Madrid 9:30 a.m.

Well, I am finally here in Spain! Not quite to the final destination yet, but close. I am waiting in the airport with Cece and a girl named Stephanie, who is taking a trip to Sevilla to visit her friend before she begins teaching in Chicago. We have about two hours until our plane boards, so we are just hanging out in the airport after walking around for a little while. And we are getting the strange looks! I mean, I understand we are speaking English so that will draw attention, but even when we aren’t talking! We must look horrid after the long flight. Speaking of the flight, everything went smoothly. On the long one (Chicago to Madrid) no one was sitting in the seat next to me, so I was able to stretch out and close my eyes. I absolutely loved taking off, and was excited to say goodbye to the U.S. When we arrived in Madrid, we navigated around the un-crowded airport and had to go through security again. My package of goldfish was apparently cause for suspicion because the guard took them out and inspected them. Maybe they don’t eat goldfish in Spain? I bought my first European purchase-a big bottle of water! Yay. Hopefully the subsequent purchases will be more exciting. I am so glad to finally be here but am anxious to get to Sevilla and get settled in. I know this weekend will be whirlwind!