Barcelona y Montserrat y MÁS

This past weekend was our adventure in Barcelona. And it WAS an adventure.

Let's start off by saying that I should never plan things on my own. My upcoming trip to Paris/Amsterdam was planned almost entirely by Emma, and I didn't realize how much work and...you know...common sense went into this sort of thing. I decided to take it upon myself and book the hostel in Barcelona when we planned this trip a few weeks ago. I booked a cheap one that got good reviews, even though it was outside the city. The week before we left, we started to rethink its location (the last stop on one of the Metro lines...) and Thursday night, the night before we left, I made an impromptu decision to change our hostel to something closer to the center of the city. I found a great one, made a reservation, and called the other hostel to cancel the reservation, where I was told that I would be charged for the first night's fees because I cancelled the reservation less than 24 hours ahead of the time of arrival. Which turned out to be the policy of all hostels. So...long story short...I cost my friends an extra 17€, because I decided not to read the terms of the hostel. I felt like a dope, and was a bit of a Debbie Downer (no...not a bit...I was really disappointed in myself...), but my friends were very supportive.

But before we get to the adventures in Barcelona, there's something I'd like to address about myself. Something that was revealed to me through this experience by my friends. One my of the Alcaláños told me, "Don't get mad..." I responded, "Don't worry...I never get mad. I get frustrated, but I never get mad." I think that's pretty much the case all the time. But I was mad at myself after this hostel debacle. This friend told me that I was wrong. I do get mad. But only at myself. I save my anger and project it all on myself. Because that's what makes other people happy, right?

Well...no more. I'm always afraid to speak my mind and tell people how I feel, and I never ever show others that I am upset with them. Things might change from now on. Or at least, I'll try to change my ways.

Ok...sorry for the rant...it was a big realization, and it needed to be said.

Barcelona is a beautiful city. Truly magnificent architecture, a completely different attitude toward life and Spain, and a type of machismo and aggressiveness not seen anywhere else I've been to.

Highlights:
1. We walked down Las Ramblas, the main tourist drag from Plaça Catalunya to the ocean, and went to La Boqueria, the most wonderful market I've ever seen. There were stands after stands after stands of fresh fruits and vegetables, jamón ibérico and manchego cheese, spices and curries, shellfish and whole fish, and so much more. So, going from experience, we bought ingredients for another picnic, this time by the sea. It was a beautiful day, and we snacked on jamón and strawberries and chorizo and cava and surprisingly tasty 5€ rioja wine.







2. We ventured up to Parc Güell, Gaudi's awesome park overlooking the city. Full of mosaics and twisted towers and open market space, Güell was another spectacular sight. The view was great, the lighting would have made Gary squeal with excitement, and it was a great time. See here:







3. We met up with Tara and Lucy and Connor in the Gothic Quarter. It was great to see Tara and Lucy (and Connor of course, but I see him every week...) but us Alcaláños were beat from our long day, so we said goodnight pretty quickly and went back to hostel. On Saturday, we rendezvoused with them again, and they brought along the lovely Nissa, who was a sight for sore eyes. However, at this point, I had a sore ankle (more on that later), so she was really a sight for sore...ankles? Whatever...the point is, it was great to see her as well, even though she kinda guilt-tripped me into organizing a trip to Bologna soon. But my ankle was throbbing, so I had to say goodbye to her and Tara and Lucy almost as soon as we had reunited again. Sunday night, Tara took a break from her studies and joined me for a late-night coffee, where we reminisced about how we both miss sQ! so much, and how the abroad experiences are going. I didn't really realize how much I miss Tara...but I did, and I still do.

4. Saturday we visited Montserrat, a monastery built into the mountains right outside of Barcelona. We had to take a cable car/gondola up the mountain, an exhilarating ride both ways. The food was mediocre, the sights were incredible, and there's not much else to say.







5. We were guided by Ethan's friend Hallie to many wonderful spots in Barcelona, particularly on Sunday morning to a small plaça to witness the Catalan sport "castellers," in which teams build towers or castles (castle = castell) of people. There's a large base at the bottom full of strong men, and as you go up the tower, the team members become progressively smaller. At the top is usually a 7 or 8 year-old girl, who will smile all the way up, then blow a kiss to the audience, then slide down the tower. It's an incredible declaration of Catalan pride, and a great way to spend a Sunday morning.




6. We spent some time late Sunday night, early Monday morning with Emily and Santi. Not nearly enough time, but still very fun. We dodged drug dealers and creepy homeless men and prostitutes, and laughed the whole time. Out of fear.

Lowlights (?):
1. There was only one, really. We went to see this awesome fountain show in front of a palace. It was choreographed to Disney music. It was great. Then, a nasty curb attacked my ankle and twisted it in every wrong direction. Saturday night I could barely walk, but the thought of seeing Tara, Lucy, Connor and Nissa gave me the strength to get to Las Ramblas. But Erica and Andrés had to carry me (literally...) back to the hostel. After an ibuprofen on Sunday, I felt like a million bucks, but my left ankle is now three sizes too big, like the Grinch's heart after he learns to love the Whos. And there's some internal bruising. Yummy. Which means, and here's the kicker, no gym, and no salsa for at least a week. But Pilar was a goddess and gave me some German lotion to rub on my foot and an Ace bandage. I really love her. I hope she knows that.

And as for all of you out there, I kindly ask that you comment on the blog, just to say hi or something, because I miss you all so much. If you want to inform me about your life (because even though it may seem like I'm too busy to care, I still do) please send me an e-mail. Much love to you all...I think about you always.