Today I changed my name to Rachel Wise-Janz because Erin and I decided that we are learning so much from each other. Which is exactly what I wanted to happen on this trip. Today she bought her first pair of jeans in a longtime, and I bought my first pair of leggings. It was a first for both of us. She hated the way jeans suck to your legs, and I can’t stand how leggings show off my unflattering part of my body. But it was a huge step for both of us. I am learning to like things from Erin and she is learning from me. It is like we are a married couple. And I know I can depend on my girls here if I need help.
Today for lunch I ate American food, or at least mashed potatoes. They tasted so good! I needed something solid, and that reminded me of home. After the girls left to class Arik and I went on an adventure. We walked through the Macba area of town and headed to the west. I am shocked still how many people smoke pot outside without worrying about police. We searched through Chinese shops and looked at all of the junk they were selling. It was like a family dollar at an extreme level. We were like little kids in a candy shop! Wait we were in a candy shop multiple times during the night! Then we decided to explore the bus schedule. We rode the bus and went to the park. I love European Parks. They would be perfect if the lake was right there. If I wasn’t so lazy, I could have walked to the water. I told Arik my obsession with alliterations and that was a bad idea!
In Barcelona I have no bladder control. When I have to pee, I have to go! That is my random thought of the day. When I get urges they are horrible! I don’t understand why it is so bad here! It may be because I never drink water and when I do I pound it. And everything is full of salt. They add salt to the salads, meat, breakfast, everything. And a lot of their food is microwave. It’s really good, but just pre packaged. Tuna is my new obsession. I love it so much. I crave it and eat it on pizza, plain or on bread. Hopefully that will be the only fish I ever say that for!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Day 24 January 25, 2009 Sunday
We slept in from our last few intense nights. This week is going to be crazy! We are going to the Alps in a few days! Katie came over and we facebook crept together and ate candy bars, hazelnuts for me, dark chocolate for her. We decided that when you poke someone on facebook it is basically like you just had sex. And Jazz added “so true. Poke someone; u might as well take the morning after pill”. And that was a huge part of today’s conversation.
We decided to go to Parc del Laberint and see the mazes in the North part of the city close to the Mountains. This park was so cute and there was so many families out. We went to the entranced and it was closed. The sign was in Catalan and we couldn’t understand what it said. But a man translated that it was closed because of the huge storm the day before that damaged much of the park. Today there were still gusts, and we looked around and realized that trees were down everywhere as well as signs and other various things. 14 people died in Spain because of these storms, trains were derailed and a few boats were tipped over. I rarely watch the forecast here and just go with it by looking at the sky! I didn’t even know a storm of this magnitude was going to hit Barca, and we still went out and had a great night. I even sat at the beach and got pelted with sand in the face. But with the bars, clubs, spooning, and chats, this weekend couldn’t have been any better.
This is still my favorite quote ever.
“Here in Barcelona, everything was swept aside. The world was turned upside down and stayed there.”
Later in the evening we sat at a café where Katie forgot to pay and they rain after her! We are becoming regulars at a few pubs and cafes and it is just like we are in Tomahawk. Barcelona is a huge city, but it is compact at the same time. The city is in between the mountains and the sea, so it has to be condensed. I like this because all the action is put together. Katie and I are even considering moving here after college. Don’t worry mom. We are just thinking about it.
We decided to go to Parc del Laberint and see the mazes in the North part of the city close to the Mountains. This park was so cute and there was so many families out. We went to the entranced and it was closed. The sign was in Catalan and we couldn’t understand what it said. But a man translated that it was closed because of the huge storm the day before that damaged much of the park. Today there were still gusts, and we looked around and realized that trees were down everywhere as well as signs and other various things. 14 people died in Spain because of these storms, trains were derailed and a few boats were tipped over. I rarely watch the forecast here and just go with it by looking at the sky! I didn’t even know a storm of this magnitude was going to hit Barca, and we still went out and had a great night. I even sat at the beach and got pelted with sand in the face. But with the bars, clubs, spooning, and chats, this weekend couldn’t have been any better.
This is still my favorite quote ever.
“Here in Barcelona, everything was swept aside. The world was turned upside down and stayed there.”
Later in the evening we sat at a café where Katie forgot to pay and they rain after her! We are becoming regulars at a few pubs and cafes and it is just like we are in Tomahawk. Barcelona is a huge city, but it is compact at the same time. The city is in between the mountains and the sea, so it has to be condensed. I like this because all the action is put together. Katie and I are even considering moving here after college. Don’t worry mom. We are just thinking about it.
