The weather this week in Madrid took a turn from the constant sunshine, to rain for the past few days. I was not expecting rain because I was told that Madrid got 300 days of sunshine per year, but I guess these are the 60 wet ones left behind. I will always pick sunshine if given a choice but the rain reminded me of home with how constant it is back in Oregon. This is a nice reminder of home, but I am ready for the sunshine to come back!
At my internship this week I was initially given the task of translating a grant proposal request from the United Nations for $20,000, but this eventually turned into me writing my first ever grant proposal. After translating the original, my supervisor and I realized that it did not follow the needed guidelines. Much to my surprise, he then decided that I was qualified enough to write a grant proposal (which I have never attempted). However, I was able to work through my initial panic and ended with a several page project plan to support refugees in Spain. I submitted this today and will wait to hear if my project is selected. Even though it was incredibly overwhelming, it is exciting to think that my own ideas might be developed into a real project that could help vulnerable populations, like refugees!
Outside of work, my roommates and I celebrated with a fancy 5 course sushi dinner to send off one of our roommates Rose. She will definitely be missed once she is back in Holland, because she brought so much energy to our flat! This weekend I was able to attend a large party hosted inside of the famous Las Ventas bullfighting ring, which is likely to most unique place I will ever go to a party! I had a great time and met some more friends from France, Brazil and Holland.
The next day, I was able to go to El Prado art museum which was incredible. We waited in line for over an hour with 500 other guests, to get free entrance, but it was worth it. We had 2 hours and it felt like we barely made a dent in viewing all of the amazing pieces in their collection. I felt very cultured as I wandered around and saw pieces by some of Spain’s most famous artists like: Velazquez and Goya. I even got to see Las Meninas which was a piece we learned about in high school, which was a very unique experience. However, I also had an interesting encounter that I think I will never forget. While studying a gorgeous romantic painting, I was shocked as the man next to me let out a HUGE burp. My roommates and I proceeded to laugh hysterically (in silence of course) but the man acted if it was completely normal. I guess it just made the experience even more memorable?!
It was a busy week, but my highlight was cooking some mac & cheese for my Dutch roommates who wanted to try “american” food. When they asked me what was an American dish, I had no idea what to make because it seems like the food at home is really just food from other countries changed a bit (or fried). But eventually I came up with the genius idea and they loved it! I was anxious because they were expectantly watching me cook, so I really wanted it be good… and it was!! It was definitely a challenge finding everything I needed in a Spanish grocery store, but I was proud of my ability to improvise and make it good too!
Curly Q Travels 