First full weekend in Spain

Thursday night came really fast, and it was finally the weekend! There was a scheduled tour around Toledo on Friday so we just hung around the city Thursday night. We started out at O’Briens because we knew the bartender from before; his name is Emilio. It was his birthday so there were tons of people there. We got a drink and then decided to move to another place. Eventually we found a discoteca, which we all really wanted! There was a big group of us and we all walked in a started dancing. We were the only none native people in there and it was a blast! We got home really late…well at least to us. People in Spain don’t go out until 11 or 12 and then stay out until 5ish! That is going to take some getting use to, but I’m willing to try.

Friday our tour was at 10 in the morning. They took us around the outside of the city so we could take pictures and see the entire thing. A river, el Tajo, surrounds Toledo. It was beautiful! Then we did the rest of the tour on foot. It was really cool to learn about everything in the old city. We also saw the cathedral, which is huge and gorgeous.

Saturday we left for Madrid with Mark, Brian, Ryan, Jamie, Kate, Daniella, Maggie, some others and me. That night in Madrid was la noche en blanca, which is a huge party on the street and all of the museums are open for free through the night. Our plan was to go by bus and then take the metro in to the main part of the city. Then we were going to do the same back the next morning at six! This is because the metros and buses stop at 11pm and didn’t start until 6 in the morning again. It ended up working out really well but we were rather tired!

When we got to Madrid we walked around the city and took pictures. Then we went to el Parque de Buen Retiro, which had a little lake and pretty scenery. The guys got a boat for 4 euros and took that around the lake, and the girls just hung out. There was a guy being a statue right by the lake and we found him really interesting. He was so still and looked so fake! After the lake we went to eat at a little restaurant. It is so different eating out in Spain because nobody is in a rush and you even have to ask for him or her to bring your bill; they don’t just bring it when you look done. We were there for probably over 2 hours.

By the time we were done it was almost time for the museums to open, so we got in line in front of El Prado. It took a little while to get it but it was sooooo worth it. My favorite paintings were done by Ribera but there were so many other good ones too! After that we decided to hit up the bars and clubs. It was a lot of fun and we were in and out of so many. We even went into a gay club and as soon as we realized it, we were out! Lol We met tons of people, danced a lot, and had a great time! When we finally got home we slept for most of Sunday, but it was well worth it!