The journey has officially started.

Officially I have left Madrid!
But let me say that it really is an amazing city. The people are pretty great, and they are always very helpful. One thing I had forgotten about Spanish culture is their really odd schedule. They work for a few hours in the morning, take a break for a few hours (3 or 4) and then head back to work. During the time off everyone is literally just walking around. Since most things are closed, the Spanish have mastered the art of window shopping. The only things that are open are the restaurants so many people meet up with their family or friends and have a three course lunch! It really does blow your mind to see people just sauntering around a large city with no real purpose.
I had my conference which was helpful, but I am glad its over.
The next day (sat) I left Madrid by bus.
It didn't take very long for us to get outside the city limits and into New Mexico. :) Not literally, but it looked so much like the south west. Very dry and with a few bluffs here and there. Then after a few hours I found myself back in Wisconsin! How great! There wasn't much time in Wisconsin though before we entered the tunnels of Duluth and came out into the province of Asturias. Or as many would say; Paradise. And it really is absolutely gorgeous.
I arrived after 6 hours of travel and my "boss" was there waiting for me. He has become the kindest stranger I have ever met. He walked me around town, showed me to my hotel where I dropped off my stuff and then tool me to one apartment that was available to me. After all this, mind you its 10pm, he took me out to dinner. We were one of the first few people to eat so "early". I think getting used to Spanish time is going to be the biggest challenge.
Today is Sunday and Jaime - I have to mention that he wanted to help me pronounce his name so in an e-mail he told me to say hi-men ahahahahahahah and then drop the n-Anyways, Jaime took me to see where I would get on and off the bus and also showed me where I would be working. He really is an amazing guy.
So now the apartment hunt starts, and the hassle of getting resident cards and a bank account are on the docket as well.
Wish me luck!
Ilee

The picture is of the Madrid strike against government spending in Spain. There were strikes throughout the whole country.