The owner of the hotel was named Max. He and I talked for a bit as I checked in. He was very excited that I spoke Spanish. He began to spout off Spanish very fast. I told him I couldn't understand Spanish if it was spoken that fast. Boom. Burst his bubble. Nonetheless, he was very nice and would become very helpful to us in these days. I sat on our balcony to the room, soaking in the sun. The balcony was just big enough for Johann and I to stand, shoulder to shoulder, and overlook the busy street below. So I sat up on the brick railings of the balcony because frankly it was more comfortable than squeezing on to the actual balcony. The hostel was in a very central location in Madrid. While this was ideal, it was also very loud. Loud, but awesome for people watching. Every type of person you can imagine walked on this street. Entertaining to say the least.
Finally, I went to the airport to get Johann. I waited... And waited... And waited. Okay, I may have gotten there a little early because I was crazy excited. So when he emerged from the doors, we embraced in a hug, gave each other some insults as brother and sister do, and took off. We hauled his luggage throw the metro stations to the hotel, turned around, and went straight back to the metro station. Our stop? Diego and Sonia's house. We met the whole family. After greetings, we went to a restaurant for dinner. Johann talked to Hugo about soccer, and I practiced Spanish one last time. Hugo and Iciar tried to figure out a way for us to stay at their house. But we just stayed for dinner. I'm very glad Johann was able to meet them. I said a very fond farewell attached to a promise to return to Spain and Johann and I took off.
We walked around for a bit afterwards to see the night lights. But not long because we both were quite tired. I was excited that Johann was able to be so functions despite being up for practically two days straight. It meant I could run him all around Madrid the next day. But for then, bedtime.
The next day I took Johann to all my favorite spots in Madrid. If you'd like to hear about them in detail, read my last posts. It was fun to watch them be amazing through his eyes. He would grab my arm every once and a while and exlaim, "I'm in Spain!" It made me giggle because I had forgotten how amazing it really was. He stopped approximately every five feet to take pictures. He took pictures of the covers on the sewer tiles, of parking garages, hundred pictures of the same statue and so on. He told me, "It's interesting because it's a different culture!" I rolled my eyes but smiled because I was being reminded how wonderful it was. I got to play tour guide. I loved it. I told him all the facts I remembered and explained as many Spanish traditions and customs that I had remembered. I suddenly realized how sad I was to leave Spain.
We sat in Puerta de Sol to finish our exploring. I suddenly realized this was farewell. It was so odd. I thought of Marta's question. "Where made me feel something?" I ran through the places I had been in my mind. I met my "second family" in Teruel and Calatyud who made me feel so loved and excepted. I had been excited by meeting new friends. I had been inspired by the love of a plaza of people remembering the lovers of Teruel. In the Pyrenees, I had been inspired by people who were clearly bad ass and tough. I watched people who conquered mountains and laughed in the face of trials. In Barcelona, I had felt peace lying on the beach. I had been astounded by cathedrals in Barcelona. In Madrid, I met a family of incredible people who helped me explore new places. In Olot, I felt exploration excitement run through my veins as I explored big rocks and small towns. In Pamplona, I had more fun than I can explain and felt relaxed as I danced into the night and explored the famous town. The list goes on and on.
But as I sat in Puerta de Sol one last time I realized the feeling: home. Maybe not my ultimate home. But Spain had come to feel so home-y to me. I love the people. I love the places and sights. I love the traditions. I love Spain. I'm so comfortable there. I truly feel at home.
Bless Johann for letting me sit in silence in the middle of the plaza, just soaking up the feeling. Finally, as the sun began to set and we both were getting hungry, he reminded me I have to go eventually. I said I was worried because I felt as if I moved the real world starts. But one adventure must end in order for another to begin. And so that's what we did.
The next adventure: China. This morning we took a taxi to the airport. We figured the expense was worth not having to maneuver the metro with all our bags. We were right. We checked in, went through security and customs, then got to our gate... Two hours early. Johann and I discovered we balance each other out well. I make sure he is on top of things and on time, and he makes sure I remember to enjoy things and breathe. So far traveling with my best friend is awesome. I can't wait for the rest of the trip.
Currently, I'm on the plane from Moscow to Shanghai. The Moscow airport is very crowded with duty free shops and lounges. There is practically no room for chairs in gates. So people line the walls, siting on the floor. They also have vending machines for shirts with Putin on them. We tried to figure out how to get some... Obviously. But we needed Russian cash. Which neither of us had and we weren't committed enough to exchange cash for it. But I did get some chips in Russian writing!
Our airplane... Johann gave me grief about putting this in my blog. But it needs to be mentioned. Johann and I have elected this is possibly the coolest airplane we've been on. Let me first mention, on the flight from Madrid to Moscow, a three and a half hour flight, we got served a full meal and several drinks, all for free. They were also very nice and helpful. On this flight, an eight hour flight, we will receive dinner and breakfast, for free. Now. The electronics is where it becomes fun. So each seat has a screen in front it. They also have a USB port to charge your personal electronics. Each TV has the option of TV shows, movies, music, games, eBooks, and audio books. You have a remote control that doubles as a gamer control. The movies include everything from newer releases like 22 Jump Street to Gone with the Wind. Yes, I'm serious. The music covers every genre you can imagine and you can make your own playlists frm any of them. Johann reports the games are very fun. He also reported the flight attendants as all very beautiful. The "beautiful" flight attendants even gave us slippers and eye covers for the overnight flight. Best part? All free. Now. Also keep in mind our flights from Madrid to Shanghai were ~$350 a person. Aeroflot. Who knew... Well done.
Despite the cool plane... Which is very cool... I still am very bittersweet. I'm so unbelievably excited about China. Of course. But I also know I'm leaving a part of my heart in Spain. I heard a quote about how everywhere you go, you gain a new piece for your heart, but you also leave a string attached to that place. That couldn't be more true. But as Teresa reminded me, I can always return. So I smile because I know I will be back. I know I will be back to my spots of peace, fun, dancing, comfort, and home. But for now, the adventure continues.
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