The madness before puente

Well, it wasn't exactly madness. There was just a lot to do. I still have to put some stuff away to get ready for my trip to Córdoba tomorrow with 7 other people from my program. Nevertheless, I just spent like 20 minutes applying for a job at Teavana in the Glendale Galleria. What can I say? I want to have a job for the rest of the summer (part time), and if it means getting some free tea once in a while, I really don't mind.

Today I had two classes, which seem to take up the bulk of the day. But again, one of them was the one at the Prado, so I spent almost two hours staring at El Greco paintings. El Greco is the master. THE master. He's one of the most interesting painters I've ever encountered. His art doesn't look like it was made in the middle of the 15th century. So creative, and has such a distinct, individual style. His paintings are absolutely beautiful and moving. However, my professor tends to be sort of a literal thinker, and his object talks seem to be driven by whatever point he ultimately wants to make. I think several months worth of Gallery Guide training at school have made me much more sensitive to the nuances of teaching in front of a work of art. I wish he would ask more open questions, and led the conversation go wherever our interests/observations take it, instead of directing it so rigidly. But oh well. At least I get to space out staring at the paintings when he's frustrating me. I drew an angel's feet from a Trinity at one point, and felt proud of my pretty decent attempt. El Greco sits very, very well with me.

On my walk back, I remembered that I wanted to share something with everyone: the fact that I find it really amusing that there's a Dunkin' Donuts (Dunkin' Coffee, it's called here) in Madrid, yet there isn't a single one in L.A. to give my poor brother solace. I bought a small iced coffee today out of curiosity/on-the-go thirst, and was also tickled by the different perceptions of size that Europeans have compared to Americans. My small coffee in the US would be, like, coffee for a not-too-thirsty mouse:

I went to 100 Montaditos for dinner, because every Wednesday, everything on the menu costs 1 euro, including the giant mugs of beer or wine. "Montaditos" refers to small sandwiches, and they have about a million (or, I suppose, 100) different options for what to put between the bread.

I got one with chorizo and brie; one with bacon and cheddar; and one which I can't remember, because we waited so long for our food, but that was delicious nonetheless. The reason we waited so long was because it was PACKED. Of course, everyone takes advantage of the deal. But it was worth it for the price (and the taste): for three little montaditos, chips, and a mug of Tinto de Verano (sangria-esque, not very alcoholic at all, iced, delicious), I paid 4 euros. Awesome.

Next time: the behemoth post where I endeavor to describe my four-day trip to Andalucía during this puente (holiday) weekend. Many pictures to come, especially of the Alhambra!