Austin

Austin is one of the best cities in Texas. I am here taking in the art in the city. I had breakfast at Las Manitas, best horchata in town! We headed down to La Pena gallery and met Lula Marcondes an artist from Orlinda, Brazil; then it was off to the Blanton where I got the opportunity to see a fantastic exhibit of Albrecht Durer.

Maestro Takeda

Today I headed up to the Ruiz-Healy Gallery in San Antonio. I had the pleasure of meeting Maestro Takeda. His work is phenomenal. He is a Japanese born artist living and working in Oaxaca, Mexico. He graciously treated us to dinner and the pleasure of his company.

Des Bishop Fitting In Clip

Marie, my friend from Ireland says this guy is the awesome, and a must see. Too bad I missed him :(

Dia de los Muertos Exhibit

A group of us BFA students decided to celebrate Dia de los Muertos by having an art exhibit downtown. Wow, the word hard work is an understatement, we transformed a vacant building into a gallery-successfully. The show was fantastic. We had drawings, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and altars. I showed two of my paintings and constructed an alter in memory of my mother. It was very therapeutic, but at the same time magnified how much I miss my mother. We had a wonderful write up about it in the South Texan, and in the the Caller-Times. If you would like to read the articles please follow the links.

http://www.tamuk.edu/southtexan/Spanish/October07/103007/Page%206_Layout%201.pdf

Exhibit

The exhibit opened today at the Lockett Gallery at the Corpus Christi Art Center. It was a tremendous success. All the works looked fantastic, visitors were saying great things, and most importantly the work is out there.

A Birthday In Barcelona

Aye, so last night I returned to Barkeno because I wanted to hang with my new friends. We were invited to hang out for Charlies B-day. I don't know Charlie, but what the heck its a fiesta, and I can't say no. It was a blast. I learned a couple of things that night, one of them being that the coolest people in Spain are not Spanish, but in fact the are international people living there, and the second thing I found out, the cute bartender from yesterday is gay. Boo :(

So today is Friday, but not just any ol' ordinary Friday, but it is FRIDAY THE 13th!!! I "romed" around the Bari Gothic today. The Boqueria market was an experience like no other. It was full of fruit, veggies, fish and meats. I had lunch at RA, which I highly recommend, especially the veggie lasagna. After lunch I followed the Rambla down the bay and took the boat ride along the BCN coast line, had some Estrella and enjoyed the ride.

The Rambla is a funny place. I can see from my balcony people walking with their clanking suitcases in tow. There are street performers everywhere blowing whistles while old men chit chat on the benchs. I can hear the sirens echoing near the Plaza Cataluna and it feels like the pulse of the city. BCN is a city that never sleeps and it lives like I do.

NOTE: I am uber jealous of the people on Vespas.

Barkeno

So last night I had dinner at this place called Barkeno on Calle Casp. The food and Sangria were to die for. We drowned 2 pitchers and I was feeling really good. The place was a new spot so the waiters were extremely accommodating, we were surrounded. We were invited down stairs to the bar, which exceeded my expectations, it was fantastic. One of our bartenders, Luis was a handsome med student in training, and the sweetest thing, too bad he was gay.

Today I checked into my new place, Hotel Lloret on the Rambla. Jack at reception was really great, really a nice guy if you go there he will treat you great. The view from my room is Caller Taller, which hosts cafes, tattoo parlors, and lots of stores catering to the punk lifestyle.

I visited the Sagrada Familia and ate pizza right across the street at Marsano's. It was pretty awesome experience until I saw this little dog piss on the church, oh well say la vie!

Ahh...

Woke up today freaking sore from carrying my bag all over Spain-I slept until noon, and it was fantastic. I am on Calle Santa Ana having lunch at this great place called Cafe Cortes. 9 euros for wine, salad, lunch, dessert, what a deal! I am totally loving the Spanish ways.

Today I made the to trek up to Park Güell. I went up to Tres Cruces on Mt. Pelada, and saw all the way to the Mediterranean.

I have arrived...

At exactly 11:05 a.m. I arrive in BCN. At home in boring Alice, Texas it is 4:05 a.m. My first impression of BCN outside of the airport was that it reminded me of Mexico City. I suppose it was the mountains, and the colors. It was bright, sunny, and loud. The airport was in the "Industrial" part of the city. Not much to see really except for the magnificent Pyrenees. I took the local bus to the Plaça de Catalunya. When I got off the bus it was chaos really. Hundreds of people with their suitcases in tow. I knew the place I was staying at was close by, but not so close that I didn't get lost. I wondered about with my 20ish pound bag on my shoulder for about an hour before I found my hotel. The place was fantastic. I had the most amazing view of the Passig de Gracia. The room was filled wth antiques, red velvet curtains that draped on the marble floor. I collapsed on the bed and stared at the twinkling chandelier above, and I knew I was home, even if it was temporary.

A few hours later I went to explore BCN. My first stop, the Gothic Quarter. I got lost in the shops. The place was lined with vendors and Vespas. I then went back to the Plaça de Catalunya and found a Sephora, which incredibly was bigger than the one in Times Square, NYC. I had to stock up on necessities I left behind at home. It was now time for siesta before dinner, I went to my mini Palace to chillax until my friend arrived.

11 p.m. my friend and I headed up to Citrus on Passeig de Gracia. The food was OK, but the Sangria was fantastic.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Lift off...

Flight number DL4351 from Corpus Christi to Atlanta. I am on seat 12B and I am attempting to mellow out by listening to Corinne Bailey Rae, and I think it is working. Despite my diva-ish ways, I managed to pack one bag, although the thing weighs 20ish pounds, I did it. It is 4:30 p.m. here and 11:30 p.m. in Barcelona, which according to my clock means Sangria time.

Flight number DL114 from Atlanta to Barcelona. I am on seat 42E, on a ginormous plane. There is this big group of travellers on a school, they are jumping on their seats, counting down till lift off. I am a big jealous of their comradery, and apparent excitement. I am going it alone. My flight seemingly began well until this 14 year old brat behind me is kicking the heck out of my seat. It's going to be a long 8 hours.

So next entry I make will be from BCN.

7 days till...

Ok, I leave in 7 days! I can't hardly believe it. Still no one knows. I booked a place in Barcelona today, called Hostal L'Antic Espai. It is a small 10 room place on Passaig de Gracia.

8 days till...

In an effort to simplify my journey I have chosen to take along with me, on my 39 day trip, one carry-on bag. I leave in 8 days, and I haven't told anyone that I am leaving, yet.

The most Über-fab Wedding

Married?? Yes, Married.... Married?? YES, MARRIED, SHEESH!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH "
-Long Duck Dong, 16 Candles

Yes, they did it, Patty and Bryan tied the knot in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Wow the Mexican Riviera is a dream. I can live there forever, it is the most fantastic place. I had the most amazing time with all of the crew, I couldn't ask for more.

Before the knot is tied...

Celebrate

I am the luckiest gal in the world. I have the most fantastic group of friends who all came out to celebrate my birthday, and for that I am forever grateful. I love you all with all of my heart.