An update from Madrid

The few weeks following my trip to the frozen tundra of Germany were supposed to be a pleasant transition into the Spanish spring. It should figure that, as I moved to my new place where the cost of heating is not worth the quality provided, we experience the coldest Madrileno winter in 25 years. Good. That is not to say that it was actually that cold but I learned that it is a lot different dealing with temperatures around freezing when you are prepared to do so. The Spanish are not nor have ever been prepared to handle anything below 50 degrees F.
The other main developments in my life in Spain, save two very frustrating trips to Ikea (anyone moving to a new place, please, I implore you, spend the extra money and skip Ikea), involve sport. Two friends and I have become season ticket holders for Atletico Madrid. As they are the ‘other team’ in Madrid, the ten game package was incredibly affordable and, even though their performance this season has been lackluster, los rojiblancos are a perennial contender for Europe. I have also joined a baseball team. Yes, it exists in Spain. There is even a stadium. The league is technically professional though because of recent bankruptcy, no paycheck (I can deal with that seeing as players from Valencia CF, one of Spain’s biggest soccer clubs, didn’t get paid for seven weeks). The quality is not bad as there are a good number of Dominican and Cuban immigrants; however, they are undisciplined players and any collegiate team would wipe the floor with them.
I also celebrated my 23rd for the first time away from the good old US of A. A friend of mine turned 24 on the 6th so we gathered our friends, rented out a small bar in a cool neighborhood and threw a party. Asides from the inappropriate levels of debauchery that ensued (and my friend’s father trying to lead me into a male on male Asian massage parlor), I would say the party was a success.
Debating my future in Spain/in general, consumes the majority of my free time; however, regardless of where I end up next year, with Atletico now winning (victories against Barcelona and the aforementioned Valencia) and spring slowly approaching, I plan on enjoying the next few months in the Spanish capital to the fullest.