Observations

We have been in Madrid three months now. I can tell this mission is going to fly. We have become familiar with the metro and bus system as well as the trains. We know the best places to shop as well as the most handy. It is a joke to tell someone the landmark to look for is the "red brick apartment building" - all buildings are red brick. Unless they are 100 years old.

We would certainly like to import the public transportation system to Arizona. The buses come frequently and stop about every two blocks. All buses do a "milk route" type run, but the scenery is pleasant. In Bolivia you just hailed a bus to get on or hollered "A Bajar" to hop off. Here you press a button and hand over hand get to the door. It is prudent to exit quickly. Those of us old folks or "Tercer Edad" can buy a monthly unlimited bus/metro/train pass for about 11 euros. Contrast this to Germany where every metro ride is at least 3.5 euros. The trains on this pass go to the suburbs, not outlying cities. But with an "Tarjeta Dorada" we can get great discounts for extended travel.  The trains are fast and comfortable. To most cities in Spain, train time is faster than airplane.

There are details we miss about home, such as: dryer sheets, snack bags, pie tins, corn tortillas, Ortega canned chile; lemon extract, and sour cream - just details that would make life a bit like home. I got quite excited when I finally found a Lipton Onion Soup substitute. There is a store called "Taste of America" where for a gooidly price you can get cranberry sauce or canned pumpkin.  Shoes here have 4 or 5 inch heels and toes that are pointed to resemble arrow tips.

August is the month for vacations. Many of the small shops close for two or three weeks. Madrilenos head for home - wherever that may be or the beach. Those from other places come to Madrid. We anticipate a very month at the temple.