Orientation and Madrid

I flew to Madrid this past Saturday for our program orientation. I took a flight out of Girona (about 90km outside BCN) as it's a RyanAir hub, and thus very cheap flights. They go all over Europe for next to nothing...I'm glad I found out about this little secret as I'm sure it will be very useful this year.

I had my first experience in a hostel and it was quite surprising. The staff were very helpful and the rooms/bathrooms were spotless. My location was also perfect...about 5mins from Pl de Sol, one of the main hubs of Madrid (which btw only has 4 skyscrapers). I walked around the gardens, through the Museo de Prado, and enjoyed a delicious cheeseburger for dinner (I say delicious very loosely). Later that night some people I met accompanied me to Sol and afterwards we checked out a Hookah bar close by with awesome late night kebabs.

I spent the better part of the weekend and most of the week prior getting nervous about orientation, the people I would meet, and whether or not I would fit in. It took me awhile to accept this grant partly because I wasn't sure if I could hack it and moreso because I didn't think I "belonged" to the group. Two things about me most people don't know...I have a hard time saying no to people and at times I need affirmation/approval from others to alleviate some of my own doubts; show I'm on the right track; acknowledge that I've got things under control. On Sunday, I found myself immediately relieved of an immense amount of pressure...

On Sunday, I took the metro to the College where we were having our orientation. I think every Fulbrighter I met this past week in some way felt the same as I did. It was like the first day of kindergarten, except we had no mom's to wipe away our tears. We were all eager to meet one another and clear our doubts, share our stories, our aspirations, explain our research proposals, our travel plans, and mainly, our excitement.

The same day we began moving in, the College began Freshman Orientation. Oh how I remember those days...eager young kids awaiting all the freedoms of dorm life. One main difference, freshman hazing is considerably worse here, and borderline ridiculous. At night, the Freshmen aren't allowed back in until after 4am. They often have to walk around the Ciudad Universidad in a single file line dancing, clapping, and singing. At clubs, they have to get on stage, guys remove their shirts, and get humiliated. During meals at the cafeteria, they must stand on tables and do whatever upperclassmen ask them, even if it's serenade young American Fulbrighters or spontaneously break out in dance. College...yay.

Monday began our official welcoming to the Fulbright Comission. There are 2 main groups: 65 English Teach Assistants spread across Spain and 25 Pre/Post-Doctoral researchers. We compiled the largest class of Spanish Fulbrighters ever.

Since I'm a researcher, my sessions were geared towards how to get started, how not to get discouraged, and other helpful hints and tricks. Some of the research proposals were awesome...to this day I still wonder how I received funding. My friend Chris will be in Madrid finalizing a micro combustion engine that fits in the palm of your hand and can run off of a variety of fuels, including diesel, ethanol, gas, and vodka (yes, vodka) without losing any power; Alice is working in Mardrid to build a probe to explore life on Mars; Ted will be in Barcelona and is researching the long-term effects of river water ecosystems; Maria will also be in Barcelona and is doing something crazy with protiens and mRNA (sorry Dr. DeSaix if you read this, I apologize for not knowing the details); Christina is studying renewable energy grids; Milly will be studying/practicing violin in Madrid; another guy is studying exiled Latino writers in Madrid; and Ivo is studying the post-Franco intermediary government here in Barcelona. All very interesting topics...

On our last night, we were invited to attend a reception downtown at the Institute of International Education. Attendees included diplomats, former Fulbrighters, Ambassadors, members of the US State Department, Members of the Spanish Minsitry of the Interior (Cultural Affairs Office), and other head businessmen/donors/sponsors who have contributed to the program. On a sidenote, 80% of our program/grant is funded by Spain, yet the US Government has so kindly decided to tax me on 100% of it...sweet.

After the reception, we all went out for tapas and explored the city. For many of us, it would be our last night in Madrid as we were off to our bases the next day, some beginning work as early as Friday.

Wednesday morning was full of goodbyes and emotions. In a short 3 days, I met some very amazing people who I know will one day change the world. Some of these people will easily turn into lifelong friends. I invited the Fulbright crew to come to Barcelona 23-26Sept for Fiesta de la Merce...it's the largest festival in Spain and is categorized with Catalan music, dancing, food, art, and fun. I was in Barcelona last year for this and it was awesome...i'm pretty excited for round two. They have a 10k next weekend to kick it off which I will be running in.

I've begun my search for a piso (flat)...easier said than done. Wish me luck. Bye for now...

PS, as many of you know I've been fasting for Ramadan this past month. That ends today, with Eid being tomrorow. Eid Kareem to all my friends and family...I'll be surely missing you all tomorrow.