CouchSurfing and a Modern Day Revolution

What an incredible organization. You can truly set up a profile, send CS requests out and sleep on someone's couch (or pullout bed) that you've never met before...for completely free!! Without a doubt it is the best way to travel. You don't get a better view of a city from anyone but a local. But I do have to say, soo many people told me...It's not important to fluently know Spanish, evvverybody speaks English...Falso! Not 5% of the people I have met speak a lick of English. & my CouchSurfing host and his Madre are included in that! The language barrier is truly impending... I have never appreciated the art of communication and the use of body language so much!

Random thought: I like paying for things with all coins. Constantly feels like a barter and trade system. 

Spaniards eat small breakfasts, so this morning I was still hungry so I began to embark on exploring the city with my extra day. (Bryan my host has 2 exams tomorrow so I had no problem going solo) I stopped in a local bar and ordered a Pincho. I didn't know what i was getting but for €1.20 I got 4 pieces of bread, sliced potatoes, 2 chicken wings, a large slice of Spanish Omelet (Tortillas de Patatas) and a beer!

(Spain has the most bars per capita in the world with 6 bars per thousand inhabitants, that's 3 times UK's ratio and 4 times Germany's.)

As I was sitting a tall man came up and started asking me questions. He asked my name and it turned out we were both David's! He bought me a beer and we talked about music. 

Aajajaja- at the same place I read a poster that says "Aqui ayadamos a ahorrar el agua-SOLO BEBEMOS CERVEZA!"

More random thoughts:

• It does kind of suck that most items are priced the same in Spain as America. Por ejemplo, es €9 para sunscreen, which would equal $14.00 in dollars. 
• All the women are so good looking. I have noticed it differs in each area, but they're all so skinny and noticeably take care of themselves. 
• What's better, Madrid or Barcelona?
• The Renfe train is much different than the EMT train. It is also significantly nicer. Why?

So I continued to wander around this larger than life city. It truly is one of the most vast places I have ever experienced. I got on the wrong train going south on the yellow 3 rail and I ended up en la ciudad de Los Angeles. Now I am feeling like the Spanish because I am being lazy by waiting for the bus to take me back to the train station hahaha.  

(Just riding around on the Auto-Bus is a great way to see the city to be completely hotest...)

So I took the train North to Sol. For anyone who is not familiar with the protests that are going on all over Spain from la Puerta de Sol, it is a very calm fight to raise awareness of the lack of jobs and economic distress in Spain. Here is part of their Manifesto:

(I recommend just skimming through)

WHO ARE WE?
We are individuals who have come together freely and voluntarily. Each of us has decided, after the concentrations on Sunday, May 15, that we are determined to continue fighting for dignity and political and social awareness.

We do not represent any political party or association.
We are joined by the singular cause of change.
We are brought together by integrity and solidarity with those who are unable to join us.

WHY ARE WE HERE?
We are here because we desire a new society that puts lives above political and economic interests. We demand a change in society and an increase in social awareness. We are here to make it known that the people have not fallen asleep, and we will continue fighting…peacefully.

We want all of this, and we want it now. If you are with us, come join us.

“Better to risk and lose than to lose without having risked at all.”

More info from the assembly:
Twitter: #acampadasol – @acampadasol / English: @takethesquare
Blog: http://madrid.tomalaplaza.net

You can literally watch what is happening in a streaming video Live Here. 

I am about to take the Tren back to this area and take some more pictures. Hasta luego!!