palaces, parks, and the prado

The last couple days in Madrid have been a whirl wind to say the least. I officially started both of my classes and both have been good so far. My Spanish class is interesting because we are a beginner class and my teacher only talks in Spanish, but it is ok as I can understand her for the most part, I just can't respond back! My other class, Intercultural Leadership and Communication has been interesting yet boring. We have basically just talked about cultures, leadership, and communication...on repeat. It is fine though because it will for sure be an easy class.

Yesterday I went to the Royal Palace which is the largest functioning palace in all of Europe. It has thousands of rooms and was rebuilt after it was burned down in 1734. The palace overlooks a beautiful garden where I got to see the sunset. After the palace I went to churros and hot chocolate with my friend Brenna and to say it was delicious does not do this combination justice. The restaurant was called the Chocolateria San Gines and is located down a cute little alley where a bookstore that was built in the 1600s is on the corner.

Today, I was able to go to the Museo Nacional del Prado. I only visited a couple exhibits because the museum is ginormous and I was also really hungry one hour in. I saw the tribute to the Prado as it is celebrating it's 200th anniversary and the exhibit for Bartolome Bermejo. Both were extremely stunning to walk around and see. I am totally going back again to see more. And pro tip: the Prado is free for students and always free entry on Wednesdays!

After the Prado I got lunch with some friends and then we made our way to the El Retiro Park where we saw the Crystal Palace made of all glass. This palace was breathtaking and we arrived there just as the sun was setting so it made for some great pictures and scenery. I want to explore more of the park sometime next week as it is huge and there is so much to see in it. Tomorrow I am off to Toledo with some friends for a day trip. Can't wait to update you all on Toledo!

xoxo, j