First two week catch up.

I have been in Madrid for two weeks now and haven't had time to write on my blog.  I have three classes this summer and they are keeping me busy.  To give you an idea, these are normal semester classes that have been squished into five weeks.  The first week the weather was pretty nice.  Unfortunately, it didn't stay that way.  It is supposed to get to 102 degrees Fareinheit today.  It's not so bad when I'm in class because it is air conditioned, however my apartment is not.  I literally feel like I'm melting and cannot think much less study.  This last weekend I spent a bit of time at TGIFriday's enjoying the air conditioning and some fajitas.  It was lovely.

I also had an interesting visit to grocery store.  I was looking for lotion and a guy a bit away from me stuffed a box of cologne down his pants.  Needless to say I was taken aback.  I was stuck between  "Oh crap.  Did he see me?" and "I really should tell someone."  I finally left the aisle and secretly told a worker what happened.  I then went to a different part of the store and continued shopping.  I waited for some time before I checked out to hopefully assure he wasn't waiting outside for me.  I didn't see him when I left and I booked it home.  

I have noticed quite a few things this summer.  For example, I think the graffiti is worse, but it could just be my imagination or I could be noticing it more.  I've also noticed the grocery stores have more "pre-made" things.  For example, frozen or refrigerated meals that can be heated at home.  I wonder if this is an American trend catching on here.  I was also able to order a pizza for the first time.  You could order them before, but I hadn't done so yet.  I actually ordered on the internet.

I also posted facebook how my host mom wanted me to be able to celebrate July 4th as I had mentioned everyone was posting about their parties online.  So we had Burger King and decorated the table with an American flag.  She is so sweet.

Last night I even came home to ice tea!  That really made my day.  I had mentioned that I really wanted some ice tea like we have at home.  Not flavored, not from a can, not from a bottle, but brewed "regular tea.     I had purchased some black tea at the grocery, but only had time to put it in my room.  When she was cleaning my room (yes she cleans my room, no I do not ask her to) she saw the tea and remembered that I wanted some ice tea.  She made some and even sweetened it with my sweetener.  It was perfect.  She is so kind and thoughtful.  I found out this morning that she had also refilled my empty water bottles from my room and put them in the freezer.  Great relief on these hot days.  Which brings me to another issue.  I posted the forecast on facebook last night as well.  Why???!!!!  is all I can say.  

Now, don't get me wrong, it is a dry heat.  However, I don't have air conditioning at my apartment and it is awful.  I know I'm a spoiled American, but I don't know how people here handle it on a regular basis.  At this point, my relief is going to class because my classes are air conditioned.  I have been considering a trip to the beach, but that requires train tickets and a hotel, planning, etc. that I honestly don't have time for.  So today I found out there are water parks in Madrid and I think I may go to one of those as an alternative.  I still get to swim, but I don't have to travel far and I don't end up with sand everywhere.  

So I know this is a long post, but it is for a long time as well.  I hope that I can write more frequently now.