Spain's National Library

I’m currently sitting on the steps under the archway of the Spain’s National Library writing this entry. My butt is a bit cold from the stone stairs but it is pretty comfortable outside although it has been raining for the past hour or so up until right about now. The sun is just coming out and blue sky is beginning to break through the seemingly endless sea of clouds. After today the weather is supposed to clear up and be in the 70s for the next week or so. Just the other minute there was this little brown bird which flew in here to get out of the rain and kept hopping closer and closer to me and just sat next to me and walked right around me for a few minutes. I got pictures. But it was ugly as hell.. it was very cute what happened but once I got a better look at it, it’s feet were mutated and part of its beak was deformed. But it’s been nice just sitting here writing these entries and relaxing.. people watching now and again as people take pictures in front of the absolutely beautiful building which has these 4 large statues of king-like men sitting in large, scholarly chairs pensively staring off into the distance as if they are the safe keepers or guardians of the books within the building behind them. Got up late this morning and helped Eugenia put her computer back together after she took it in to get fixed. I also installed updates and different programs on her computer to help her keep in touch with friends and share pictures easily. She said she likes to learn new things so I’ll be happy to teach her although the terminology poses a bit of a problem when translating to Spanish. After sending out some emails about course approvals and making sure Jess’ travel plans are well thought out and that all is taken care of, I got a bag of my books together and left for Retiro and the National Library. Of course right when I got out side it starts to rain, so I took the metro and trains to the Library which is apparently off limits to the public unless you have some prearranged matter of study or tour. They were nice about it and I had been warned that this may be the case ahead of time. I didn’t care. I just wanted to get out of the house and into Madrid. I may sign up for a tour some Friday in the future. Now I’m going to go walk around the city a bit and take some pictures because the sun is now out and it’s much nicer out.