When choosing my destination, I took deep consideration when choosing my city in Spain. I almost went with Madrid, Granada, or Barcelona, but for some reason Valencia really caught my eye. Of course I do not regret that decision, but I did want to explore more of the country since I had the time to. So, midway through my first week, I booked a train ticket to Madrid and paired that ticket with a ticket to go watch Atletico Madrid vs. FC Barcelona. I wanted to maximize my time, so I booked the earliest train I could out, and because no train ran late in the night, I booked a hotel and picked the early train back to Valencia so that I could make it to school on time! The train ride was honestly very beautiful, the countryside of Spain was just really pretty even though it was a rainy morning. I packed no clothes to change, and only had a few items with me because I was only there one night and was spending all of my time out. So, I had just the necessary items on my back and when I arrived I first looked for my hotel so that I would know where to go when it was time to check in, and then searched for lunch. Thankfully, a little shop with baguette sandwiches was open and I had a small sub for lunch. I had texted a friend of mine that lives in Madrid asking for recommendations, and so during my lunch I looked at my options of where I could go and mapped out my day. The stadium for Atletico Madrid was on the far side of town, and thankfully everything else on the recommendation was close to me, so I began to head that direction. I first found Real Madrid’s stadium, and took the stadium tour which was really awesome to see so much history of the game I love. I then returned to my hotel and checked in and settled some stuff as well as prepared myself for a long journey for the rest of the day. So I went back out and saw some of the big government buildings, and was headed for a giant park. Upon arrival, I learned that due to inclement weather in recent times the park was under maintenance, so I instead walked alongside it and viewed it from the fences! I was running out of time because I planned to walk to the stadium and save money, so I headed for the stadium. It was 4.5 miles, and I am impressed with myself because I navigated and got to see so much of Madrid through that walk, and I did it all in the pouring rain! Some might say that was stupid, but I have no regrets for seeing the whole city. Then of course I watched a couple of the best teams in the world play soccer in what was the best atmosphere I have ever seen. The fans there live and breathe soccer. The stadium sang in unison, all 60,000 of them. It was so AWESOME for a soccer fanatic! I was pulling for Barcelona but chose to partake in the Atletico chants because of how fun it was! (P.s. Barcelona did win 1-0 :) ) After the game, I needed a taxi, and found another American looking for a taxi too, so we went in together to cut the price and found my way back. After doing 16 miles in one day, I was beat. Instead of recovering, though, I had to get up early and get back for school! Least to say I was tired that day. What my family and I like to say is, I conquered Madrid!
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