Couchsurfing in Guadarrama

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I connected with Natacha through an online network of travelers and locals who to meet people from all over the world and show off their home (this network is called Couchsurfing). Natacha and I hung out on Friday night in Madrid. She is also the one who recommended I go to Temple de Debod for sunset.

Instead of staying in Madrid until Monday, on Saturday night I took a bus north about an hour to stay as a guest in Natacha's home in Guaderrama.

Natacha and I walking around her town

Eating calamari and patatas bravas 

View from Natacha's guest room

Sunday, July 21, Natacha took me to El Escorial, where I took a tour of the famous monastery there. It was gorgeous. My favorite room was the library. I wish I had pictures of the inside, but there was a strict no pictures policy.








After the tour, we walked some more around El Escorial, and then met up with Miguel and Nadia, who brought food and supplies for a picnic.





By the time we left (after a coffee and ice cream at an indoor air conditioned cafe) and returned to Guaderrama, it was evening. Natasha showed my her favorite part of Guadarrama, a lake where she spends a lot of time running and hiking.



I am really thankful for Natacha's hospitality and company. The whole experience reminded me how wonderful the Couchsurfing experience can be.

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