Sunday at Noon 10-11-09

Hi all -
Wish I knew who all is reading this - but know it is viewed - thanks
I know it has been a few days, I moved into the new place on Thursday at 5pm and was not able to connect to the WIFI (pronounced WeeFee) for two days - it is a long boring story.

This neighborhood is great, but in moving here I discovered that the Spainish (some) are closed minded to other peoples. Not certain they are qualified as biggots, but definately have opinions about people from other countries. This hood is very mixed, but mostly Spanish on this side of C/Bravo Murillo and Latinos on the other side. However, there are tons of different restaurants in the area: Scottish (tried) Mexican; Japonese; Chinese; Kenya; are what I have seen so far.

I start school, the certificate program, tomorrow and will walk to class. I am nervous because the English grammar pre-work is harder than I thought - did not realize I know so little about grammar. I will be up all night studying.

Another observation I have made. When I started using the metro here I could not figure out why I was all turned about and confused. The trains run on the British side of the tracks -
They travel right to left - NOT left to right like in the states -
I have been so confused until I figured out what was up... or backwards so to speak.

I have spent the last two days, since moving taking the bus, instead of the metro - can see more of the city above ground - DUH ....
Have been doing my class work outside in the park - Parque del Buen Retiro. It is huge with gardens, a lake, statues, restaurants, lots to do and see. Very tranquil place to sit and study and of course people watch.
Okay - about the people - like all large cities there are many types - sizes and shapes -
But the eye-candy is not to be believed - if only I could take picturs to prove it ... but I would not survive long if I was snapping pictures of subjects I should not be snapping - if you get my drift.


Well, Maria Jose and Carlos are picking me up in 20 minutes (my time - 35/40 their time) to drive north for 2 to 2.5 hours. Visiting friends of theirs and a new city (town) details later.

See ya some time ...
Beto