Arrival in Madrid: Take One

So, I've been away awhile, getting ready for the trip to Spain, spending time with family and friends, freaking out, not freaking out, going through the usual Keller family routine of rediscovering the outer limits of pre-travel panic and stress. But, three days ago I finally arrived in Madrid--tired and worn out, but happy to finally be here after so long.

After talking to an academic/jazz singer on the plane for almost 8 hours (yes, Mike apparently I do attract jazzy wherever I go), I decided that sleeping was overrated and watched the sun come up instead (actually, I suppose we were landing into the sun, right?). The photo's not very good since there were fingerprints all over the window and I was super out-of-it. But, I guess that pretty much sums up how I felt anyway: grimy and beat above the clouds.


JD couldn't meet me at the airport, since he had a sexy date with sleep in his Ikea bed (wink, wink bb! don't break another one!), but I managed to navigate myself to my new home despite my two huge 4-ton bags.



Milagros (yes, that's right, "Miracle" the maid) let me
in and showed me around the place. She was great--a very warm welcome after a semi-hectic morning of sweat and panic at the airport without JD. And after carrying my luggage up the 5 flights of stairs to get to my fourth floor apartment (1 = 0, has been my most recently renewed montra), I stepped into the kitchen sunlight, took a deep breath, a much needed sigh of relief, turned around and there it was peeking out from behind the door: the gigantic pata negra of jamon iberico.


Ah, Spain...

Needless-to-say, the apartment is absolutely lovely and spacious! Dani, my new roommate, is awesome, very funny, and totally relaxed. He's already shown me the digs around the barrio, so I'm getting settled in more and more.

I miss you all! Please write, or call, or post photos, or send a lil' shout out...I hope all is well with everyone across the Atlantic.

More news to come soon...