España the beginning

We have been in Spain for a week and are finally getting settled. My Spanish host from the Universidad Europea de Madrid UEM - European University of Madrid) Dr. Alfonso Jimenez and his wife Ana have been more than gracious. They found us a fabulous house for our stay and have helped in our transition. They have even let us borrow their car.

Driving in Spain has been a challenge. The roads are quite narrow and the terrain is quite similar to the Arizona Mountains – hilly and curvy. The only difference is the speed of driving and the constant roundabouts. We seem to be perpetually lost and headed in the wrong direction, but we eventually have found our way.

We live in The Village of Boadilla del Monte about 45 minutes from downtown Madrid. It is about 4000 sq ft., with a salt water pool and gorgeous glass enclosed veranda. The temperature here is similar to an Arizona Spring day. It is at elevation and the terrain is similar to Show Low, Arizona. Cool in the morning and ideal for a swim in the afternoon. I have to admit I have already spent many an hour reading sipping coffee in the morning and wine in the evening on the patio.

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The two undergraduate students (Chelsea Bunch and Kelly Romero) arrived here last night. They had a long journey but seemed invigorated once they made it to the house. I doubt we will see much of them today.

I have had one professional “meeting” thus far. We were invited to comida at Professor Ricardo Altimira’s home. Dr. Altimira lives in Guatarrama, Spain about an hour and a half from Boadilla. His house is a converted private chapel on a sprawling property that has a tennis court, and BMX training track. He prepared a fabulous Paella. Dr. Altimira works as a professor at IE Business School www.ie.edu/altimira as well a consultant on various fitness related ventures. It was a day filled with conversation, food and wine. We discussed everything from business plans for worksite wellness programs to occupational preparedness for Royal Mounted Police.

We also had an invitation to Alfonso’s eldest son Tomas’ 6^th birthday party. It was quite the little fiesta with face painting, cake and a piñata. It was held at Alfonso’s club in Valdemorillo. Valdemorillo is about 30 minutes from Boadilla.

Monday the students and I begin a full week intensive Spanish program at UEM. It should be an ideal kickoff for my Spanish language training as I have to say I’m a bit behind. It is an introductory course offered by the UEM Spanish Language Department for the over 300 students from abroad that will be studying at UEM this semester.