Day 23 January 24, 2009 Saturday
Today Barcelona almost blew away according to the news. It was warm out, an eerie warm and then the winds started. It was 99 mph and considered Hurricane category two winds, but still 70 degrees out!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/01/25/storms.spain.france/index.html
I have never experienced the strength of the gusts as I did today. When I woke up I didn’t even think today was going to be any different from the rest weather-wise. The city was busy, and all the venders were still out. I went to the mall because the group went mountain climbing and I couldn’t because of my foot. The mall is on Port Vell right on the water, and it is an open concept. The wind picked up and the lights went out. I was very upset today for not being able to go on the trip. The leader of the trip sent me the email
“you are the type of person who always does things and pushes yourself....) this must have been a very tough decision for you. Believe me: the difficult but good decisions are the ones that make us become more mature individuals!”
-condoning me for choosing not to go (which was a forced choice from another leader). And I was so angry by her email; I knew I could have gone with the group. But when I as at the mall, she called and told me the trip was cancelled because the roof of the restaurant they were hiking to in the mountains blew off. It may have been fate. And hopefully my foot will be better when it is rescheduled!
I met up with the girls and we sat at Jody’s hiding from the wind! We gossiped and bonded like we always do. And when we left the storm was dying down. Trees were down, signs were broken, and mopeds were all down. The wind was horrendous! I can’t use enough adjectives to describe it! But it was weird how the city didn’t close down, and people acted as though nothing was wrong!
We hung around in the grocery store and just looked at the differences to blow time before dinner. We noticed that the fish department consumed half the store and the meat department a quarter and then fruit the other quarter! None of the milk is refrigerated and much of the eggs aren’t either! And no wonder I don’t drink milk here! But the fruit looked so ripe and yummy.
Tonight the Barca game was on and the city goes always goes crazy for their winning and talented team. We went to the Irish Pub off of Uriquonna, and the bar was packed. We got pitchers and watched the game. But below the tv’s a bluegrass band was playing. They were really good and were playing cover songs of many (mostly 1970’s) tunes. It was like I was back in Wisconsin. Bluegrass, beer and a football game! It did have a homey feel to it. We just drank, listened, watched and sat with our big group of friends. It reminded me of a Minnesota weekend/and a Tomahawk summer night!
After the bar we went to the club. I had to pee so badly, and the girls helped me go in an ally so the rest of the group wouldn’t see! At the club we danced a bit. I was kind of tipsy and knocked over a huge rope at the VIP sections and I blamed it on Katie. I decided only tools sit in the VIP section and the middle of the dance floor is where it is at. There is the most socializing and it is the best to act crazy and have a good time. I am not one of those high maintained girls on this trip; I just want to have fun and not care what people think about me.
I decided our program is turning into a soap opera. We all go into our cliques, and now groups of clicks are exploring their options and competitions. You start getting crushes, and enemies. If one person of your besties despises another person, your whole group will as well. It’s just the way it works. And the scenery of the movie is in Barcelona, a beach front city, some of the best clubs in the world, and some of the best people. It is the time of my life. And I am so glad I have the friends here to experience it with me. I would not be having the time of my life without them.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/01/25/storms.spain.france/index.html
I have never experienced the strength of the gusts as I did today. When I woke up I didn’t even think today was going to be any different from the rest weather-wise. The city was busy, and all the venders were still out. I went to the mall because the group went mountain climbing and I couldn’t because of my foot. The mall is on Port Vell right on the water, and it is an open concept. The wind picked up and the lights went out. I was very upset today for not being able to go on the trip. The leader of the trip sent me the email
“you are the type of person who always does things and pushes yourself....) this must have been a very tough decision for you. Believe me: the difficult but good decisions are the ones that make us become more mature individuals!”
-condoning me for choosing not to go (which was a forced choice from another leader). And I was so angry by her email; I knew I could have gone with the group. But when I as at the mall, she called and told me the trip was cancelled because the roof of the restaurant they were hiking to in the mountains blew off. It may have been fate. And hopefully my foot will be better when it is rescheduled!
I met up with the girls and we sat at Jody’s hiding from the wind! We gossiped and bonded like we always do. And when we left the storm was dying down. Trees were down, signs were broken, and mopeds were all down. The wind was horrendous! I can’t use enough adjectives to describe it! But it was weird how the city didn’t close down, and people acted as though nothing was wrong!
We hung around in the grocery store and just looked at the differences to blow time before dinner. We noticed that the fish department consumed half the store and the meat department a quarter and then fruit the other quarter! None of the milk is refrigerated and much of the eggs aren’t either! And no wonder I don’t drink milk here! But the fruit looked so ripe and yummy.
Tonight the Barca game was on and the city goes always goes crazy for their winning and talented team. We went to the Irish Pub off of Uriquonna, and the bar was packed. We got pitchers and watched the game. But below the tv’s a bluegrass band was playing. They were really good and were playing cover songs of many (mostly 1970’s) tunes. It was like I was back in Wisconsin. Bluegrass, beer and a football game! It did have a homey feel to it. We just drank, listened, watched and sat with our big group of friends. It reminded me of a Minnesota weekend/and a Tomahawk summer night!
After the bar we went to the club. I had to pee so badly, and the girls helped me go in an ally so the rest of the group wouldn’t see! At the club we danced a bit. I was kind of tipsy and knocked over a huge rope at the VIP sections and I blamed it on Katie. I decided only tools sit in the VIP section and the middle of the dance floor is where it is at. There is the most socializing and it is the best to act crazy and have a good time. I am not one of those high maintained girls on this trip; I just want to have fun and not care what people think about me.
I decided our program is turning into a soap opera. We all go into our cliques, and now groups of clicks are exploring their options and competitions. You start getting crushes, and enemies. If one person of your besties despises another person, your whole group will as well. It’s just the way it works. And the scenery of the movie is in Barcelona, a beach front city, some of the best clubs in the world, and some of the best people. It is the time of my life. And I am so glad I have the friends here to experience it with me. I would not be having the time of my life without them.
Day 22 January 23, 2009 Friday
Spanish today. The scene was like a bunch of lazy breakfast club students. Erin had her hood up, I got an hour of sleep and I was just lying over my desk with my head down. The guys were in their clothes from the night before, and we all had our water bottles out just chugging it. I barely drank the night before, but I was so tired. Everyone looked like hell! We all moaned and groaned and couldn’t handle the early class with barely sleeping. But it was a classic memory of how my Spanish class is. We all just shook our heads and talked about last night’s events. But this is the dumb things of Barcelona I love. Just the way you look at your class and you can laugh. It is becoming a reality show among people in our group!
After our nap Katie and I decided to take the Bus 41 to wherever it takes us. We ended up at the beach on Katie’s “god”. Bus 41 is the bus 16 of Minneapolis. Wherever you want it to take you, it will go! We walked the beach and searched for a bar. It was 20 degrees Celsius out. (Which means 70 degrees) It was so warm it was amazing! But it as an eerie warm and then the winds started to pick up.
After exploring the Olympic Village we went to the bar to get 1 euro beers (mega bargain). And then we had the brilliant idea to get movie theater popcorn! Right off of the Plaza we found a movie theater with AMAZING popcorn. It tasted just like the US’s and we were in heaven. I needed something like that and it tasted perfect!
We rode bus 41 home and it is a huge restriction to eat on the buses in Barca, but we snuck it underneath our coats. Knowing us we left a trail every time we shifted spots on the bus. And people knew it was us. We finally got seats and more popcorn was going on the floor than in our mouths. But it tasted so good! We laughed our asses off on the bus and ran off at our stop! We made the biggest mess, but it was the best food so far in Spain! Katie and I had the perfect day just riding the bus, people watching and laughing at everything we saw. And who couldn’t be in a better mood when they have popcorn!
And the karma of bus 41 hit us later that night. The last bus of the night ended at 11:11, and we got there at 11:12. Got to hate karma sometimes! We took the metro to the beach and strolled barefoot in the sand. The air smelled like salt, you could see the stars, hear the waves, and feel the hot night! It was just like a scene from Laguna Beach. I love the ocean. I decided I need to live close to one no matter what. The ocean just makes you want so much more. I am so glad I chose to study by the water. That is a huge chunk of my life, and I know it’s where I want to live. I heard the cutest quote today “I dropped a tear in the ocean, and whenever they find it I'll stop loving you, only then.” And that reminds me of the sailor knot bracelets I love. I also love the way the ocean smells, the breeze that comes from it, and the mystery it possesses.
We met up with Max and his friends and sat with them for a while just watching the waves. And then we needed to get to the metro before it closed to head to Las Ramblas to go to Dave’s Erin’s friends. I had a temper tantrum that Katie could kill me for. She threatened to punch me and I said I was going to break her nose. I didn’t want to go and I even started to cry. I am so happy I stayed.
After Erin and Katie knocked some sense into me we went and laid in a kings size bed. The boys of the house were going to leave to the club so we got to stay there. One of the boys said I have one of the thickest accents he as ever heard. I do not believe that! But in Barcelona, a lot of kids say I have an accent! Erin and Katie brought food to the bed and it was a giant slumber party! We ate honey nut cheerios, and cookies. The bed was full of crumbs and we just laid in bed, spooned and had girl talk. It was a great bonding night. The boys came back from the club at six and we were sleeping. We were called useless too. Haha. It was the perfect place to sleep, and the slumber party made my week. Something simple like this was what I needed. Just laying with the girls until I feel asleep and invading the boy’s cupboards. It is what I miss from home with Jazz, but I got that tonight. And I love being pequeno spoon when we feel asleep and babysat their house when they went to the club! I can’t wait to go back there!
