Larry and Rose Anne took us to Rose Anne's favorite cafe in their neighborhood and we had some yummy pastries while we got to know each other. After eating, they drove us around and showed us where they live and where the church is and which metros to take to get there.
Then we all headed to Alcorcón. Rose Anne helped us get checked in and then they drove us to where we could catch a train into Madrid. They also showed us Hipercor, a huge shopping center where we can basically buy whatever we need.
After saying goodbye to Larry and Rose Anne and resting for a bit in our hotel, we headed over the footpath that goes over the freeway to check out Hipercor and the bus station.
Our hotel room.
We were a little worried we would have to buy something to be able to leave Hipercor because every time we tried to exit someone told us we couldn't go out that way. Finally Ben saw a sign that said "Salida sin compra". He recognized "salida" for exit and that is when I realized there was a specific exit for people who didn't buy anything.
When we finally got out we headed back to our room and researched a good place to eat and where to find an ATM. After getting a little turned around a few times we finally found the ATM and headed off to find the restaurant we had picked only to find out it is closed for renovation until the 11th.
We ended up in another little restaurant and when asked what we wanted to drink we both said "Agua por favor". However, our waiter came back with Cokes. Maybe they don't serve water? I don't know! We waited almost 30 minutes for someone to come back and take our order. I was thinking I have heard that Spain is a little more laid back but there is only one other customer and Ben has given the waiter the nod a couple times by now. Finally I went up and ordered and we had a good ol' fashion ham and cheese sandwich and a hamburger. I need to review my food vocabulary before going to another restaurant because Ben kept asking me what stuff was and I didn't know a lot of it. :)
After dinner we proceeded to do some shopping at Hipercor. You are supposed to wear gloves when you pick out your produce and I kept forgetting and kept touching the fruit and Ben had to keep reminding me to not touch it! Oops. That will take a couple of trips to the grocery store to remember.
Tomorrow we head into Madrid for my meeting to sign contracts and learn more about the job and to do some exploring.
Buenas noches.
SOOOOO glad you are safe! Gosh Kristin I am going to love reading these! Getting turned around and having to stop and just think and look around is something you will get used to :) but you ALWAYS figure it out, so it's fine! So since Ben "knows all the words," is he speaking fluently with the natives? ;)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the next post! Glad you met up with that couple (they look so sweet!) and that you are on your way and already figuring things out :)
Love you both!