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.