We started out by getting on the Metro and taking it to Lesseps. I was told that it was confusing to get to the Park from the Metro and we should take the bus instead. However, Cristy and I liked the idea of walking and possibly running in to an adventure so we decided we would do the Metro/walk way instead of getting dropped off right in front. Walking seemed too easy for someone to get lost-straight with one left turn and up then up a hill. So, once off the Metro, we started the walk that was entirely too easy. Along the way we got café con leche and agua to wake us up. We got to the park and we were instantly captivated. It was beautiful...and crowded. It is too bad you can't just make everyone disappear so you have the freedom of walking/standing where you want and taking pictures without strangers in them or in the way. But that is just wishful thinking. With or without strangers this park is definitely something to be seen. We had no plan of where we wanted to go or what we wanted to see and that made the day so relaxing and easy to enjoy. Any path you took was pleasing to the eye. Each piece of work was just masked in intricate details. I could look at something for ten minutes, turn to look at something different, look back at the first thing and find something completely new that I had previously missed. It would take hours and hours to notice all the details. So, Cristy and I would just take a path, see where it led us, and go from there! Eventually, a few hours and a hundred or so pictures later, we were back at the front of the park. We decided that we had seen as much as needed for that day and would head to the beach! I definitely plan on revisiting Park Güell.
Cristy and I took the Metro back home and along the way saw what we thinking was a pick pocketing. Everyone has warned me about pick pocketing in Barcelona and thankfully, I haven't yet experienced anything like it. I like to think I am pretty observant and aware of my surroundings. But I know that is sometimes not enough. Pick pocketing is scary, but that doesn't make Barcelona scary...just have to be smart and aware. With that said, Cristy and I made it home safely. We changed, ate a snack, and went to meet Max and Carly at the beach. We got to the beach in enough time to enjoy some sun, friends, and a siesta! After we had enough of the beach, Carly, Cristy and I walked towards the Barceloneta Metro, stopping to get fruit at a frutería, Paella and a dark chocolate truffle for me along the way. It was delicious!
Sadly, Monday night was a school night so Cristy and I just hung out at home. I have class at 9:30 to 11:30 and then again at 3 till 5. It is kind of a crummy schedule but at least there is enough time to do something in between. So, after my 11:30 class, I went by the ISA (my study abroad program) offices to print off Cristy's boarding pass for Paris and mine for Venice, and then met up with Cristy. We were going to go to the Sagrada Familia but Cristy was afraid she wouldn't have enough time to catch the bus to the airport. I totally understood what she was saying because I tend to stress about getting to the airport in time and usually end up being there in plenty of time. Thus, we just went to the Plaça de Catalunya to have lunch. We ate at a little Italian restaurant and then finished with some gelato/sorbet. Cristy doesn't like sweets...she actually just got into trying different things. She ended up going with sorbet. I can't believe she doesn't like sweets-I wish that would be the case with me. We said bye, but it didn't feel like it because I'm going to see her in Italy in just two weeks!!!
Yo voy a la escuela en Barcelona. I am taking a "Spanish Civilization and Culture". This sounds really neat but it is actually a lot of work. We have a group project that will be extremely educational and beneficial, but it is kind of a bummer when I am in Barcelona doing group projects (something that I don't like in the States). My group is doing our presentation on Architecture in Barcelona, but more specifically Modernism and Gaudi. This will mean I get to spend more time at Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and La Pedrera which is going to be really interesting! I'm also taking a level 2 Spanish class. Level 2 Spanish is both good and bad...I had to take a test in order to be placed in a level. Spanish 2 is good because it shows that even though I haven't taken Spanish since senior year in high school, I actually know enough to not be placed in beginner. Spanish 2 is bad because it isn't beginner. What that means is that I'm in a class with nine other girls, some of which should just move up a level because my tendency to ask questions seems to bother them. I enjoy learning spanish, thus I want to know and understand as much as possible. I don't like that these girls act this way because it makes me not want to ask questions. I am going to try my best to not let it bother me and just keep doing what I'm doing because it is somewhat working! I'm glad I have Jenna and Amanda in that class. We are all on about the same level so we can confide in each other. I can tell mi español is getting better because I am able to communicate with people when necessary at stores and around town. My teacher, Chelo, is really neat. She speaks Catalan and Spanish and then a little bit of English (a good and bad thing because it makes me speak to her in spanish, but then it frustrates me when I can't explain a question). She lives in Barcelona with her boyfriend (whom she calls "partner"). She doesn't have any kids of her own, but her partner has 3 and 36 at an orphanage in India. She goes there to visit and help out with the kids a few times a year. She is a really nice lady who I plan on keeping in touch with to her to keep improving my spanish.
