Manisfestaciones y Huelgas

Ever since my move to an apartment in the heart of Madrid, I have become ever more aware of the political turmoil in Spain. Each day as I walk back to my homestay, I pass several demonstrations in Puerta del Sol. Police vans line the streets and often the policeman themselves stand in a blockade. The demonstrations vary from very small and centralized to a mass of people flocking the streets. It is also a mixture of young students and older working people.


My host mother and I watch the news together during lunch and she fills me in on all the current political problems that are arising. When I asked about whether the protests and demonstrations are getting any better, she said that they are just as bad as they have been for the past year or so. I later saw in her office a big collection of different signs and posters from past strikes. She sure is a feisty one!

On my way to my university this week, I received a text from a friend alerting me that everyone was locked out of the school. At first I chuckled to myself a bit but then realized that a strike was actually taking place. After finally being let in, several professors decided to just cancel class. My Cervantes professor explained to us that many teachers at the university are being paid enough by the government and therefore often engage in protests. We'll have to see how much class I actually end up having this semester...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

This past weekend my friends and I took a day trip to Salamanca to explore a bit and see the beautiful city! We spent hours walking through the little streets and visiting the cathedral and university. Below are some pictures from my trip!

Until next time, keep me in mind.

Yo Te Esperaré, Cali y El Dandee