across the universe IIwe left dublin, in a tiny plane, and landed in madrid, spain.
we were "welcomed" by their annual gay pride celebration that conveniently took place right outside of our hostel.
"madrid is a spectacular world; the city is breathtaking with its thoughtful architecture, unparalleled food and alluring culture. it seems that every bit of this place is decorated with passion. if i had my way i'd be living in this great city and forgetting the pressures of my california reality.
rick and i are really figuring out how to maneuver around- thankfully direction comes naturally to him and he enjoys being the navigator. he is also fluent in spanish, which is fantastic because mine is exceptionally broken and a smile can only get me so far.
we spend our time in cathedrals, eating tapas, drinking sangria and just trying to take it all in. the gardens here are the most beautiful that i have ever seen, i am sure to smell each rose and rick works on his poetry . . .
rick and i have decided to spend some moments apart so that we can see just where the day takes each of us. i have found my way into antique shops, cafes and art galleries- meeting locals half way on our native tongues. everyone that i have come across is exceptionally friendly and is just as interested in the american culture as i am in theirs, so conversation is difficult but craved. the men here are very forward and open with their sexuality, but i don't seem to be minding the attention.
one evening, rick left to the market for some bread and i sat in the 'common area' reading. the young spanish man that sat in as receptionist whispered to me, "hey, guapa! is that your novio?" i replied, "no, we are just travel partners--" and before i could finish my sentence, he literally jumped over the desk, pulled me up from my seat and started kissing me. i let myself enjoy the kiss for a moment and then said, "whoa." with a playful but firm push to his chest. Kike (pronounced kee-kay) went on to tell me that he loved me and wanted me to go home with him on his scooter. i was tempted for a moment, he was so handsome, and i had always dreamt of being on the back of a vespa, seeing the sights in full speed . . . but, i politely declined and went back to reading."
we were "welcomed" by their annual gay pride celebration that conveniently took place right outside of our hostel.
"madrid is a spectacular world; the city is breathtaking with its thoughtful architecture, unparalleled food and alluring culture. it seems that every bit of this place is decorated with passion. if i had my way i'd be living in this great city and forgetting the pressures of my california reality.
rick and i are really figuring out how to maneuver around- thankfully direction comes naturally to him and he enjoys being the navigator. he is also fluent in spanish, which is fantastic because mine is exceptionally broken and a smile can only get me so far.
we spend our time in cathedrals, eating tapas, drinking sangria and just trying to take it all in. the gardens here are the most beautiful that i have ever seen, i am sure to smell each rose and rick works on his poetry . . .
rick and i have decided to spend some moments apart so that we can see just where the day takes each of us. i have found my way into antique shops, cafes and art galleries- meeting locals half way on our native tongues. everyone that i have come across is exceptionally friendly and is just as interested in the american culture as i am in theirs, so conversation is difficult but craved. the men here are very forward and open with their sexuality, but i don't seem to be minding the attention.
one evening, rick left to the market for some bread and i sat in the 'common area' reading. the young spanish man that sat in as receptionist whispered to me, "hey, guapa! is that your novio?" i replied, "no, we are just travel partners--" and before i could finish my sentence, he literally jumped over the desk, pulled me up from my seat and started kissing me. i let myself enjoy the kiss for a moment and then said, "whoa." with a playful but firm push to his chest. Kike (pronounced kee-kay) went on to tell me that he loved me and wanted me to go home with him on his scooter. i was tempted for a moment, he was so handsome, and i had always dreamt of being on the back of a vespa, seeing the sights in full speed . . . but, i politely declined and went back to reading."
