¡Cómo vuela el tiempo!

Time flies! Wow, last post April 22. Time has flown. Actually when I think about this school year, I can say the same thing, time flies! Then again, when I think about September it seems years in the past! I think (hope) it's because I've learned so much since then. I've learned how to not only ride, but dominate the Metro. (That means that I plan out where I stand on the platform because I know where the exits and hallways are at each stop, and I know that if I hurry in Sol between the yellow and red lines I can make the switch without waiting.) I've learned LOTS of new words. I've learned how to order in cafés. ("Put me a sandwich" instead of "I would like a sandwich, please".) I've learned so much about Spanish art and history that I can't look at a building without looking for "arcos de medio punto" (no idea how to say that in English...half-point arches??). I've learned so much subjunctive that I can't hear a sentence without separating the principal and subordinate clauses in my head. Yes, even though the year has flown, September was in a different lifetime. Now I am essentially done! (I say "essentially" because I have till Friday to turn in one more thing, but it's basically finished.) If I didn't screw up my five final papers (the reason for no posts since April 22), I'm done! I will have that degree in hand before I know it!

I didn't waste anytime converting myself into a tourist again after my studies were complete. My brothers and Chris' girlfriend came to visit me yesterday. We'll be in Madrid for a few days and then traveling through Northern Spain and Southern France.

So, I've got to sleep. Mañana we ride the "Madrid Vision" tour bus. I'm excited. I haven't done that yet!