Cristina and her roommate Fabi welcomed me warmly and showed me around the apartment. My room was clean and cozy with a window to an interior courtyard. The bathroom was very modern and spotlessly clean. The same can be said for the kitchen, although I used it only a couple of times to get some water (part of my vacation is NOT having to cook!). Cristina and I had a long conversation one evening, and Cristina very patiently put up with my very marginal Spanish.

The appartment is located within 50 yards or so from the street in Madrid that is compared to New Yorks 5th Avenue, yet is totally quiet since it is one of the "interior" appartments, the appartment building behind the one directly at the street. Access to the Metro in multiple directions is just a 5 minute walk or so, and many sightseeing sights are within easy walking distance, as is shopping.