¿dónde estamos?

One of the common themes for a lot of us here seems to be getting lost. It's really amazing that with meticulous directions and memorized maps, it still takes us an extra thirty minutes, minimum, to get wherever we are trying to be. And then, by the time we have actually found whatever store, restaurant, or bar we were looking for, it's siesta and everything is closed.

For example, the other night I went with a few friends to run an errand that should have been only a 15 minute walk, but ended up being 30 (which really isn't too bad). It should have been easy to retrace our steps to get back to the room quickly--in theory--but it probably took over an hour until we finally stumbled upon our dorms through sheer luck. Streets curve, turn, and web all directions; there is no grid like in San Francisco. Plus, street signs are difficult to find, so half the time I have no idea what road I'm even on.

But despite the futile errands and blistered feet, getting lost has been one of the best parts of being here. For one, it's more quality time with whatever other astray friends that happen to be with me. Even though I oddly feel like I've known the other students here for such a long time, I have to keep reminding myself I've only been in Madrid for three full days and we all just met. Yet I definitely believe that the haphazard wandering is a major contributor to the relationships I've made here.

Plus, getting lost is the best way to get familiar with the city and all of its elements. There are so many experiences I would have missed had I used GPS and quickly reached my destination. Besides, it's all about the journey, isn't it?  I think exploring is a much more appropriate term than being lost. Tenemos aventuras nuevas cada día.