Sunday, the 19th of September, was my last day without a home in Madrid! After this past week of walking miles of the city and enduring the metro for half of my days searching for a room I am finally able to move to my new home. I have been leaving all of my luggage besides my carry-on at Dani’s apartment while staying in the hotel this past week so after checking out I headed with Christina to Fuenlabrada to get our bags. Christina and I parted at Dani’s. She left for her new apartment in the city while I stayed the afternoon and enjoyed Emily and Dani’s company until Maria, one of my two roommates, was able to meet at the apartment.
Dani and Emily were more than hospitable in my 4 hours I spent at their place. I was at their apartment over the lunch hour and we decided to cook a meal before heading to my apartment. For anyone who knows me well you’re probably surprised when I say ‘we decided to cook’ – on the contrary, Emily decided she was hungry for tortilla española (a potato, egg, and onion dish I could eat every day) so she began to prep the ingredients. I, whose specialty is over-easy eggs in the States, felt an overwhelming urge to help because I, A, was a guest and, B, couldn’t resist learning how to make a traditional Spanish dish. I began peeling potatoes and was quickly corrected by Dani on how to use a potato peeler. Our meal turned out fabulous and I am sure I overate but I am proud to say I can hopefully cook tortilla española for anyone who has a craving for it upon my return.
After dinner, Dani drove Emily and I to my apartment in Santa Eugenia. I was very anxious about returning to the apartment and was hoping that with the crazy week I have had that the apartment was still as well of a fit as what I remembered. Maria, the teacher who owns the apartment, greeted us as warmly as the first time we had met – it was such a relief to finally feel as if I knew I was where I needed to be. Dani, Emily and I unloaded my overly packed suitcases (my advice, less really is more) and I was home! Emily and Dani left soon after as they had at least a 30 minute car ride back to Dani’s place. An important side note, without Emily and Dani’s help the last few days I am positive I would not have survived this week with an ounce of sanity. I am sure that my arrival, transportation of luggage, sanity and patience would have been minimal to non-exsistance without their help. A HUGE gracias is given to both of them for everything!
At the apartment I was given a tour of the apartment from Maria in almost all Spanish. I had her repeat herself in English with important matters like how to use the fryer, if that day ever comes, so I could avoid burning down the apartment. There is also another teacher here who is from the United States who is looking for an apartment back home – she has been in Spain for four years completing her Masters and teaching English. Her and I talked for a little bit in English but both agreed to speak in Spanish so that I can improve my speaking abilities as quickly as possible. I am starting to unpack and am overwhelmed with joy for how my time here is beginning and cannot wait to explore my neighborhood and begin familiarizing myself with my surroundings. Tomorrow morning I plan to grocery shop in the supermercado so I am sure stories will ensue.
Un beso, Rachel
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