Swimming

On Friday the fifth I started my swimming lessons. I had taken the placement test on Monday the first and was placed at level 0. My examiner justified his decision by saying that I couldn't swim breaststroke very well, which came as no surprise, since I have never been taught how to do it properly. Even so, my front crawl and backstroke, he said—maybe just as a way of excusing himself—, were correct, and so was my breathing. I don't entirely agree on this last point. My breathing needs improving. I get tired very quickly.

My classmates are mainly old ladies who can't swim at all. Their age is not surprising, mind you. The swimming pool is mostly used by retired people, who have the time and occasion and cheaper fares. In all modesty, I was the best in my group. The teacher praised my front crawl and the excellent movement of my legs in backstroke and said I'll soon be in level 1 :) Unfortunately, she was just standing in for my actual teacher, whom I still haven't met. She may not be so easily impressed!

My swimming cap broke on Sunday the seventh—the cap I've always used since I started swimming in 2004 :'( I was putting it on in front of the mirror in the changing room when it happened. I had to buy another one from the vending machine to replace it. This time I bought a polyester one (see picture).


From around the sports centre, there are some good views of the four towers under construction (actually, only of three of them. Torre Espacio is hidden by Torre de Cristal). I thought I would like to live there; to pull the blinds up every morning and be greeted by a clear blue sky and the four towers emerging among the mass of buildings of this traditional quarter, which is condemned to slowly disappear. I like constrasts, and Madrid offers plenty of them. That's probably why I like it so much.

I came across these pictures on the internet yesterday. Aren't they great?




Credits: Photograph 3 was taken from www.skyscrapercity.com and photograph 4 from www.urbanity.es.