Landings, Luggage, and other things. Hello Madrid!

Mmmm a lingering Madrid Sunset!! : ]
So yesterday, I departed for my trip to Spain and after 1 Ten hour flight to London and another 2 hour plane flight, I am finally in Madrid for the next four days. Every one studying abroad through my program within Spain is here and there are about 80 of us. It still has not finally hit me yet that I am actually doing this, but as I sit on my twin bed in my hotel room...its starting to feel just a little bit more real!

Everyone here seems so friendly and kind, it looks like its going to be an all around good group going to San Sebastian. I predict we are all going to have an insane time and get along, tomorrow I find out my living arrangements for when I arrive there and I am super stoked.

Lets just say though.. that I am DEFINITLY not a fan of flying over long distances. I thought driving to Chico from Salinas was hard ( which is only 5 hrs), the ten hour flight from San Fran to London was rediculous. Although it didn't seem like a complete ten hours since I spent the entire time watching movies, but the time change really messes up your system. I am writing this as I am on like 26 hours of no sleep and it is 11 PM here. I cannot wait to crawl into my bed and pass out for the night. It still seems weird to me knowing that everyone back in California is really only half way into their day. It kinda makes me jealous for some how I believe if I were in that time zone I would not have this sleep deprivation. But hey, you have to roll with the punches and keep on going. Im on a trip of a life time right now.. do you really think I am going to complain? HELL NO! haha

The downside of all of the flying and airport nonsense is not only security, but the fact that as of right now as I lie here (in Madrid), my luggage is still in London. Somehow the baggage did not transfer onto the next flight to Madrid for any of the students so many are with out clothes for tomorrow. Thanks to Abigail, I am fully equipped..minus comfortable walking shoes but I will survive. Once we landed in madrid, passed customs, and went to claim our baggage, after five bags came out of the carosoel, we were notified that most of the luggage had not been retrieved and that took ANOTHER two hours of standing in line and waiting to give the airline our adress and them telling us that ur bags would be ato ur hotel the next day. 2 HOURS! We go to the airport at 3:330 and we didn't end up leaving until a little closer to 7. I wanted to die. My feet hurt, I was tired, I didn't even care about my luggage, i just was wanted to get out of that damn airport. It was like the Disneyland from HELL!

Now it is all taken care of and the bags should be her by tomorrow. Everyone is partaking in a walking tour of Madrid which should be both beautiful and exciting. Driving from the airport to the motel was beautiful and I fell inlove with the sky and architecture of each building. There are many statues and fountains placed around the city which give it an old feel and a sense of magic. You should see the City Hall. You couldn't even imagine the amazingness of it if you tried!

This is only just the begining but I am so excited to start this adventure! I love and miss everyone back at home and I promise to keep you updated! A happy birthday goes out to my mom and my best friend Abigail! I LOVE YOU BOTH! and i cna't wait to see you guys when i get back! This has been a long day but I am still so pumped and so ready to take the bull by the horns and be adventurous! These next couple of days in Madrid should be beautiful, interesting, and hopefully filled with fun! Love you guys!

The KooseA