Je m'baladais sur l'avenue le coeur ouvert à l'inconnu

June 3, 2008

My wallet was stolen. It’s a bummer, but what can I do? I was stupid to have done whatever it is that I did.  As I was walking about repairing my financial status, I came upon a Hispanic Krishna giving out books on the street. I actually stopped to talk to the guy because I thought it might have been a sign of some sort. The conversation was too impersonal (generic?) and unconvincing, but it is relieving to be reminded that I am not the only person standing still in this moving city.

Stephan, my German, English/French speaking friend leaves tomorrow. He is the best representation that I have of Germany/France so far, and is also one of my first memories of Madrid. I went to La Chocolateria in my pajamas to say a quick goodbye to him (because it is 3 am). And although he probably sees me as just another American girl, it will be impossible to replace him with a new member of the Madrid gang.

So being that I lost a major chunk of money and missed a day at my internship, I have decided not to go to Bilbao this week. I’m glad that I already bought my train ticket to Paris and my Barcelona concert ticket.    

It did not hit me until just now. Tomorrow, what will I do? (I have to talk to the French Embassy! I have to talk about social differences! I have to pretend I can speak Spanish to other people pretending that they can speak Spanish! I have to windup in weird places with foreign people!) Everyone is American now.