We have finally arrived in Madrid after 12 hours of travel and a 6 hour time difference.  Needless to say, my body clock is completely disoriented.  I can't really tell if it is today or yesterday.  I am writing this at 11:00pm (Madrid time) so 5pm (Atlanta time)? I think.  I can't wait until my body gets used to this whole traveling thing.  The past two days have been pretty interesting.  We left for the airport super early.  We were there at least 5 hours before my flight.  I got some Euros and has lunch.  Saying goodbye to the family was super hard, but we made it through.  I miss them already!  Then, Kristin came to the airport and went through security with me.  Oh the props of having a Delta brat for a best friend :)  We got to hang out right up until I had to board.  This tri will be the first time that we will be apart for more than a week in over 9 years.  It is going to be soooo hard being away. 

The flight from Atlanta to London (Gatwick) was pretty good.  I got to sit next to Katie Rogovin, so that was great!  Well.. As great as an 8 1/2 hours flight can be, I guess.  I watched "Because I said so", read, and slept most of the way.  Then once we landed in London, it was a scramble to get to our connector flight on time.  First, Marisa forgot her fleece and had to go back to the plane to get it (with no success).  Security was ridiculous, they made me fit my purse inside my already stuffed book bag and patted me down (I guess I looked suspicious).  But at least I didn't get searched like Marisa and a bunch of others.  Her and Maz had to run to make the flight on time. 

Our second flight, from London to Madrid, was not bad at all.  I got to sit next to Jonathan and Maz.  Maz is one of our group leaders.  He is originally from Turkey, but has been living in the US for 23 years. I slept for the majority of the 3 hour flight.  Flying into the Madrid airport was beautiful!!!!  You could see the countryside and all the buildings and cities.  I have never seen anything like it!  Then we got on a bus for another 45 minutes.  But we are FINALLY here!!

Our hotel is sooo nice!  Check out the pictures!  And it is in a great location (2 blocks from the Prado).  After getting checked in, we went on a walking tour all around Madrid, led by our Art professor.  He was a great tour guide!  We got to see a lot of the city in short time (2 hours) and heard a lot of cool facts.  After the tour we went inside a HUGE cathedral.  It was amazing!  You could really experience the Lord's beauty and the way that people expressed it in previous times. 

Finally, we had a welcome dinner at the hotel with the whole group.  I have met some awesome people so far.  I can tell already that this trip is going to be amazing!