What an AWesOME weekend!

Howdy folks...
I had the best weekend yet here in Madrid this past weekend. It was gorgeous out so I took advantage of it and went for a long walk, read a TON and it was fantastic. Friday night I met my friend, Juan, at his local bar for a drink. It was nice to see him again, since I hadn't seen him in forever. Then Saturday I got up early, and read like crazy! I am currently reading The Eight by Katherine Neville. Its runs the same current that Dan Brown and James Rollins. It talks about a mysterious chess set (which reminds me that I had to teach myself how to play back when Dad was convinced that my arm WASNT broken!) It seems a bit silly but its really a fast read and I am already more than half way through. I have been trying to get better at not watching too much tv, but I let it go for nights when Grey's or House is on. Although House looses its appeal in another language. But Gina and I spend Wed. nights watching Grey's together, which is lovely. Anyway getting back to my fabulous weekend....
So saturday as I said I went for a long walk, and as a reward stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and to continue my reading... I say its a treat because ALL Spaniards treat Starbucks like Coldstone or BR. All they ever get are frappucinos or other sweet drinks, plus on top of it they add all sorts of syrups and powders to it. With the high consumption of coffee in this country I was surprised that people doctor up their coffee so much! But it was great sitting outside in the 50 degree weather with just a sweatshirt on and reading for two hours. I loved it and hope to do it again real soon.
Then in the evening I headed over to Connie's house for our girls night in. We mangaied on goodies like baked feta that was AMAZING. Plus the best part was how easy it is... although you should have an oven... boo hoo... Then Connie made some breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, red pepper and salsa. To die for!! We had planned to watch an American film, but that idea quickly went out the window as we spent our whole evening chatting away. I had a super long conversation with Connie's Mexican roommate, Eva. It was great to have another new person to practice my Spanish with. It didn't hurt that I put in a few good words for Connie either. There is tension between them sometimes because we are all always over at Connie's and can sometimes get a little rowdy....
Then for Sunday's big day I had my luncheon with the Americans and Gina. We had planned to meet at one for a walk around a new park, since ALL we ever do is go around Retiro we thought it would be a nice change of pace. But because we were up sooo late the night before we had to push it back a bit. But I am sooo glad we did because I found an amazing park just down the street for my house. Its awesome because.... it has a driving range, soccer field, track, tennis, and fountains! Its sweet and when I get new shoes I will be there at least twice a week. Well I should say weekend because that's only ONLY free time these days. Plus I may have accepted yet another tutoring job for Mondays!
After a good hour speed walk around the park we all came back for lunch. I decided to keep with my "ligera" theme (Gina claims all I eat are Corn Flakes) and made fresh steamed broccoli, with an amazing salad and Tarragon Chicken (thanks in full to Linda and Janet). The salad consisted of thinly sliced red onion, carrots, blue cheese, walnuts, figs (Sarah B uses cranberries, but I couldn't find any) and then you add some Balsamic Vinegar and olive oil. IT was a great success! We have semi decided to make it a regular thing on have a big luncheon on Sundays now. I hope we can keep it up
When the Americans left Gina and I had a nice time relaxing watching some tv. WE were all beat from the fabulous meal. Then El grupo called and invited us to see The Oxford Murders so we booked it to the train to make it there ontime, only to find out that el grupo had not even left the restaurant yet! But whilst we were entering the cinema I got a call from PAt and Dad who have successfully arrived in Cabo and we in fact running off to a Gringo bar to watch the Pats game. I am very glad to hear that they made it safely and without any problems (that I know of).
It was a relaxing yet super fun weekend. Of course I am bummed because I am missing out on game night on Friday with El grupo because.... I'm going to Austria and Germany with my big sis Alexis for the weekend. Que emocionante! I am really looking forward to it.

Keep me informed about what's on your ends and have a great week!