Outdoor Adventures

As I got dressed this morning, I looked in my closet and thought about how efficiently I'd packed for my 5 week stay in Spain. The only think I didn't seem to use was my sneakers. . .

That changed this morning.

This pic isn't mine, but it reflects the dryness of Madrid. There's a giant lake that had no water, and areas that are river during the winter, but just dry patches in the summer. The views go for miles and miles, but your immediate surroundings are crying for some rain.

I just finished breakfast when Quique asked if I'd like to join him and Antonio for a bike ride. Jumping at any chance to get out and about, in a matter of minutes we were taking the bikes out of the shed and riding through the neighborhood. We rode to the end of the development, and then crossed into what would be the 'forest preserve' or 'prairie lands' of Santo Domingo.

I was really glad to be out and doing something active, as we spent most of this week just hanging around the house. On the trail we saw herds of sheep, a guy on horseback, and some machinery doing some farming and drilling work. It was neat to see the more natural side of Spain, and understand the fact that it really is dry. (It's currently 82*F w/ humidity of 48% Chicago's humidity is 89%).

As we were riding I laughed to myself thinking how I naturally tend to do more things with the guys. Quique and Antonio try to keep me in the loop and get me out and experiencing Madrid, Spain, and their everyday lives. The women include me too, but it's more for the social/entertaining side of things.

I also thought about how I would categorize myself as an athletic, adventurous person, but not necessarily an 'outdoorsy' person. While I love doing things outside, and getting involved in outdoor athletic activities, I think I focus a bit more on the activity part than the being outside in nature part. It wouldn't be fair to the true nature lovers if I labeled myself as such.

One thing I'm excited about being back in the states for is a more regular work-out routine. I miss it. It'll also be great to understand what people are saying without trying too.

~Jenna