Madrid

Ngoc and I arrived safely in Madrid on Wednesday to beautiful Spanish skies and warm weather. I was treated to champagne and "1st class" pastries on the flight for my birthday which was very fitting as I am a champagne baby afterall. Our friend picked us up at the airport in which the challenge began to try and fit Ngoc's and mine 6 big bags of heavy luggage and 2 overstuffed backpacks into a small European car. One might say we overpacked by about 100 pounds or so....maybe 1 tanktop too many. My dad informed me Spaniards do in fact have washing machines and that it wasn't necessary to take enough clothes for 9 months. Despite the tremendous amount of luggage Ngoc and I brought we have both lamented over several items we were forced to leave at home. We spent Thursday sightseeing and went to El Escordial which was King Felipe's II house. It was quite beautiful and full of breathtaking artwork and architecture throughout the palace. Later we saw La Valle de los Caidos where Franco is buried which was also quite a site. We're now visiting with Julio also in Madrid who lives right downtown. We're fully embracing the Spanish lifestyle of laziness, daily siestas and dinner after 10. Tomorrow we'll walk through the downtown and see the city. Then its time for a little birthday fiesta with some of Julio's friends. We're greatly enjoying Spain so far and excited to get to our Home, Huelva, soon.
Un beso,
Ngoc y Ally