I honestly hate volcanos and Iceland at this point—yes, I’m going to be an ignorant, complaining American for once and make statements like that. And oh, Europe and it’s “awesome” transportation system that America should learn from? Puh-lease, give me a break! I get that it’s difficult to come up with a contingency plan for a volcano that last exploded in 1821, but still! It took five days for an official statement to be put out while thousands of human beings are stranded in various cities not knowing what the heck is going on. And shame on the American government, seriously. I haven’t heard one thing from the State Department and I’ve heard stories from Americans who tried the embassy and got the canned response “contact relatives back home”. Even the British are sending out the Royal Navy to rescue stranded folks! I think I’m going to try to get on one of these boats or hitchhike at this point, especially since prices are EXORBITANT! I mean, I’m willing to spend the money to get home safe and sound but it’s absolutely ridiculous that I’m going to have to throw down $300+ to get home. I should try to check out some of the other museums in Madrid but honestly I can’t be bothered at this point, especially since all I can think about is how the heck I’m going to get back home to London. I wish I can just tap my heels like Dorothy and be back in my flat……..just tried, and it doesn’t work.