So, because you have all been asking for photos, here they are! The place doesn't really translate that well into pictures, but hopefully this will give you sort of an idea of what it looks like. It's a three bedroom with an office, a comfortable kitchen and attached laundry area, a clothesline (no one has dryers in Spain), and a living room with two huge windows overlooking a plaza and a street. This is my bedroom!!! (I got the double bed, which they call the "cama de matrimonio" or marriage bed in Spain. I love that phrase, it always cracks me up. Usually people sleep in twins here, and I assume it's because of the Catholic heritage of the place... you can't be a good Catholic and sleep in a big bed before you're married.) Also, notice the hardwood floors throughout the place. They're lovely.
Here is another photo of my bed, and the view I have out of my window. It's pouring today, so this isn't the best reflection of what I nice view it is, but I can see down to the old part of town, and have a view of the mountains when there aren't tempestuous storm clouds in the way. I actually wanted this room because of the view. Apparently, however, it rains a ton here, like Portland is what I've been told, so I'm prepared to love the grey sky and soggy buildings as depicted in the photo below.
Here's our living room (complete with roommates!Watch out! There are Americans everywhere!!!) and the view from the window on a sunny day:
... Did I mention that I'm paying 175 Euros a month for this place? Electricity is included (the over is electric) and we just have to pay water, gas, and internet. By the way, 175 Euros is the equivalent of about 240 USD. For a room in a four bedroom three bathroom on the fourth floor with a view of a plaza, hardwood floors throughout, a sweet living room and fully equipped kitchen with granite counter tops and a washing machine. In Spain. WHAT!?! 
And the kitchen, excuse the fact that this picture is completely out of focus and terrible. I would take another one, but I'm kind of lazy... you get the idea. Oh yea, and did I mention that everything here comes completely furnished? That's how it is in Spain. I mean, entirely furnished!! Cups, silverware, pots and pans, sheets and blankets on the beds, and towels. Two sets of towels. I absolutely love it here! 
The couple we are renting from, Laura and David, are wonderful. Last night they took us out to meet all of their friends and "ir de vuelta," which means go out on the town, and they drove us home, exhausted, at the early hour of 5:30 am. Their friends were mad at us for leaving so early. But seriously? I don't know how they do it here! Slept in until 2:30 and I'm still trying to figure out what time of the day it is.
I'm currently sitting in a cafe across the plaza from our place, called Café Aroma. It's kind of a combination between a bar and coffee shop, watching the Madrid soccer (fútbol) match, and I must admit, I feel very out of place on my computer doing work. The place is full, and everyone is transfixed on the television. I keep gazing up to watch so as not to annoy the locals too much. WHOA they just scored a goal. Viva Madrid! Everyone here just erupted. Not kidding. I'm talking table pounding and shouting. And this is a low-key bar full or older people. they do not mess around when it comes to soccer.
Well, I hope that's sufficient for now. Tomorrow I should be getting internet connected in the apartment and can post something with a little more substance. I went on Friday to have a little orientation at my school, and it went really well. The kids are really well behaved and the staff is extremely welcoming. There are only 25 teachers, so everyone is close, and really willing to help me. I have my first day of actual class tomorrow, so I will let you know how it goes! Hasta luego!
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