The LIST

I'm technically in what's called the "honeymoon" period, but regardless, I'm posting my top 10 favorite things about Marid so far, even if they are subconsciously influenced by a false sense of novel excitement (in no particular order:)

1. Doors: Mine uses a really awesome, over-sized skeleton key, and on the inside there isn't a handle or a door knob; instead, we have a button! On alex's family's door, the knobs are dead center instead of on the right hand side... I could go on with examples, but I'll just continue with the list...


2. Stores: Every food item has its very own store. Need ham? There's a ham store. Need fruit? Theres a fruit sore. Need dried fruit? There's a dried fruit store.


3. Showers: This one is not unique to Madrid or Spain even, but the European showers are so dang environmental. Who decided it was necessary to have a steady 10 minute stream of water over our backs while we lather our heads with shampoo. It makes so much more sense to only use the water to rinse, when we need it.


4. Light Switches: Among the other things that just make so much more sense. The switches are OUTSIDE the rooms, so they can be turned on before entering---to do what they're made for---lighting the room so you can see.


5. Cookies for Breakfast: Not Cookie Crisp. Cookies.


6. Coffee: It doesn't taste like its been to hell and back and then poured into a Starbucks cup.


7. Naps: Mostly everything is closed from 2-4:30pm, which is Madrid demanding that I sleep for 2 hours after lunch.


8. Crime: I know pick-pocketing here sucks BUT this is their biggest problem. It's almost cute when you compare it to DC and Baltimore which top the "most dangeous cities in the US" list-- complete with murder, drugs, and gangs. Im probably jinxing myself with this one :(


9. Metro: It doesn't smell like urine.


10. El Palacio Real: We went yesterday and its pretty outside, but inside is REALLY nice. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside though.

Here's my list to balance things out of things I miss about home:

1. Street Signs clearly marked on street corners: It might not be as pleasing to the eye, but you don't get lost as easily.
   
2. USD$


3. Special K Red Berry Cereal: especially with real milk from a cow.