Treated like a Queen
I don't know if I love Madrid, or if I love the experiences I've had here. Maybe both?
If it had a beach, it would be perfect.
I wasn't sure staying at such a big hostel was a good idea, but it was great! I met so many different people, found people I really vibed with and just chilled with them all day.
Valentino played alt-rock songs on his acoustic, while Francisco wrapped his drop bars in grip tape and installed his Brooks saddle on his Vintage Colnago. Julian and Mamba keeping me laughing and the good times going. The lounge was like Arabic style, round pillows to sit on, walls ornate and beautiful. Even the ceiling was stunning. A huge stained glass Mandala. And a marble fountain in the middle of the room.
When it was time to meet with Manuel, Julian and Mamba walked me to where he was. Manuel and I went out with his friends, lovely people, none of which speak english but still did such a great job at making me feel welcome and included.
We partied til 5 am, I was in bed for 6. Check out is 11. I woke up at quarter to 11 like I woke up from the dead. Got packed up, showered, and was brought breakfast by Julian.
When we were awake and packed up, Julian and I left the hostel and got lost in the city, walked and talked and laughed. I felt like a kid. I climbed a tree, danced in the street. I was giddy, and I thought to myself, is this what its like to be stress free? Or maybe, set free?
We found this cathedral, which didn't look like much on the outside, but cross my heart it was the most beautiful church I had ever been in. The art was stunning, the architecture, the modern stained glass, did I mention the art? All of it, impeccable.
It was so stunning, when I left I had to sit down and collect myself. I was overwhelmed with what I had just experienced, and something told me it was more than just what I saw. I felt blessed. Anointed. Like God kissed my third eye and cleansed my soul. I can't remember the last time I felt so happy and weightless and buzzing with pure love energy.
Being here during Easter is interesting. There's a lot more people than there would otherwise be. Lots of Church things happening. Line ups outside of churches, churches "closed" to tourists. Expensive hostel stays. But otherwise you can't really tell it's a holiday. Like, what I mean is, there's no garish rabbits or eggs or whatever. Just a lot of people.
Today I said bye to Mamba and Julian, and it made me sad. It made me wonder when I'd see them again, and curious about what would happen between now and then. How much would we change? What could happen?
They really did make my stay at Cat's Hostel.
Tonight I stay at Manuel's for the night. He's hosting me and currently making me dinner.
When I called my Mom today, Mamba said something: he said, "She's being treated like a Queen", and honestly, it's not far from true. Travelling with girls is great, but what's nice about going with guys is they offer to carry shit. Basically every time I go out with my friends, someone's offering to carry my backpack.
Last night, dinner in the hostel was free, and the hostel was full, so the line up was long. I had bugged the bartender about the Pasta few times, "when is it coming?", "is it ready?", "I'm hungry". With the third time, he said, "when it comes, you'll know, and you'll get the first plate. I promise."
Sure enough, the pasta showed up, the crowd pushed to the front, and I went to the bar and got handed the first plate of pasta over the heads of people in line. I felt bad, but also, very special. Interesting what happens when you complain with a smile hahaha.
Ok, talking about pasta... dinner's almost ready. I think I've said everything I want to…
OH! Spanish people man. LOL they all wear winter jackets and it's like 20 celsius out and full sun. I don't get it. Like, don't you feel the heat??
Ok, that's it from me.
All my love,
G