Holy Toledo!

Rafa and I spent the weekend in Toledo, a jewel of city a little south of Madrid. Situated on a hill with steep cliffs, the city has retained it's medieval charm. We had a tough time walking because the city itself is very hilly, but the views were worth it. But enough words- I've included a slide show with pictures.

As for other news, all is well. My Spanish is still slowly improving. In fact, I spent 95% of this weekend "in Spanish" and I didn't have a monstrous headache. My classes are going good and I'm enjoying the students.

The weekend so far...

Weekends are always a good time and this one is no exception. Dinner with Rafa was great on Thursday night. We went to a Gallician place and ate fried pork ears (yeah, I don't recommend). After that, Rafa took me to a really neat Tiki bar where we drank a "Mona Loa."

Last night, I went to an Irish pub with all my academy friends. Jorge came along as well. No, my life here isn't an endless party. The weekdays are pretty quiet-- that whole work thing.

Temple of Debod

My friend Lyndsey and I visited the Temple of Debod in downtown Madrid. It was a gift from Egypt as Spain helped save artifacts when the Aswan High Damn was built. For more info see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Debod

As for other news, all my classes are going well. I'm really enjoying teaching over. No Child Left Behind can kiss my ass! I also have a date tonight with a really great guy. We've been seeing each other for a few weeks now. I'm taking him to a Gallician restaurant.

House Party!

We had our house warming party last night and it was a huge success. We had lots of food and drink and lots of people to go along with it. Unfortunately, I forgot to take any pictures. At one point, there were 50 people in our house. I wish all my American friends were there as well.

What a weekend...

Well folks, fall has arrived in Madrid and the antics continue. I went out (of course) this weekend . On Friday I went with Jorge to a dance club and was there until about 5 a.m. Upon leaving the club, I decided to join some of my friends in Puerta del Sol. Of course, my inebriated ass fell in spectacular style in front of them and the whole of Spain(it involved a corkscrew maneuver). However, I was fine if a little-or a lot- wet.

On Saturday, I hung out with some friends in Plaza de Chueca where these images were taken. We slummed it and drank forties and box wine on the street. I then joined Jorge for some more club action. All in all it was a great weekend and this city is made to have a good time. People are always on the streets and there is always something to see.

Now, I wonder why my kidneys hurt...