Aranjuez

I started school this last Monday and Ben and I decided that before work starts up for both of us we wanted to go on a trip. So on Sunday we picked a city close to us, hopped on a train and headed off to Aranjuez for the day. I am glad we decided to go here while it was still warm and everything is still green. We went and saw the Royal Palace while we were in Aranjuez but the huge draw for me were the extensive gardens behind the palace. They were beautiful! There were so many little hidden spots, where if I lived closer, I could see myself going there with a good book for an afternoon of relaxation.

After going through the palace and wandering through the gardens we headed off in search of some asparagus. Aranjuez is known for their asparagus and strawberries. Unfortunately it wasn't strawberry season anymore. Ben had found a restaurant online that looked pretty good so we went there and I had some of the best asparagus I have ever eaten. We also tried white asparagus, which to be honest kind of freaked me out but it tastes pretty similar to the green kind.

I have been in school on and off this week. Some of my teachers haven't quite been ready for me so I haven't really worked a full schedule yet. So far though and I am enjoying my classes and am looking forward to the year.

Why this man has the audacity to pull out a fake gun like this in the middle of a popular tourist site for his wife to take a picture of him is beyond me!

Home Sweet Home

Ben and I were fortunate to have some friends over here offer to let us stay with them while we apartment hunted. After four days we found a place, signed a contract and said adios to our friends.

We are living south of the center but it is still only a 20 minute walk to Sol. We also live super close to Atocha, one of the main train stations in Madrid. We have been at our apartment for about a week now and have enjoyed walking around and exploring our neighborhood.

Our place is a bit smaller than last year. Ben noticed that ever since we moved into our first apartment in Bellingham we keep downsizing when we change places. I hope we break the trend when we move back to the States because I really can't imagine living in something smaller than this.

Small though it is, it meets our needs perfectly. There are fewer walls than last year's apartment so it actually feels a bit roomier. One odd quirk about the apartment, there are a total of 9 chairs. Why two people would need nine chairs in our little apartment, we have not a clue. Fortunately we were able to shove 3 of the stools in a cupboard and the director chair collapsed and fit quite nicely under the bed. We still have a big wicker chair that kind of gets in the way sometimes but Ben has found it to be pretty comfy to sit in while playing League of Legends.


"A" marks the spot. Calle Canarias #38

The view as you walk in the front door. The door in the front on the left is the bathroom and the door in the back on the right leads to the bedroom. To the right of the table and chairs is a little nook with a window where there are two couch like chairs.

During our exploring one day we found a bakery that sells these huge chocolate covered cream filled pastry things. Yum. 

Running of the Bulls

We are currently staying with some friends in Pozuelo, which is about a 20 minute bus ride to Madrid. Last week was a festival week and so Ben decided to join in the traditional running of the bulls. Afterwards we went into the arena and watched as people tried to touch the bull's head.

Airplane pillows

It took me awhile to convince Ben that we should buy the pillows that go around your neck for flying. You can see how happy Ben is that we got them. Whenever we are at the airport and I glance up from reading a book or something Ben always seems to find a new way to wear them. :)

The summer of eternal vacations

We started off in Seattle where we got to catch up with friends over an awesome traditional American breakfast. Oh how I have missed American breakfasts! Next we headed up to Bellingham to spend time with my sister, her husband-to-be and our many other friends in Bellingham. One sunny day we enjoyed a day of volleyball in the park ending with a yummy BBQ.

After Bellingham, Ben and I split up; me to Cheney with Amy to help out with wedding stuff and Ben to Camas to see his family and our new little niece, Chloe. A week later, Ben flew to Spokane and we headed up to Priest Lake for a week of relaxation with families from my church. While there we calculated that my family has been going to Priest for the last 18 summers! After Priest Lake, we were in full mode wedding planning. Amy and Jack got married on August 17th and the next day, Ben and I spent a last morning/afternoon with my parents before flying off to Portland to meet his family down in Sunriver.

We spent a great week in Sunriver hanging out, canoeing, going to the obsidian fields, Paulina Peak where Ben and I toasted our 2 year anniversary at 8,000 feet. We also spent a day in Bend and went to Mt. Bachelor where we took a ski lift up to a lodge and then walked around a bit.

After Sunriver we went back to Camas until the 4th when we flew out to Madrid again. Our good friends the Maphumulos and, Andrew and Amanda came down for Labor Day weekend. Saturday we went into Portland to Reed College for some outdoor live theater, dinner at a great Mexican restaurant, Powell's City of books and then some of the best dessert at Papa Haydn's.

We have been very blessed to spend so much time with friends and family this summer!

Priest Lake: 

Wedding Time:

Sunriver:

Portland: