Day 1: (Madrid) Somehow I Lost A Full Day of My Life
After a little over 12 hours traveling on Sunday, it was suddenly Monday afternoon and I was in Spain. Where the time went? Where the day went? I'm not sure - that's something to ask Steven Hawking, for all I know - it went into a black abyss operated by Lufthansa. (Shout Out to Lufthansa Airlines by the way, the Germans know how to hook it up)
The flight over to Europe was something that I was definitely incredibly nervous about. I had barely ever been out of the country and the longest flight I've been on was somewhere around 5 hours... no where near the 8 and a half I would endure just to get across the pond. Nervous all the way until reaching altitude, I was sure that I wouldn't be able to make it the whole flight. But, unlike the airlines we fly back in the States, Lufthansa (the airline we flew) was very aware how long the flight was and worked really hard to make sure we were all comfortable. There was about a hundred different recently released movies that we could choose from FOR FREE on the flight along with games, breathing exercises, fitness regimes and all you could drink beverages. It was all great, besides the lady next to me who didn't quite understand personal space, the guy continuously kicking my seat behind me, and the fact that 15 minutes into the flight I spilled a glass of water all over my lap; and I mean all over. They fed us dinner with dessert and made sure to turn off all the lights so we could sleep - it was great and relaxing and next thing I know, I wake up and there's only 1 hour and 17 minutes left on the flight. Score!
We got to Munich for our connection and didn't have 5 minutes to spare. We rushed through customs to our gate (which had changed three times) and then into the gloomy, rainy weather on an airbus to get to our small, cozy plane. I told myself that I'd force myself to stay awake so I could sleep later in the night, but 2 hours later I found myself waking up with drool oozing down my face and a man offering "Snack for you?" Classy, I know, but what can you do - I wiped my face and took the food graciously. Now, I'm sure you know how American airlines work - a snack is a bag of crackers if you're lucky, but usually it's either peanuts or pretzels. Again, Lufthansa - you are divine, Germans rock. Their version of a "snack" was Garlic & Onion Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Carrots, Roast Beef, a Fresh Roll, Mineral Water, and Chocolate -ON AN AIRPLANE - just look.
After the flight, we made our way to the hotel via taxi cab - had a few hours to get our lives together and then made our way to La Casa del Abuelo for tapas - something that I've never eaten before.
Twelve rounds of tapas later, and having full bellies - we took a brief tour of Madrid at night, visiting Puerta del Sol, Cine Ideal, and other beautiful plazas in the city. Eyes glazed over, we made our way back to the hotel, ready to knock out and hoping to be able to wake up the next day to truely experience Spain.