An American in Madrid: Introduction

Over the Christmas holidays we finally had the chance to visit Madrid Spain, the first time there for me and  Isaac and Carolina's first time back in over 4 years. The trip had been planned since late March and by the time it came around I had worked myself up into a nice panic. Enough so, that I managed to score a 7 day supply of Xanex from my doctor to "get me on the plane" and ease any "rough" moments. I ended up only needing one when boarding the flight to Madrid; Isaac took the rest.

I had many reasons to be feeling anxious; my first time in Europe, the longest flight so far (10 hours) my first  time meeting most of Isaac's family, our first big trip together, and the longest period of time in one shot with Carolina. Add on packing for two weeks and a cool climate as well as Christmas gifts and knowing that we had to stay within airline luggage guidelines and I was a wreck by November.

As usual, though, I was worked up for no reason and our trip was great, I fell in love with the city of Madrid, Isaac's family was so nice and welcoming and the weather was beautiful the whole time we were there. A little chilly some days, but not generally mid to low 50's upper  the day but the sun always shone so it usually felt warmer. I do plan to post about more of our trip, but I'm still deciding exactly how; I don't want to do a boring day by day account and to be honest at this point I don't think I could remember specifically what we did each day. I.'ll figure it out though, in the meantime; a few high points/observations.

1. This was not a vacation, this was a trip and there is a huge difference between the two. A vacation in relaxing and for as much fun as we had nothing about this trip was relaxing.

2. Isaac and I travel very well together. I was pleasantly surprised at how few snippy moments we had. I'm having a hard time thinking of any. I was expecting a few between being tired and the stress of trying to squeeze so much in, but things were very smooth. I feel like we developed an "us against the world" front and it was nice!

3. It's not a stereotype, Spaniards eat lunch and dinner late.

4. I wasn't expecting any longing for home at Christmas time and was surprised when it hit. I've always felt fairly flexible at holiday times. My parents are divorced so holidays were split and I got used to not being at the same place every year and not having "yearly" traditions and that has continued into adult hood. We do what needs to be done each year all of it hinging on what we all have going on. So, and I don't mean this in a bad way, I didn't miss my family at Christmas, I just missed my routines. This will be expanded on in the future.

5. Due to space constraints I left my skinny jeans that require knee high boots at home and opted for my versatile boot cut jeans and Skechers. When I arrived in Spain I realized every freaking woman there was wearing skinny jeans and knee high boots. (Insert long heavy sigh....)

6. My bed is the best bed ever and I will never take it for granted again.