It’s now almost 6:30 p.m. in Madrid and the temperature is still 35 C outside (I know because a digital screen at a bus stop told me so). Since World Youth Day starts tomorrow, nothing is happening as of yet.

The temperature inside this mall in Madrid was a welcome escape from the heat.

In the time since I’ve arrived, I’ve gone on a few walks in the area as I wait for the pilgrim group from the Office of Catholic Youth I’ll be staying with to arrive.

And every time I’ve ventured out, I have not noticed one person wearing a sun hat (I might have stood out when I continued wearing it in the “metro.”) The locals here seem to stick to sunglasses only, if they’re even wearing those. Continue reading →