El 21 de Mayo

Today was a very long day!  We left the apartment at 8:20am to get our Metro Passes that will allow us to use any public transportation for 1 month--we paid €35 for it, which is supposedly a good deal here. After getting everyone's passes which took a good hour and a half, we went to the IES center.  The center is in the middle of la Universidad Complutense de Madrid--which is a beautiful campus alongside el Parque del Oeste.  The center has a pool, a library, cafeteria, a theatre, and several classrooms for IES students to use. (Photos to follow later).

Getting our Metro transportation passes

We sat through hours of information sessions about the program, safety (presented by policias de Madrid), apartments, and finally the 90-question placement exam.  As I expected, I was placed in the Intermediate level--which I need, no doubt.  Lindsay did very well and placed in the highest level!

As far as our schedules go, we will have different Spanish Grammar classes at the same time Mondays-Thursdays 9:30-11:00am and then we both have "Spanish Culture, Politics and Film" class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:10am-2:15pm.  So we basically have a 3.5-day weekend!

After the test and information sessions, all of the students and staff went to a luncheon at 2pm.  I forgot the name of the restaurant but it was delicious!  We were served a 5-course lunch that included Artesian Bread, Gazpacho, Steak y papas, un postre, y un café expresso.

Artesian Bread

Gazpacho is a traditional vegetable soup that is served cold--usually tomato-based.  It originated in Andalucia (southern Spain)

Friends Matt and Andy at lunch

After lunch, we split up into groups and went on a walk with a spanish student who led us on a tour of la Calle Princessa, a main street which eventually turns into la calle Gran Via.  Gran Via is the main street with many discotecas, casual bars, shops, and restaurants.  We are hoping to go out to some of the clubs on Gran Via on Thursday night.

A Metro entrance

Government building near our apartment

As for the rest of the week, we have our first day of classes tomorrow (5/22)--however our Profé for Spanish Culture, Politics and Film is not in town and postponed class to start on 5/28, so everyday until then we will be done by 11am!  Pretty easy start into school.  This weekend, all IES students will be going on the first excursion to Segovia on Friday.