautiful architecture that is all over Madrid. The buildings are very old fashioned and have a majestic look to them. It gives the giant city a homey feeling, and really demonstrates the culture and history of the Spaniards. I've also noticed that although Madrid is giant, it is able to embody a calm and relaxed way of life unlike many American cities such as New York. When I'm in New York, I am always aware of my surroundings so I don't get hit by a car, or even a fellow pedestrian walking down the street. However, here everyone seems to be moving at a slower pace, but still managing to make it to their destinations. A little strange thing Ashley and I noticed was that everyone we walked by smelled noticeably good, haha. Everyone was wearing perfume and cologne, but just the right amount!

After we explored on our own the group took a walking tour of La plaza de Sol y la plaza mayor; two beautiful locations in Madrid. Each is a site of beautiful buildings and statues located in the center of Madrid. So far (one day) besides the loss of my luggage which I hope will return to me tomorrow (fingers crossed!) I have enjoyed myself! I look forward to a day full of museums tomorrow! y ahora, buenas noches!