Arrival Offers Confused Look #1

Despite two connections, baggage issues, and an overly-affectionate couple sitting next to me, the flight experience was fairly ordinary. As a result, I have made it to Spain!

Madrid Airport Annotations:

1. The lack of escalators in the airport is interesting, especially when watching overweight Americans carrying their overstuffed suitcases.

2. While exchanging currency, I didn't understand that the ticket guy was asking for my passport. I instead proceeded to answer a question that he didn't even ask me. Money Exchange Ticket Guy gave me Confused Look #1 for the trip. (I anticipate MANY more to come!)

3. After getting my suitcase I was expecting to see my host father with a sign. However, no such sign was found. Five or ten minutes later he arrived, much to my confused relief. 

As for the rest, the house is very nice. I have a cute little room, which I vow to keep as clean as it currently is seen here below:

And I also have a nice view into the outside world:

Fun Fact: I have never lived in a room where the windows completely opened! It makes me was to be 15 years old again, sneaking out of house to avoid Mom and Dad. (Just kidding, Mom!) On the flip side, the SDSU dorms were more of a voluntary prison that didn't exactly spark teenage rebellion. Positive change here!

Speaking of prison... the local police station is literally right next door:

Although I have only met the father and one of the girls (and don't understand half the things they say), I can already tell this is going to be a great family and great fun!

As I am barely staying awake with jet lag, I will leave with one simple goal: Learn to speak Spanish. :)

Pre-Departure Procedures

Well, I'm moving to Spain for the summer! I will be working as an au pair in Majadahonda, just outside of Madrid. I'm incredibly stoked to get to know my host family, the town, and other au pairs. Still, it feels a bit strange leaving the States behind for such an extended period of time.

...Especially when I have to sort through all of this before I leave:

Nevertheless, I decided to go out in style--Sioux Falls style! My roommate Audrey drove down from Minnesota just for the day to celebrate classic Americana. Now, I proudly present:

AUDREY AND KATIE'S DAY OF FUN!!

As tradition demands, we started off at the Falls. They managed to look the same.

It was a cloudy/rainy day in SF, but we pushed through anyway. Since we had no other friends with us, we took separate pictures to document March 20th, 2013 at the classic Sioux FALLS landmark.

After the longest elevator ride known to man, we made it to the top of the Viewing Tower, only to be almost blown away by the 100,000 mph winds. Barely snuck out a picture.

Afterwards, Zandbroz was a must. Needless to say, in true Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) style, we discovered some... "treasures."

For example, here was a poster with a particularly questionable depiction of the human metabolism.

On the weird side, we discovered the most awkward, impractical mouse pop-up book.

On the nostalgic side, we rediscovered the fantastic vintage cash register from the old soda fountain.

A few more adventures continued in DTSF and other local hot-spots. In the end, we topped the day off with couple bowls of Lucky Charms. Not only were magical marshmallows in our bellies that night, but also memories. (**sniff**)

 

Even though I'm off to an exciting summer abroad, it sure was fun to embrace my beloved hometown. Let's just say that Sioux Falls sure knows how to give a proper South Dakota send-off!

Exhibit A: Buffalo Head.

 

Exhibit B: God Bless America! (And South Dakota!)

So long, Sioux Falls....

...¡Hola España!