Week of Updates in Madrid

Another installment of a "Week of Updates in Madrid".....

1. Work: Alot of you have asked about work, so I thought I would give you a little info. Work is good, very busy. I didn't really think it would be so busy because I thought it would take at least a month or so for them to really hand over some work or projects to me. George Chang, the New Business Development Director is who I work closely with. They currently have alot of new buis pitches coming in and so I have been helping them prepare and do some research on these clients. Projects I have worked on so far are ROCKSTAR Energy Drink, Shell Gas Stations, Telefonica (their biggest client- its like Sprint or something in the US only MUCH bigger), Blue Man Group (we are working on brining the show here to Madrid and Telefonica being the main sponsor), Samsung and Chevrolet. My second week there George and another colleague said it was really a luxury to have me in their office and turns out it is perfect timing. So, all is really good at work and I think more good stuff to come...

2. Friends: Liz and Mike both have been a huge help to me since I have been here. I really enjoy hanging out with them and just talking about each of our experiences here. I know I need to branch out more and meet some new Spanish friends, but right now I'm enjoying my time with them and meeting some friends they have made from being here longer than me. Liz and Mike both teach English too on the side and so we like to trade stories about our kids....My kids are the spoiled ones, Mike's are the rowdy ones and Liz's are a little deviant at times. It's a handful working with kids and it really takes alot of energy out of you....it's a REALLY good reminder of what it is like having kids.....they never go away ;) So I guess I should take this time to say, "Sorry Mom and Dad....if I only knew then what I know now."

3. Trips: Finally, something REALLY exciting to report! I booked my trip to Barcelona! I am SO excited and looking forward to a kids-free weekend away! I am going to visit a friend there from High School, Barry Thau. Turns out he is in Barc for 3-6 months working. We realized we were both in Spain...alone...and thought we MUST meet up. I haven't seen him since college so we will have alot to catch up on. He has his own place with 2 other roommates and lives in the heart of Barcelona. I have already been reading up on the city and I just can't wait to see it! I am going from Nov 27-30. Yes, Thanksgiving weekend! We might even be good American kids and cook a turkey....if we can find one.

4. Spanish Classes: Yes, my Spanish is coming along. Slowly but surely. I really like my teacher. I take private classes with her. Her name is Marga and she is 30 years old. She is gorgeous too, I have to add. She lived in the U.S. for 6 years (in Boston) and taught English. She speaks perfectly. She met her boyfriend in Boston and he lives there still.....can you imagine?! I have a feeling she will move back there, she loves to talk about the city. Anyways, she works full time for Banco de Espana. It would be comparable for working for U.S. Bank in Milwaukee. Banco de Espana is HQ in Madrid and is a monumental business area. I have attached a picture for you. She lives and works right across from this beautiful building.

That's all for now. I hope I gave you enough reading material! I miss everyone so much and just want to say thanks for keeping in touch and staying interested in my blog and adventures! I LOVE getting emails and updates from everyone so keep it coming!

Besos,
Holly