Hips Don't Lie

After Valencia, we couldn't imagine the thought of another cerveza... at least for another few nights... so we stuck to the books for a little while. Thursday night we went out with some friends from SLU to a packed and very American bar, so afterward we decided to check out to our first discoteca, Pacha. Apparently ranked #4 in Madrid, Pacha has a reputation for charging insane cover charges (up to 120 euro!!) however, we managed to slip in for free. Inside, we experienced a freaky lightshow and techno dance party.

The next morning we got up to meet some madrileños for lunch. Sara (thanks for the contact, Ben!) and the Collins' family friend, Alfonso, took us to Tio Pepe... it was far different from our own in Baltimore. The three hour lunch went by quickly. We had a great time practicing our Spanish and learning some fun facts about Spain from Alfonso. Did you know it was a Spaniard who invented the mop?... and the yo-yo? Strangely enough, we found out that Alfonso could have been our dance partner the night before... he had been at Pacha too. During lunch, he held his own at the table, despite being surrounded by 5 girls, and was quite the entertainer. We left lunch with some new recommendations and new friends... and we all improved our Spanglish that day.

We started out Friday night at our jump-off bar, Escamplero, which is located just below our apartment building. We frequently go there to get 1.90euro massive haras of beer (served in cool mugs, which we plan on smuggling by the end of the semester). We have become regulars at Escamplero and the bartenders have gotten to know us pretty well. Afterward, we planned on meeting a new German friend who Becca met in class via passing notes...it will never get old. The night proved to be unsuccessful when our cab driver took us on an expensive detour through Madrid. After 25 minutes of aimless driving (should have been there in 5), we found ourselves back toward our house and decided to call it a night because of the upcoming festivities that were to come.

We had a pretty nice little Saturday, no we didn't go to Home Depot, but instead Corte Ingles. Bought some toiletries, you know, face masks... stuff like that. There was even enough time to hit up a pasteleria for cafe con leche. After running errands, we got ready to begin the birthday celebration of Beth and our dear friend Alex. Although he is uncomparable to Grace, he sufficed for Beth´s birthday accomplice this weekend (his birthday is the day prior). We headed off for tapas and sangria. After enjoying patatas alioli, calamari, and BEEF (pronounced in a low manly grumble) we were not quite satisfied...did you know they have BK here...and better yet, they serve beer!? Next, we headed to a small bar where we were taken care of generously by the tenders. After the birthday chillin were a-chillin we ventured on down to our next destination...another discoteca. Palacio Gaviria: the Vatican meets nightclub. It was like partying in Aurora's castle. We danced the night away with Kanye West's protege and plenty of Argentinians. The night ended with us trying to convince the Argentinians that we too were of Argentinian decent, and Kanye that we would NOT have a drink with him the next day. All in all, the birthday night was one hellova bash.


We spent Sunday lounging in the park, reading Robert Frost aloud to one another and braiding each other's hair. Don't worry Anne and Deb, we made it to mass at school later on that evening.


Sunday night, Mary Carmen (from here on out referred to as MC) prepared a birthday feast! She insisted we invite friends (none other than Alex, Brian, and yes, a new one to add to the crew, Chad.) The boys swept MC off of her feet, literally, twirling her around in a post dinner dance party. On the menu was shrimp, ensaladilla, chips & dip, paella, an assortment of pastries, and Pepe's famous sangria. Did we mention previously that we thought we'd be losing weight while we're here... that got shot to hell quite a while ago. We ended the weekend with one final glass of sangria at, you guessed it, Escamplero.


Last night, we met up with Sara again, who took us to Cumbre Flamenca. We watched in amazement the talented cantantes and dancers. Maybe if Becca had continued her Irish Dancing she could have strapped on her hard shoes and given them a run for their money. And if only Beth continued with church choir she could have provided some vocal accompaniment. Mom and Dad, you gave up on our artistic talents too early. There was definitly some potential. (Eeef!) It was really cool to see and appreciate that Spanish tradition. Check out the videos posted with our photos.

We are about to go pack for our weekend in Barcelona... blog ya laterrr!