It’s official now.  California, and more specifically, Los Angeles, has got to be the worst place to live as we speak. The rent is off the roof, too much people, too much noise, traffic is just insane, and gas prices are just ludicrous.  And while living in such metropolis still has its advantages, most of the time we overlook them and totally forget about them because we’re too busy worrying about the other stuff.  If you’re about to lose it, it’s always a great idea to take a break.  There’s nothing more soothing than the sound of the ocean, chillin’ by the beach, relaxing, getting a tan, and what not.

We arrived early on a Friday morning at Atocha Station via the Cercanías train service that encircles Madrid.  The trip from our friends’ lovely home in Las Rosas took about 20 minutes.  Upon arrival I could not help but remember the horrible events of March 11, 2004 when attacks, directed by an al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist cell, killed 191 people and wounded 1,755 on four Cercanías trains. The station today is clean, modern and beautiful with an indoor palm garden. A plaque honors “the solitude felt by Madrid's citizens, and in memory of the courage and generosity of all the services and people who came to their aid.”

Every so often, living in Los Angeles can turn even the nicest person into the biggest a-hole.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the fast paced way of life that we have to lead living in such an active metropolis.  Add to that the fact that most of us over-achievers and multi-taskers often take more than what we can handle… if you think about it, all that plus the daily tension of living under a strict schedule and dealing with people AND traffic… well that adds up to a whole lot of tension and stress.  

Traveling to Europe when the dollar is whirling its way down the toilet?  Well, it helps if you have friends who offer you a place to stay.  I went on my third visit to Madrid recently.  We stayed with friends in a beautiful suburb called Las Rosas.  With easy access to trains, buses and taxis, I think I finally understood and was able to participate in the uniquely Madrileño nightlife.