Hello multimadridians!!

I haven't posted for a bit and thought I would update you all on my current progress. For those that have read some of my other post (if not read my intro to this post), you know my situation with the layoff. My major stalling point (meaning why I didn't leave for Madrid immediately) before heading off to Madrid, has been this sum of money the US Government provides those that have been laid off. Well I've got some IT certifications that I've wanted to get but never had the money to get them. So, as you can imagine, I'll not pass up free money (although I'm sure my taxes have probably covered this and then some)!!!

Anyway, it's taken about a month and a half to get approved for the funds. As of two weeks ago I started the program and am actually well on my way to completing the first of 3 certifications that the gov is paying for!!

I speculate that at this rate I should be complete with the training by January 7! Shortly thereafter, I will be flying to Baltimore to visit and old friend. You see I found it cheaper to actually purchase two tickets: 1 from here to Baltimore and then Baltimore to Madrid!?!?!

I am anticipating arriving Jan 14 in Madrid!!! I cannot wait!!

I still expect to teach English to start when I arrive, but have decided to wait till I get to Madrid before I decide if I feel it necesary to get a TEFL or other certification. I am hoping I might dazzle a local company with my newly aquired IT certifications as well as my current pursuit for my Masters.

I will continue to keep you all posted and very much look forward to meeting you all when I arrive!!

:cheers:

Tony

Plans are at hand!!!!

I will be picking up my plane tickets for Madrid within the week!! Finally!!!

I was wondering if I would be able to take the metro from the airport to my new place of residence? I am "expecting" to arrive in Madrid at about 11:50am on Jan 31.

Also, I was wondering if anyone might be interested in meeting me at the airport? I would be happy to reimburse the lucky Saint who would be willing to do so!!! As long as you don't rent a limo or a helicopter :jeje:
I know not many have cars, but even if you were willing to take a cab or the metro to meet me I would be happy to pay you back for your fare or metro pass (and possibly buy you lunch ). This would save me the hassel of an unfamiliar airport and city. And it would be nice to see a friendly face when I arrive :b:

Please let me know...any help would be much appreciated!!!


Tony (soon to be in Madrid) Sandoval

Tony, where exactly is your "new place of residence?

saludos,
jer...

Kinda important eh?? Sorry all, I'm a bit :lo:

The address is:
c/ lavapies, 56, 4-3, on the plaza lavapies

Hope this helps...

uh...duh...that's my address!!

yes, mm'ers that is right, modigy, club kid and it guy, is renting my spare room while he gets his madrid wits about him.

anyway mod...since you are coming here, i guess i can see in my heart, feet, metro pass...to meet you there. we'll take the bus in, it is quicker than the metro.

oh, and all you will owe me is the list of various walgreen items that i will email you privately....don't want all of mm knowing my hygeinic needs...
candy

Candy thank you soo much!!!

I'd be more than happy to do some shopping for you...although I'm a bit nervous about what exactly I may be purchasing :b:

hey Tony, jejejeje, when i saw that address i remembered you were staying in Candela's extra room for a bit.

on a side not (but a very important one), jan 31st is the birthday of both yours truly and Sunny so we will probably combine the celebration and do dinner that night

you are VERY invited if you want to fight the jetlag and come out.

details to come.

saludos,
jer..

Jer,

I would love to join in. I usually bounce back quite well (years of partying experience ), but the jet lag thingy may be a different story. Since Madrid will be about 6 hours ahead of what I'm used to and taking into account how excited I'll be to finally be "home", the results may be a toss up!!

Thanks for the invite, I've got it in my calendar,


Tony

gosh you guys, i got all teary eyed reading through this post! you guys all touched on that indescribable "calling" that i too have felt to spain (that never seems to be satiated). modigy i can't wait to hear how your journey unravels! and how exciting that you have a bunch of new friends waiting with open arms! good luck and thanks to everyone that shared for the inspiration to never stop listening to what my heart is telling me (no matter what age!!)!

Hola!

I will leaving for Madrid approx Feb 14. jer, unfortunately, I don't think I'll make it to your compleanos...and I'm very bummed about that. I have to finish this last IT certification (the government is paying, can I say free money) and I can't leave until I finish. I'm hoping for a delay of no more than a couple of days to a week.

I am wondering if anyone expects to have a room for rent at about that time? My budget limits me to $300 euros. For those of you that may know me, I am looking to move to Madrid not just vacation. I can't say how long I will stay at the room, but I don't need much except a place to sleep and hopefully meet new friends. If need be it can be temorary while I find something more permanent. I would also like a place w/ internet but that is not mandatory.

Let me know,

Tony

Hey all,

Well, as you can see I have missed my Feb. 14 date. I am still moving forward though and hope to be on my way in the next 2-3 weeks.

Jan 31 was my last day at my apartment, so that piece has been taken care of. Currently I am finishing my last cert. I have to take my final exam this week for my CCNA cert. Once I complete the cert, I expect to put my car on Ebay to sell (auctions last 7 days), so I expect to have the car sold by the end of next week. Then all I'll have left is to buy my plane tickets and pack things up!!!! YES!!!

I am still looking for a room to rent for March 7-8, so if anyone has anything available or knows someone that does please let me know. Also, if there are any website that post apartments or rooms for rent please let me know. I am looking to spend no more than $300 to start (need to get a job before I spend more).

Hope to see you all soon,


Tony

hey, the Mod finally on his way

dude, is that $300 u.s. dollars or you meant to say 300� (euros), i hope the latter since 300 bucks are only 230 eurobucks these days and that will get one nowhere as far as housing in madrid goes

so, for 300� you will have to go for a room in a shared flat.

have a good loooong search on the board for rooms to rent and similar, there is good info and advice here for that.

one of my all-time fave resources is the "pisos compartidos" (shared apts.) section of segundamano.es, check it at http://inmobiliaria.segundamano.es/subseccion.cfm?categoria_id=69&subcategoria_id=6300

i just looked and there are more than 200 ads for madrid to look at online

odds are you will not find a place and have it locked in before you arrive so you may want to stay at the paseo del prado flat that Madrid Insider (aka Rocco) administers to start out while you look for more perm. digs. see www.madridrooms.cjb.net/ for more.

saludos,
jer...

Tony,

Best of luck to you in Madrid!!!

I hope you pass your CCNA and it will bring you tons of fantastic job offers! I got mine couple of years ago and will be trying to market it as well when I arrive in Madrid later this year... Please let me know if those empresas in Madrid find it desirable (very curious!).

Again, I hope all works out great once you arrive in that awesome city! :cheers:

Ola

jer,

Thanks so much for the links...I will check them out. As far as the rent goes I was refering to 300e. Also, as you can see I have missed my date again. The big hold up has been the certification. Well...guess what? I passed it with flying colors last Friday!!!!!! YEEESSSS!! So what does this mean now??? I am putting my car up for sale this week and pray that it sells within a week or so. Once it is sold...I will be buying a plane ticket and heading to Madrid!!! FINALLY!!!!

It looks like you posted a hostel, jer? I was thinking that would be what I would need to do if I didn't find a place to live right away. Thanks for that link as well.

Again, I'll be checking the links you provided. I will see you all soon....


Tony


:cheers: :cheers:

Ola,

Thanks for the well wishes! I am crossing my fingers that the CCNA will help me to find a job in my field.


T