MONTH ONE in MADRID

MONTH ONE in MADRID

All told, it's been quite a month of adjustments and LISTS.

I've been listing, crossing off, adding, checking boxes, clearing, rewriting and starting fresh lists for two months now. What to pack, what offices to visit, who to call, email and write, where to get fingerprinted, who to get money orders for, where to apostille documents, what to send myself in boxes, what services to cancel...the lists never end.

In that spirit, and after one month meandering the streets of Madrid, I list for you:

What I've learned...

* madrileños are VERY busy not being busy
* the siesta is not a myth, and contrary to rumors, is not going anywhere
* three-course lunches when eating with colleagues: not optional
* there are about 16 ways to ask if your dog is a boy or a girl, and everyone asks
* there is an unhealthy obsession with pipas (sunflower seeds) on sundays throughout the latina district
* with minor exceptions, don't expect to find groceries after 2pm on saturday until monday
* every call on a mobile phone had better be worth it, especially if you want to be able to afford food
* everybody is an aunt or uncle, rather, you refer to them as one
* spanish transvestites have rather commercial taste in music
* not having your residency in order makes you a liability and a pain
* stilettos and cobblestones don't mix so well but my shoe guy is a miracle worker so we keep trying
* yes, we really eat dinner at 11pm

Who I've met...

* three bartenders/waiters and one owner of a jordanian restaurant
* 40 people who work at leo burnett madrid
* one argentinian whose apartment i'm moving into
* two americans from the san juans living in sydney and travelling
* one madrileno who likes techno
* one techno dj and his girlfriend
* one party promoter, and
* 9 colleagues - one argentinian, one peruvian, and seven spaniards


Looking towards next month, I finally move into my place this week

What I will need...

* a dining room table and chairs so i can convince people to be my new friends by bribing them with turkish dinners
* a few lamps so i can see them when they come
* things to cook with, eat with, drink out of, and unfortunately clean up afterwards
* a coffee table so i can finally put my feet up
* a closet for the ungodly amount of clothes that should arrive in two weeks
* a futon so that people actually come visit me
* bedside tables for easily accessible hangover relief in the mornings
* clothespins, as my clothes will never be soft or warm from a dryer ever again
* a massive pile of large pillows to fill the other half of my cavernous living room
* art, so i can stay inspired

What I intend to fill the massive empty suitcase I will bring home with me...

* q-tips; they just haven't got a clue here
* emergen-C
* burt's beeswax
* myriad items from my kitchen and bathroom that i had deemed replaceable and now regret leaving
* one kimono
* one 80's prom dress
* one box stylist pens
* one whiteboard and corresponding markers
* artwork
* hopefully a couple of stowaway friends


Casa de Miss Chief will be open for business shortly, my dears! Start booking!