Hello Europe! We made our voyage to you in one piece. It didn’t actually hit us until we exited the metro terminal and there she was, España, in all her glory, architecture, bustling city streets and more. Spain is a very lively city; tons of people flood the city streets, street performers come together as mini-orchestras, accordian players and opera singers, the food is superb, the architecture is extraordinary and even though your Spanish might be nonexistant, the locals will work with you as long as you give is a try.

The architecture ranges in Madrid were you can witness centuries of revitalization. Colorful apartments sit quietly across from the Basilica de San Francisco. The Palacio Real, is the official home to the King of Spain.

We dined on mejillones vinagreta with a sweet house wine in the late afternoon. The city streets were shrillingly quiet because locals typically eat a large lunch around 2PM and a small dinner around 10PM. We are adjusting.

A view of the whimsical canopy on Calle de Arenal, the street our hostel is on.

Some of the most interesting characters can be found in this city. Sharp, well-dressed dancers make their way to their next performance, while chubby Spiderman instigates a brawl with an invisible nemesis in Plaza Mayor.

More adventures to come.