I just figured out how to upload pictures so the last three are actually a little bit old. The third and second to last pictures are from Retiro Park, and the last picture is from Plaza de España. The earlier ones will be explained :)

So yesterday I stayed in all day and tried to figure out my schedule for ICADE and I got a lot done but started to feel like a hermit. I went to the Saint Louis University in Madrid soccer game where my roommate was playing and cheered on SLU with Arielle and her friends. I'm now officially a member of the SLU cheer team and will be attending the rest of the futbol games.

Afterwards I went back to a bar I had been to where we had free nachos and pizza. Naturally the nachos were covered in pork and barbeque sauce (because that's Mexican?) and beans. Pork is everywhere. Even the word for meat, "carne," is translated into "pork" here in Madrid. After stuffing myself with pizza (with various kinds of pork on it), nachos, and two claras (beer mixed with a sort of lemon soda or sprite), I was ready for bed.

This morning I got up early to get ready for my orientation at ICADE. I met Maggie and Tim at the gate and we walked up to take our Spanish placement test. Naturally, we were lured into a false sense of proficiency with a simple beginning to the test. By ten minutes left, I still had 20 out of 100 questions. Needless to say, I rushed. I hadn't studied, however, because I wanted the testing to accurately reflect my current abilities. One girl finished within 20 minutes, but she was wearing high heels, so it must've all been wrong anyway.

We went to a meeting on the University with a video full of Harry Potter music, terrible voice-overs, and completely useless information. It was a recruitment video, but we were already there... Without some caffeine in my veins I took a baby siesta in the middle of the presentation on housing. I was intrigued when I learned about a program called Comitas where an exchange student becomes paired with an international student for help and mutual understanding.

More excitingly, I met someone from Italy and we chatted about school and where we are from, but when I learned he was going to ICAI (a separate building for engineers), I realized I probably would never see him again. But I appreciated the Italians' innate gift for stylish glasses and perfect hair.

Afterwards we went down to breakfast (rather, coffee and pastries) and stood around before our second session of information. At this session we talked about actual things- classes, scheduling, ID cards, etc. I found out I DO have an email address through them, but do NOT have an address for things to be delivered at the school. Therefore I expect all chocolate, flowers, cookies, money, etc. to be sent via Arielle (and my mom has her address :D ). I feel much better being in a room with all the kids I'll have my business classes with and seeing how scheduling will work out. Even though, it's going to be an adventure.

Maggie, Tim, and I decided to take the metro to Casa de Campo where I learned that this enormous park was once the private hunting grounds of some king or dictator or something. (Don't worry, I actually plan on learning about it). We walked about 20 or 30 minutes to the lake and had lunch by the edge. We had a classic "plata del dia" or "meal of the day". I had a vegetable soup with a fried egg on top (unbelievable) for my first plate, accidentally ordered fried squid (and yes, James, I ate the tentacles) for my second plate, and a sort of flan/bread pudding for dessert. I couldn't eat all the squid (I was given four and could only eat one), but I'm proud of my efforts. For those who know me, this is a BIG step. Because those things are so gross.

All around our table were these little birds that were begging for scraps of bread. They were all lined up on the chair and I just about died. They were so cute and determined that they deserved my crumbs.

We paid the bill and walked back, trying to warm up from sitting outside (which labeled us as crazy Americans anyway). We explored an indoor mall that was converted from an old train station (very cool) and headed back on the metro. Tim went back while Maggie and I decided to explore her neighborhood for a discount store. There are many of these stores in Madrid overflowing with inexpensive goods. We walked a long way but eventually found one, finding much else along the way. There's a store called Tiger that was pulled right out of Urban Outfitters home section, complete with Indie-Folk music. I fell in love, naturally.

I'm now sitting around avoiding my scheduling and budget for this semester, wondering if I should hold out for the classic Spanish dinner (ie very very late at night). On the plus side, my roommates and I changed some light bulbs (one of which exploded on me-- so you're not supposed to do that with the light on already?), and now everything is wonderfully bright!

Things I learned today:

1. People really are kind here. They aren't as immediate with smiles or polite phrases, but every kind interaction I have had (which are on the rise thanks to my understanding increasing) has seemed genuine. They smile and say something nice when they mean it, not because of social norms. What a concept.

2. My stomach is still not OK with the food

3. Fish is especially not OK. The thought of calamari turns my stomach over.

4. Thus, avoid the seafood section.

5. I can understand almost all of what is said to me now, as long as it's stated slowly and without a heavy accent. Epiphany! I'm going to survive!

6. I can also talk. I just need to settle down and speak slowly.

7. Apparently ICADE is going to be impossible. Super.

8. Luckily, this means that it is an extremely prestigious school. Major companies hire directly out of it-- and I mean MAJOR, international companies. I even have the opportunity to get an internship after my classes finish.

9. I have the opportunity to take a dance class here for 68 euro. My heart and body say "yes! jeanna you love to dance!", but my wallet says "are you crazy? that's $100 USD." Let the battles begin.