I realized today I can’t predict my days anymore. In the stays I live off of planning and knowing my life outlined step by step. But here I lose the satisfactions of predictions. I don’t enjoy knowing what I am going to do anymore. I just like to wing it and go for it, and it has worked out for the better so far. I didn’t want to go to Dave’s and I didn’t even think we would go, but the girls convinced me, and that was the best time I had all week. I am just going to go with the flow in every aspect of my life. Spaniards live that way and I am going to adapt to that cultural difference.
Rachel+ Erin+Katie+cookie crumbs+Boys bed in Las Ramblas= we need our own apartment
After our nap Katie and I decided to take the Bus 41 to wherever it takes us. We ended up at the beach on Katie’s “god”. Bus 41 is the bus 16 of Minneapolis. Wherever you want it to take you, it will go! We walked the beach and searched for a bar. It was 20 degrees Celsius out. (Which means 70 degrees) It was so warm it was amazing! But it as an eerie warm and then the winds started to pick up. 
After exploring the Olympic Village we went to the bar to get 1 euro beers (mega bargain). And then we had the brilliant idea to get movie theater popcorn! Right off of the Plaza we found a movie theater with AMAZING popcorn. It tasted just like the US’s and we were in heaven. I needed something like that and it tasted perfect!
We rode bus 41 home and it is a huge restriction to eat on the buses in Barca, but we snuck it underneath our coats. Knowing us we left a trail every time we shifted spots on the bus. And people knew it was us. We finally got seats and more popcorn was going on the floor than in our mouths. But it tasted so good! We laughed our asses off on the bus and ran off at our stop! We made the biggest mess, but it was the best food so far in Spain! Katie and I had the perfect day just riding the bus, people watching and laughing at everything we saw. And who couldn’t be in a better mood when they have popcorn!
And the karma of bus 41 hit us later that night. The last bus of the night ended at 11:11, and we got there at 11:12. Got to hate karma sometimes! We took the metro to the beach and strolled barefoot in the sand. The air smelled like salt, you could see the stars, hear the waves, and feel the hot night! It was just like a scene from Laguna Beach. I love the ocean. I decided I need to live close to one no matter what. The ocean just makes you want so much more. I am so glad I chose to study by the water. That is a huge chunk of my life, and I know it’s where I want to live. I heard the cutest quote today “I dropped a tear in the ocean, and whenever they find it I'll stop loving you, only then.” And that reminds me of the sailor knot bracelets I love. I also love the way the ocean smells, the breeze that comes from it, and the mystery it possesses.We met up with Max and his friends and sat with them for a while just watching the waves. And then we needed to get to the metro before it closed to head to Las Ramblas to go to Dave’s Erin’s friends. I had a temper tantrum that Katie could kill me for. She threatened to punch me and I said I was going to break her nose. I didn’t want to go and I even started to cry. I am so happy I stayed.
After Erin and Katie knocked some sense into me we went and laid in a kings size bed. The boys of the house were going to leave to the club so we got to stay there. One of the boys said I have one of the thickest accents he as ever heard. I do not believe that! But in Barcelona, a lot of kids say I have an accent! Erin and Katie brought food to the bed and it was a giant slumber party! We ate honey nut cheerios, and cookies. The bed was full of crumbs and we just laid in bed, spooned and had girl talk. It was a great bonding night. The boys came back from the club at six and we were sleeping. We were called useless too. Haha. It was the perfect place to sleep, and the slumber party made my week. Something simple like this was what I needed. Just laying with the girls until I feel asleep and invading the boy’s cupboards. It is what I miss from home with Jazz, but I got that tonight. And I love being pequeno spoon when we feel asleep and babysat their house when they went to the club! I can’t wait to go back there!
I realized today I can’t predict my days anymore. In the stays I live off of planning and knowing my life outlined step by step. But here I lose the satisfactions of predictions. I don’t enjoy knowing what I am going to do anymore. I just like to wing it and go for it, and it has worked out for the better so far. I didn’t want to go to Dave’s and I didn’t even think we would go, but the girls convinced me, and that was the best time I had all week. I am just going to go with the flow in every aspect of my life. Spaniards live that way and I am going to adapt to that cultural difference.
Rachel+ Erin+Katie+cookie crumbs+Boys bed in Las Ramblas= we need our own apartment
Day 21 January 22, 2009 Thursday
Today was one of those action packed days that seemed to have lasted a lot longer than it did. I had my MRI and it went really well. I despised being in the tube though, but the doctors were so sweet and again very beautiful people. I think it is a cult here! And after my appointment and a wandering around BCN, I went on a “date” at the beach. It really wasn’t an official date, but it was a preplanned solo event. He was an hour and 15 minutes late. I should have realized not to put up with that, but I didn’t. But I need one good lesson to be learned to set the standard for my current living situation in Barcelona. During this time a creeper Juan was taking pictures of me and touching me. So it didn’t start the date off well when Juan was getting action and I was trying to ignore him.
But the date went really well at first. We walked the port and sat on the beach and played in the sand of the Mediterranean and watched the sun go down. It was cute and romantic and it could have come out of the movies. And at sundown he kissed me, so it appeared to be a perfect date. We talked for a few hours and just got to know each other better. He was so nice and has a talent with words. Though I know have had a problem with this in my past and guys, falling for guys who are conniving and manipulative with their words and actions. Each time I learn I get stronger and try not to put up with shit. And when I was with him I felt that he was just a whore. I told him I wasn’t easy and he said he wasn’t either (I have heard that before). But I just didn’t have that needed click. Besides this huge problem it was a really nice evening on the beach, and I was happy to have watched the sun go down with him. It was romantic and sweet. And it is what I should be doing in Barcelona, exploring my options.
And I am just going to hop to the action part of the night. It was girl’s club night. We pregamed at Katie’s, and then walked to the club. We all were in some sort of leggings and were ready to hit up the town. I love girl’s nights! We can talk about bowel movements, farts, boys, and anything on our minds. Especially with these girls. Jody, Erin, and Katie are the best thing that has happened to me on this trip. I love them so much. The quotes of the night were “That’s what she said” and “You and those crutches are crampin my style”. I almost peed my pants during that one!
At midnight we went to a bar called Pipperment. It had up to 90 euro drinks, but all of their beverages were in huge fishbowls. It was packed and we barely had room to stand. But we found our niche and just listened to random American music and watched tennis on tv. Guys kept stealing my crutches and doing dances with them, and we just had a good time with the girls before the club opened!
At 2 we went to Down for an exclusive club party for ESCI. With our cover we got two drinks, and when they filled them up it was all vodka until the top inch which is the mixer. In Barcelona they only believe in a “strong drink” policy. They warned us about that at orientation. They filled the whole glass with vodka and the top ½ inch with a mixer. You really get your money’s worth here. But sometimes that is not a good thing! And then the club started to pack as the bar crowds moved in. They played a mix between techno music (global deejays and put yo hands up for Detroit), current hits, and oldies. Mom be proud, they played I Will Survive and everyone knew the lyrics. And then the end of the song turned into Bar mitzvah style. And everyone danced in a circle and sang! It was amazing. I recorded part on video for you so I can show you when you visit!
They also had the Grease match up, and locals had a line and were singing to us! They had sweaters on and it could have been a scene out of the 60’s. My date was at the club and right when he came into the club he found me and picked me up and spun me to dance with me. But then I couldn’t have told you where he went. Actually I did know, to flirt with the bartender. So the girls and I danced and spun with our guys friends. They were more fun to dance with!
Later on as 2 turned to four we still were dancing with our guy friends showing our “hottest” sprinkler, shopping cart and bubble dance! My date, were gonna call him “Smokey the Bear”, (nice alias Katie), was making out with a girl at the bar. We watched and shook our heads. I didn’t even like him, but I was pissed. And ten minutes later at the bathrooms Smokey was making out with a blond girl with fugly bangs. I was livid. He came to dance with me, (after I had my guy friend pretend to be all over me). In the words of Jazz “Jealousy is the cousin, the cousin of greed”. And he tried to touch me, but I pushed him away. And I was firm, and said “I saw you kissing two other girls, but you are nothing to me, and I can’t control you, and I am choosing not to associate myself with you any more”. And he freaked, and grabbed me. I pushed away and he just ripped me close and said I was lying and he never did such a thing. And he told me if a girl ever hit him, he would hit back. Now that was fucked up.
And I walked away. He kept coming by us, but my friends were amazing. Katie kept getting in his face and telling him to leave and making him leave me alone. And he just sat there and watched me dance. He tried grabbing me, but Eric did a great job being our bodyguard. He wouldn’t leave me alone and Erin went and told him off. And then Erik did too. He stormed out of the club. It was so much drama, and I didn’t even cause it. I am so happy my friends were there. They are amazing and they stood up for me, and I couldn’t have been as bold or as strong as I was without them. And they told him off. And he was getting so angry with them. But he wouldn't do anything because they had boy backup! <3 my girls are amazing.
I learned a huge lesson that night. If your boyfriend or someone you are with is giving attentions to a girl that obviously doesn’t seem right, confront him. If not he will probably end up sleeping with her or kissing her and using the famous “I was drunk” excuse. I learned this the hard way without confronting an ex when he was texting a girl and I heard rumors that they were talking. When you confront them, you have evidence, without proof there is always some sort of denial. Like in my past he denied texting her, when I actually saw it before in his phone. Sadly catching them red-handed is the only way to fully have everything and evidentiary support on your side. Confront when you can, it will be better in the end. Actions speak loud than words. And in my case tonight it is what happens.
I am glad this happened. It was one of those learning experiences in Barcelona that I understood myself better and how to handle situations like these in the future.
I am a completely different person since I came to Barcelona. I am confident, outspoken and will get my point across. I will not let a boy walk all over me, and I will make sure I will come out on top at the end and not let them hurt me. I needed help from my friends this time, but I made sure I didn’t dig myself into a larger whole. In the end he was the one who lost out. And in the future, I am watching my choice in guys and I will find one to adore me, and one who doesn’t use “I was drunk” as an excuse for their actions. I learned from the past, and today I was so proud how I handled this situation. I don’t need a boy to hurt me, and they can sleep with the sluts and live happily ever after. And I will live happily ever after with my friends and a guy who cares and can respect you enough to stay faithful. Girls shouldn’t settle for anything less.
Day 20 January 21, 2009 Wednesday
Arik, Jody, Katie and I explored the mall today. It is on the sea, but I didn’t have a lot of money to spend so I mostly browsed. Europeans are so fashionable, and I dress so laid back compared to them. Their idea of an outfit is tights and a shirt; I would never feel comfortable in that!
Today Steve and I wandered the punk part of town, and alternative area Macba. We found dozens of skateboarders doing complex tricks and attempting to do even harder! It was right in front of the Picasso museum where original pieces from his life are displayed. There was a huge age group there ranging from 8 to 40 each at different skill levels trying to watch and learn each from each other. I think it is amazing how Barcelona is such a skateboard friendly city. Everyone accepts it and it is just a part of their culture. Some people looked like complete burnouts that just did that there whole life, but were happy. This was in an area of town that was devoted to spray-paint, punks, and the Alliance symbol. We just watched in amazement for a while. Kids advance here so quickly. There were 10 year olds smoking! During our adventure in the “rougher” part of town we witnessed a new up and coming boy band. A mix of Asian and Spanish preteens were practicing and watching themselves in the museum’s windows. It was really funny, and they weren’t that bad! I have some really cool videos of skateboarders and the boy band dancers!
This article describes it perfectly.
http://www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/Article.aspx?TabID=2&MenuID=2&ArticleID=221
We went exploring for American food! We were looking for brats, sauerkraut or enchiladas. We stumbled about some cool shops, one served tea on mats (you had to take off your shoes) and you could smoke hookah in there. Around the stores, so many people were smoking joints and the police didn’t do anything! Other stores in the Macba area sold antique Vans shoes, old skateboards and snowboards! There were maps highlighting the best long boarding and skateboarding areas of town, and there was sign up for lessons. Maybe by the end of this trip with my foot better, I can attempt that! We also found a sporting goods store that sold fishing gear and everything you need in Northern Wisconsin. On our hunt today we became more confident in the food selection of Barcelona when we finally stumbled upon Brats with kraut. Yummmm
Steve’s mom sent him Eileen’s Trail Mix and that was the best tasting thing I have had in forever. Back in the States I never liked it, but I was just double fisting it in his room. The m & m’s and nuts just tasted so good! We creeped online on people on our program which is 60 boys and 30 girls! He has the best view of the city from his place. It was gorgeous out and we laid and had the sun come in through the open patio doors. It felt like we were in a tropical place and it was a perfect location for a siesta! His deck with a view of Monitjuic is going to become my new favorite place. The sun is warm here! It is perfect! You just feel amazing when the sun hits your face. The sun is so warm here.
Lainey and I went and got a mcflurry today from McDonalds! They use hot fudge, gelato and Oreos. You can’t get any better than that! It was my first experience having American Fast-food here. It was a really good choice. But at McDonalds, the big Macs are on a baguette with Swiss cheese, and a fancy flare! Burger Kings burgers look the same! But the gelato here can’ get any better!
In Spain I am craving random American food. Here the food tends to be salty and bland. I love pan con tomate though with all my heart! I miss my mom’s meat spaghetti. I rarely eat meat here, and I want that every day. I miss tacos, and enchiladas or any Mexican food. But pancakes are my biggest miss. They don’t have maple syrup here, and I want French toast or pancakes. It just isn’t common. But every day I say it at least once or twice that I am craving it. I never thought I would miss those random foods. But I would give anything to have my mom’s food right now!
Today Steve and I wandered the punk part of town, and alternative area Macba. We found dozens of skateboarders doing complex tricks and attempting to do even harder! It was right in front of the Picasso museum where original pieces from his life are displayed. There was a huge age group there ranging from 8 to 40 each at different skill levels trying to watch and learn each from each other. I think it is amazing how Barcelona is such a skateboard friendly city. Everyone accepts it and it is just a part of their culture. Some people looked like complete burnouts that just did that there whole life, but were happy. This was in an area of town that was devoted to spray-paint, punks, and the Alliance symbol. We just watched in amazement for a while. Kids advance here so quickly. There were 10 year olds smoking! During our adventure in the “rougher” part of town we witnessed a new up and coming boy band. A mix of Asian and Spanish preteens were practicing and watching themselves in the museum’s windows. It was really funny, and they weren’t that bad! I have some really cool videos of skateboarders and the boy band dancers!
This article describes it perfectly.
http://www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/Article.aspx?TabID=2&MenuID=2&ArticleID=221
We went exploring for American food! We were looking for brats, sauerkraut or enchiladas. We stumbled about some cool shops, one served tea on mats (you had to take off your shoes) and you could smoke hookah in there. Around the stores, so many people were smoking joints and the police didn’t do anything! Other stores in the Macba area sold antique Vans shoes, old skateboards and snowboards! There were maps highlighting the best long boarding and skateboarding areas of town, and there was sign up for lessons. Maybe by the end of this trip with my foot better, I can attempt that! We also found a sporting goods store that sold fishing gear and everything you need in Northern Wisconsin. On our hunt today we became more confident in the food selection of Barcelona when we finally stumbled upon Brats with kraut. Yummmm
Steve’s mom sent him Eileen’s Trail Mix and that was the best tasting thing I have had in forever. Back in the States I never liked it, but I was just double fisting it in his room. The m & m’s and nuts just tasted so good! We creeped online on people on our program which is 60 boys and 30 girls! He has the best view of the city from his place. It was gorgeous out and we laid and had the sun come in through the open patio doors. It felt like we were in a tropical place and it was a perfect location for a siesta! His deck with a view of Monitjuic is going to become my new favorite place. The sun is warm here! It is perfect! You just feel amazing when the sun hits your face. The sun is so warm here.
Lainey and I went and got a mcflurry today from McDonalds! They use hot fudge, gelato and Oreos. You can’t get any better than that! It was my first experience having American Fast-food here. It was a really good choice. But at McDonalds, the big Macs are on a baguette with Swiss cheese, and a fancy flare! Burger Kings burgers look the same! But the gelato here can’ get any better!
In Spain I am craving random American food. Here the food tends to be salty and bland. I love pan con tomate though with all my heart! I miss my mom’s meat spaghetti. I rarely eat meat here, and I want that every day. I miss tacos, and enchiladas or any Mexican food. But pancakes are my biggest miss. They don’t have maple syrup here, and I want French toast or pancakes. It just isn’t common. But every day I say it at least once or twice that I am craving it. I never thought I would miss those random foods. But I would give anything to have my mom’s food right now!
Day 19 January 20, 2009 Tuesday
Inauguration day in the United States at noon, here it was after 6. I actually felt patriot when I watched Obama take his oath, and I was glad that I was witnessing it in a different country. But I got one of the greatest feelings ever; I was proud, and excited for the changes to come. I was surprised how many people were aware of American politics and were supportive of Obama (the Clinton’s and Al Gore are even more famous here though). The bar was packed, there were signs in the streets that proclaimed a changed, and it was the headline in the paper two days in a row. It was a big deal here, and my Senora was so happy for me and my country. Spain was almost happier for this presidential power change than many liberal supporters In the US.
After Spanish today Erin and I got fruit at El Mercado and went to lay out by el mar en el sol. Erin and I tried working on our tan, and watched sea kayakers and sailboats going out.
We also were people watching. That is one of my favorite activities in Spain. People are so much different here. They stare at you, and you have all the right to stare back. There is no such thing as a personal bubble, and people invade your space. You know in the States when you look at someone in the eye, and you look at each other as though you have seen each other before, and continue to walk, but look back and look into their eyes and keep walking, but still looking behind. This happens daily here, the constant eye contact, even after you have passed where you have to do the full body rotation to stare. You don’t smile; you just look at each other like I know I have seen you somewhere. I don’t know if I like it. But it almost makes you feel special. And sometimes I wonder if I have met a couple of these people before. It makes your day interesting, and it is weird how this rarely happens at home.
For a couple hours we watched weird mullets, matching couples, and skinny scrappy dogs go by. Several awkward encounters occurred during this time. One man asked us if we knew the time, which turned into do you smoke marijuana, or do you want hashi, to you are really pretty. Then we go another offer to buy weed, and then another one. After that I was laying tanning and I guy came behind and crabbed my ass. And when I say grab, I mean a full on grab. And it was weird and wrong. And Steve watched it all. One of the best lines from a walker was “I love you…Shaaaaakira… I love you….”
After the whole public pda groping incident, Steve and I watched an acoustic performance of traveling musicians whom were amazing. They played American old 70’s tunes, and were over tan from constantly playing the in the sun. And they could sing so well, we listened for a while and talked. It felt as though we were in paradise listening to old hippy music at Port Vell looking over the Sea and watching the boats.
We walked through the Olympic Port looking for a good bar, and ended up at a British Pub off of Uriquonna. We drank a few and ate American fries. And it tasted amazing! And then people started filling in for the Barack Obama presidential inauguration. This was a huge bar and we got 1 euro beers and went to the mega screen room. Two floors of this bar were packed, and everyone cheered when they saw our new president coming on screen, and booed when Bush’s face appeared. When Obama declared "Greatness is never a given. It must be earned," the bar went crazy. People were singing the American national anthem, and people were proud. You know America can do great things, and potentially with this change we will achieve them.
I feel patriotic and proud to be an American, especially the experience of making history in another country. To see others reactions and perspectives help add to my own understanding of where the United States stands in the World. People despise the president; they despise the country as a whole. But Spain loves Obama, and so did London when I was there. I felt amazing cheering and clapping as he read his speech and was sworn in. And the bar was chaotic, and was full to capacity. Spain was proud for the United States, and so was I. On election night in Minneapolis there was fireworks and champee and running through Dinkytown, here it was beer, a pub, and a country celebrating for a fresh start for America. People in Spain where happy for us, and people in America didn’t get to fully experience how other cultures were rejoicing with this new superpower change. America has so much money, potential and power, and we can now use that in positive, constructive way. In Barcelona I was proud to represent the United States, and the experience of witnessing another countries perspective of the US taught me a huge lesson.
After Spanish today Erin and I got fruit at El Mercado and went to lay out by el mar en el sol. Erin and I tried working on our tan, and watched sea kayakers and sailboats going out.
We also were people watching. That is one of my favorite activities in Spain. People are so much different here. They stare at you, and you have all the right to stare back. There is no such thing as a personal bubble, and people invade your space. You know in the States when you look at someone in the eye, and you look at each other as though you have seen each other before, and continue to walk, but look back and look into their eyes and keep walking, but still looking behind. This happens daily here, the constant eye contact, even after you have passed where you have to do the full body rotation to stare. You don’t smile; you just look at each other like I know I have seen you somewhere. I don’t know if I like it. But it almost makes you feel special. And sometimes I wonder if I have met a couple of these people before. It makes your day interesting, and it is weird how this rarely happens at home.
For a couple hours we watched weird mullets, matching couples, and skinny scrappy dogs go by. Several awkward encounters occurred during this time. One man asked us if we knew the time, which turned into do you smoke marijuana, or do you want hashi, to you are really pretty. Then we go another offer to buy weed, and then another one. After that I was laying tanning and I guy came behind and crabbed my ass. And when I say grab, I mean a full on grab. And it was weird and wrong. And Steve watched it all. One of the best lines from a walker was “I love you…Shaaaaakira… I love you….”
After the whole public pda groping incident, Steve and I watched an acoustic performance of traveling musicians whom were amazing. They played American old 70’s tunes, and were over tan from constantly playing the in the sun. And they could sing so well, we listened for a while and talked. It felt as though we were in paradise listening to old hippy music at Port Vell looking over the Sea and watching the boats.
We walked through the Olympic Port looking for a good bar, and ended up at a British Pub off of Uriquonna. We drank a few and ate American fries. And it tasted amazing! And then people started filling in for the Barack Obama presidential inauguration. This was a huge bar and we got 1 euro beers and went to the mega screen room. Two floors of this bar were packed, and everyone cheered when they saw our new president coming on screen, and booed when Bush’s face appeared. When Obama declared "Greatness is never a given. It must be earned," the bar went crazy. People were singing the American national anthem, and people were proud. You know America can do great things, and potentially with this change we will achieve them.
I feel patriotic and proud to be an American, especially the experience of making history in another country. To see others reactions and perspectives help add to my own understanding of where the United States stands in the World. People despise the president; they despise the country as a whole. But Spain loves Obama, and so did London when I was there. I felt amazing cheering and clapping as he read his speech and was sworn in. And the bar was chaotic, and was full to capacity. Spain was proud for the United States, and so was I. On election night in Minneapolis there was fireworks and champee and running through Dinkytown, here it was beer, a pub, and a country celebrating for a fresh start for America. People in Spain where happy for us, and people in America didn’t get to fully experience how other cultures were rejoicing with this new superpower change. America has so much money, potential and power, and we can now use that in positive, constructive way. In Barcelona I was proud to represent the United States, and the experience of witnessing another countries perspective of the US taught me a huge lesson.
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