REAL MADRID, Churros, teleférico...

I experienced my first professional soccer game this week on Wednesday. Actually, I'm pretty sure it's the first soccer game I've seen since my older cousin Joel's soccer game when he was about 10 and I was 8. Anyway, there is nothing like a packed stadium of crazy REAL MADRID fans to get you pumped. The fact that we were sitting in the second highest tier did not faze us--or the Madrileños who surrounded us. 

That was the best part of the game--listening to the commentary of all of the other Spanish fans. I was surprised by the wide range in age of the fans, too. The man sitting next to me was probably around 60 years old and was as enthusiastic as ever, making comments throughout the game (and I should know--the left side of my cheek got sprayed various times during the night...). As Phoebe would say, "I asked for the news, not the weather." 

Anyway, before the game started Raphael Nadal came out onto the field to a standing ovation because he won the U.S. Open. It was so unexpected and thrilling and a great way to start the game. And the best way to end it--with a two nothing win from REAL MADRID! 

Friday I had my first taste of chocolate con churros from a very famous café in Madird--Chocolatería de San Ginés. The rich delicious chocolate is brought out in a coffee cup and the warm churros on a plate. Must say--loved the chocolate, but I think the churros are a bit overrated. Although if someone asked me to go with him/her I likely would not refuse...

Deeeelish! (Okay, I know it sounds picky and might be seriously over doing it...but I wish the churros had sugar and cinnamon...although I realize that is not a Spanish thing :( )

Finally...the Teleférico...which is a gondola that goes over Madrid. Funny story--didn't realize the receipt is also the ticket and so I threw it out. Whoopsies. When I told the woman at the ticket booth what had happened (or at least tried to explain in Spanish) she proceeded to get out from behind the booth. I thought she was going over to tell the men loading the passengers into the cars that I could get on even though I didn't have a ticket. But no. She fished the ticket/receipt out of the garbage! Spaniards are too nice. If I had known that was what she was going to do, I would have done it myself! It did not help that the men loading the passengers saw this entire incident and didn't hold back their laugher as I got into the car. Regardless, the views of Parque del Oeste are great and for under 6 euro roundtrip it is totally worth it. 

Blair and me on the gondola

Ashley and Meghan on the gondola

Next week...Portugal and Salamanca! Can't wait. My personal quest to fill up my passport pages begins :).