Saturday, May 22nd

The weather today could not have been more perfect! I spent the day walking around Plaza del Sol and other downtown areas. The sun was shining and it was just beautiful out! I ate lunch at a VERY cute chain restaurant that sells sandwiches. I NEED to take a picture of them and I know that is going to be easy, since I will definitely go back asap! They were like the cute Japanese sandwiches we all love- no crust, soft little bread slices, and cute ingredients on the inside! I had a tuna salad and a curried chicken salad one. Natalie would love these!

I also did a little shopping in the area, but spent most of the day outside in the sun! I am exhausted! The most interesting part of being in Madrid today is.... FUTBOL! Today, Bayern (from Germany) and Internazionale (from Italy) are playing against each other in Madrid! THE TOWN IS GOING CRAZY. Everywhere you go, on the metro, walking, inside stores and restaurants, outside, etc... people are singing, cheering, fighting, drinking, and getting ready to go to the game. It's very hectic, but I have posted a few photos. I also have a video but I'm having trouble posting it so I will do it another time!

Last night Mel and I, through some strange series of events, met these kids from Atlanta, Georgia (Yes, my first official night out in Madrid and I hung out with high schoolers from America...). Anyways, turns out they were with their father who seemed to be a very important guest at the lounge where we were. Later I found out he is the President & CEO of this huge fortune 500 telecommunications company (Windstream) and used to be in charge of Alltel and he and his family were visiting Madrid for some meeting he had. It was so funny because every time I would ask the son's friends what his Dad did, they would say some strange comment like "I'm not at liberty to say that." They made it seem very dramatic but it was very funny to spend the first night hanging out with teenagers and their super wealthy, well-known father from America.

I am going to the gym after I post this, and I hope it's cool! I enjoyed it on the tour so I am sure it will be great. Until next post,

Whitney

p.s. the top picture is of some of our group members at an all-u-can eat buffet-- only 8 euros! VERY GOOD.
from left to right: margi, arielle, whitney (duh), keegan, nick, juliana