Amanda, Jenna and me on the balcony of our Spanish class!
Carly and I went for a run around our neighborhood on Tuesday after school. We weren't sure of our plan but we ended up running to the beach and then turning around and coming home. It was a pretty good run, especially since we haven't been running like we do in States. We came home and tracked it and it turned out to be 1.6 miles each way. I ran again tonight...this time I ran half way to the beach and then going the other way I went a few blocks to the Sagrada Familia. My plan wasn't to stop, but once I got there I was just in amazement of how big and incredible it was. While stretching I couldn't take my eyes off of it. La Sagrada Familia is the only cathedral in the world still under construction. Started in 1882, it isn't expected to be finished till 2026. I am excited to go in and actually tour it. I think I may even pay a little more to go up in the towers.
This week I walked home in between classes in order to save money (and my health). If I was to stay around school, then I would end up eating a tortilla de patata bocadilla con patatas bravas. One of the other days in between classes, I went to the beach! There is definitely enough time to get some sun in...almost more than enough because it is the heat of the day and makes me super sleepy for my afternoon class. On the days that I walk to and from school by myself for whatever reason, I really enjoy it. Nothing against walking with my roommates Carly and Amanda, but I like my alone time. It enables me to take my time and find new places. Today, I explored some of the shopping areas around school. I also find myself checking the prices of a café con leche at each bar and the croissants at pastelerias. I like to know where the best deal is for the best quality! And my friends who are visiting will also want to know some places to go when I'm at school.
Another thing I love about walking around and exploring is the people watching that comes along with it. I enjoy watching the different kids with their parents. More than once I have tried to listen to what the kids are saying because I have this theory that they will talk slow and I will get it. It doesn't always work that way. I like watching all the different cars and scooters go by too. I'm amazed at how fast they drive and how aggressive. With that said, I have only seen one accident and it was just a bumper to bumper so apparently it isn't as dangerous as I think. I don't think, actually I know I will not be riding on a scooter here. Those guys and girls are crazy, but at least they wear helmets unlike Florida. I really love the lifestyle of living here...it seems as though no one stresses or worries about anything. I am envious of that! They are all pretty laid back on time. Another thing I have noticed is the public display of affection...there is WAY more here. People aren't afraid to show their feelings here, which is good I guess? Maybe it is just too much for me because that isn't how I was raised. Just like I was raised in a country that is pretty open about religion, but here? Religion is not discussed with others. My Spanish Civilization teacher told us that it is usually only the elders who attend church and that most teen-agers never go. Also, here it is totally normal to tan topless-one thing that is only common in certain beaches around the States-but to go to school showing your shoulders is very rude. It is different in a lot of ways, but it I love learning about it! It is not wrong by any means, just not what I am used to. From certain comments from my teachers, I have already learned that they think some of our ways in the States is unusual.
One thing that is different is the fact that dryers are VERY rare. But I'm enjoying the clothes line!
Tomorrow morning we are getting up early to get to Plaça Catalunya in order to catch a bus to the airport. Carly, Max, JT and I have a flight to VENICE in the morning! Once in Venice we are meeting up with Horton! I'm super excited to be in Italy, to see Venice and to see Horton (who I haven't seen since Jan 1st!)
Buenos Noches!!
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