I'm behind

So, I meant to write this post a while ago and never got around to it. But, Barcelona was pretty amazing so here it is anyways. During the first week of February, Emma, Emily, and I traveled to Barcelona for a few days. I don't think we could have picked a better place to go for our first "tiempo libre" (stretch of free time). I think I fell in love with that city. We stayed at a hostel, which was a new experience for me and for travel companions too. Sleeping on a bunk bed in a room with 9 other people and sharing a communal bathroom is not exactly a four star experience, but the fact that we paid 14 euro a night was not exactly a four star price either. That made it somewhat worth it. And, really it was not that bad, the workers were very helpful and welcoming and the place was clean. We were lucky to share our room with respectful, chill people, although we couldn't figure out what language they were speaking. I would recommend a hostel if you don't mind using the same towel twice, bringing your own shampoo, or not having someone else make your bed every day. A hostel is also a great way to meet people you might not normally interact with.

Day 1: Emily and I went exploring. We found a perfect little breakfast cafe that we ended up going to everyday we were in Barcelona. The coffee was great!

We then spent the day venturing into the city. We did some shopping, as girls do best. And walked along "Las Ramblas," probably the busiest street in Barcelona. Not because of traffic, but because of people. There were so many things to see, you could probably walk that street everyday of your life and always see something different.

Day 2: We went to the beach! I can proudly say I have touched the water of the Mediterranean. Itwas a little cold for swimming, but the weather was nice enough to enjoy a picnic.

(this child was too adorable, I couldn't resist the photo op.)

Day 3: It was a busy day. We started of with our cafe con leche, then headed to La Sagrada Familia, an incredible cathedral and a must see if you ever go to Barcelona. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi. He has definitely made his mark in Barcelona. While I was in the cathedral, I couldn't help but look up. The ceiling and the architecture is absolutely incredible. But, maybe that's the point, in a holy place the idea is to look up... into the heavens. I am hopeful because the most beautiful place is unreachable at the moment, but somehow it was built, therefore it is reachable in the end.

After La Sagrada Familia, we made our way (by the metro!) to Parque Guell. It was amazing and also designed by Gaudi. His house is also located here. Parque Guell is a public park that is so beautiful I couldn't believe you could just walk right through it. The park feels a little bit like walking into a fairy tale. There was a tunnel/ pathway lined with trees and little "candy" cottages. Emily and I had packed a lunch and we enjoyed it on a stone bench, along the pathway, lined with trees... and lived happily ever after.

Oh, wait! I can't forget we also went to el estadio de Barcelona (the futbol stadium) that day, in honor of my brother. We couldn't take a tour because there was a game later that night, Barcelona vs. Madrid, but it was still exciting see. The fans were already arriving, four hours early to support their team.

Day 4: We spent our last morning in Barcelona visiting the Arc de Triomf. A typical monument of Roman architecture. It was built in 1888 for a main access gate of the World's Fair, Universal Exhibitions. Finally before we ended our lovely time in Barcelona we spent some time at the Picasso Museum, but "prohibe fotos" was a common theme around the museum, so I could not take any pictures to show you.

Our trip came to a close, but I will always remember the time I spent in Barcelona. I hope to go back someday. It was really difficult because at the end of my trip I received some very disappointing academic news. After such an amazing trip, I experienced one of the worst nights of my life, felling lonely and somewhat worthless, like all my hard work was for nothing. I'm still very frustrated about the situation, but difficult times are a blessing in disguise, and I am trying to look at it that way. Without them it would be impossible to gain appreciation for the wonderful moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Looking back on my life, I want to remember the moments when I was happiest.

Dia de San Valentin

It's Valentine's day and I would like to talk about some things that I love.

I love that I have the opportunity to experience a different culture and learn a new language. Although, this experience is probably the most difficult and frustrating experience of my life. I recently read a quote on my friends facebook page that said "we are all faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations." I think that that fits my life perfectly at the moment.

I love cafe con leche! The coffee in Spain is amazing, as I am assuming it is in all of Europe. It is always strong and always hot, although the Spaniards prefer a little more sugar than is to my liking. The good news is you can add what you want. To the average Spaniard even a "small" 12 oz. latte would seem muy estrano (very strange), and (muy grande) very big. Granada is a smaller city and that is how its people prefer their coffee, one shot of espresso, sometimes with milk in a small espresso cup. Starbucks, the coffee shop that seemed to take over the world, doesn't even exist here. It is very difficult to find coffee "to go" which in a way symbolizes the importance many Europeans see in sitting down, and taking the time to enjoy themselves, their time, and their company. What's the rush?

I love walking everywhere. Although my sense of direction is not the greatest, and I have gotten lost multiple times, I would prefer to walk, rather than drive any day. Plus, it's better for the environment (Mom that's for you), and getting lost is part of the adventure. Walking allows for more time to think, contemplate, enjoy the scenery, and to take it all in. Again, what's the rush?

I love hearing little kids speak in Spanish. Of course it's natural, Spanish is the language they grew up with, it's the language they know, but I am used to little kids learning English. I am also trying to learn Spanish. When I hear a little kid speaking the language I am trying to learn, as a 21 year old, I just find it remarkable, and incredibly cute.

I love la tortilla espanola. I decided one thing I really miss about the United States is breakfast. I mean a big, delicious, sit down, Saturday morning breakfast. That just does not happen in Spain. Mostly because people are still sleeping during "breakfast time", and by "brunch time" you should eat something light, because lunch is coming in a few hours and that is usually a pretty big meal. However, the tortilla espanola almost makes up for the lack of American breakfast. Because it is kind of like breakfast except you eat it for lunch and dinner. The restaurants here also refer to it as a "potato omelet," for American's who do not understand that it is not a tortilla like the kind for a burrito. It is simply made of egg, potatos, and onions (you can add other vegetables or ham if you like) in the shape of a fat tortilla. So in a way it's kind of like eggs and hashbrowns. :) Here's a link to a recipe. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-specials/tortilla-espanola-spanish-omelette-recipe/index.html I don't know how good it will be, but you get the idea.

I love that musicians pop up on the streets while walking through the city. When I am in a good mood, and the weather is nice, I almost feel as if I am in a movie. An artistic song describes my mood and the mood of the day. Sometimes I even try to walk in rhythm with the beat. It's kind of dramatic, but music is capable of turning an ordinary moment into a perfect moment.

And lastly, I love that I miss my family. Because that means I love my family. I really think I'll learn to love being here, in Granada, but it is still something new and something I want to share with the people I love most. I don't want to leave, but I can't wait to reunite with my loved ones and tell of my experiences here. xoxo