We made it to Barcelona! I am already a happy girl because the hostal provides real life size towels, a clean shower, toilettries, and the town is cheap. Wow the simple pleausures that I take for granted. We ate delicious pizza for lunch for under ten euro. In Paris it was hard to get a meal for under 30. Us cheapies have been allowing ourselves to enjoy good food, but when your trip last nearly a month, you have to go frugal when you can. It was a little tough navigating our way here, as we got out big back packs walking up and down the confusing streets for atleast an hour before getting help. Tom was great putting up with my frustration, and now that we are here, it is going to be great.
I really enjoy blogging because I feel like I get to share some of the trip with family and friends. I am so blessed by you all. The only thing that this trip can't offer is family, friends, and comforts of home. I haven't gotten homesick yet, but I'm afraid it will hit me before the 23 day adventure is over. If I wasn't here with Tom I don't think I could do this. Once again, I love you all so much and thank God for you! More later. Adios!
After going back and reading some of these entries, I realize that the grammar/spelling is all over the place. I'm going to say that I'm off the clock, delirious, and usually pressed for time when writing entries, please don't judge haha.
6/18
La Ramblas, the street of vendors, street performers, La Boqueria Market, and a pier off the water is a sight in itself. Barcelona is already more of our casual laid back style. Tom and I strolled the streets treating ourselves to wonderful food as we took in the culture. We made a "helado" stop first, got fruit juice in the market, and ended with Tapas (little plates) for dinner. The Bikini sandwich, potatoes covered in some kind of white sauce, and fried chicken something was great. I'm pretty sure everything was fried, but it tasted good. Although full, we had to end with a Nutella crepe.
It was a long day, but after using up our undies limit, it was time to find a "lavandaria" (laundromat). Tom once again used his Spanish at the first stop, however, the owner was somewhat rude and wanted to charge over 20 euro and keep our clothes until tomorrow evening. We ended up asking around and fining the hip young neighborhood where we could do our own laundry and talk to the locals. This neighborhood is a hidden gem. We are hoping that we can come hang out here some of the day tomorrow. I felt like I lived here tonight. Tom is already smiling knowing that he doesn't have to put on that sticky jacket again tomorrow. Another great day documented. Looking forward to a good nights rest, a jog and coffee in the morning, and maybe some beach time as we sight see. My pride is done catching up with me and it is safe to say that I am NOT "hard core" enough to walk all day without needing some time to relax.
6/19
6/19
Wow, it's hard to sum up a day like today. The Sangrada Familia was quite a sight and experience. This church was started and planned by Guadi (the man we now get the word "gaudy" from). The architecture was so ornate and intricate, but yet creepy at the same time. I thought the gothic style would turn me off from the church until I saw the beautiful depictions of the gospel surrounding the cathedral. At one entrance was a nativity scene and the other was the crucifixion scene. Gaudi was only able to finish a quarter of the chapel and the building is still under construction. The men in the carving of the crucifixion were mourning and looked battered. It hit me how completely awful that day must have been. Thank you Lord for suffering such pain and the hope of salvation because you rose! I loved this church. Gaudi was Catholic and I appreciate the fact that the church was centered around the hope in Jesus Christ.
After this, we hit up the "La Boqueria" for lunch. Either Tom and I really like food or this market is awesome, because I could spend all day here. It is probably a little of both. We had some empanadas, fruit, more wonderful "helado" ice cream, and crazy sandwiches. Tom particularly loved the seafood section where the fish was so fresh it was still moving.
From here we walked down the pier and to the beach. The custom was a little different than that of Keller Texas because many of the women forgot their top and the men were wearing their "da dan da dahs." Too much skin! Needless to say, we didn't stay on this overly crowded beach for too long.
Instead, we rode a bus up to the top of Tibado mountain and saw a view of the whole city. There was a neat place to have a drink and take in the sight. After a long metro ride home, we found our cute little neighborhood for some authentic tapas. I want to try to make some when we get home, they are so delicious. I went in ordering a salad and got something that did not have lettuce at all. More like cheese and artichoke covered in ginger sauce, it was not healthy, but good. Tom had a variety of potatoes, really yummy sandwiches, and some kind of seafood looking fried fortune cookie.
We have one more day in Barcelona and I am excited. I love the city despite the fact that it's a little crowded for this country girl's taste. Thinking of everyone back home. Tom and I talk about all of our wonderful friends and family daily even though we're miles away.
6/20 - We ended the Barcelona journey at the magic fountain and while the fountain show was neat, the view of the city behind the show was unbelievable. It's good to realize how small you are sometimes. We took a walking tour the last afternoon there and learned a lot of Barcelona history. Knowing some history added to the effect of looking at the city as Barcelona has been beaten down by a series of unfortunate historical choices.
The Catholic Church is the only one we could find there and unfortunately it is filled with only older people because of the distrust and hypocrisy that has been found within the leadership. I understand why solid leadership is vital and will be praying that a young church plant is sent to break all barriers that stand in the way of young citizens.We ended Barcelona with a beautiful view of the city at the magic fountain. This blog is short because we will be waking up in 3 hours to catch a train to teh airport and head to Italy!
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