La Bella Barcelona (Pt.2)

I apologize for both the lateness and brevity of this entry. Just a quick overview of my time in the Barc.

For my first excursion outside of Italy, I chose Barcelona. It had been far too long since I had seen Alison (my roommate from school who is studying there), and it was time for a change of food, culture, and scenery.

Thanks to Ryan Air which was cheap, quick, and efficient (from what I hear, you either hit it just right or not at all) and delivered me on time and in one piece. I arrived at Alison's large and lovely apartment just in time to get ready for a night of friends and fun. It was great to catch up and share our adventures.

The next day we headed for the Gaudi exhibit/property/park. It is an amazing area that was originally designed as a residential area for the wealthy. The concept never really took off, but Gaudi, himself lived there and his residence is now a museum. The poor fellow was hit by a tram. What a way to go. To make matters worse, because of the common way he was dressed, no one knew who he was and, thus, he was taken to a poorer hospital. By the time his friends realized where he was, he wasn't doing too well, and refused to move to a hospital where he could get better care. He said "I belong here among the poor." His work is all over the city of Barcelona.

So after poking around, admiring the tile mosaics, church, landscape, and most of all the tunnels (they were featured in America's Next Top Model during the scary bride photo shoot), we moved on to our next stop: tapas!

What a novel concept. For those of us who are indecisive, they are ideal. We ordered ten of the little buggers between the three of us. They are basically bite-size appetizer-esque finger food. They range from grilled vegetables, to spicy potatoes, to fried food, to strange and delicious combinations of just about anything you can imagine. By the time we thought to take a picture, we had scarfed down half of them.

After tapas, we wandered around the Catalunya plaza area (apparently the whole city used to be Catalunya and Catalonians are still a little bitter about it) and enjoyed watching the science that is fake purse selling. They display them on sheets just like in New York, however, they travel in groups with strings that they hold on to and can quickly tug to hide their display when police are sighted. And when those police come closer, those men can run like the wind. We also meandered down La Rambla, the main strip of vendors, spray painted posers, and (oddly enough) pet stores. We also stopped in the HUGE fresh market that had everything from fruits to fresh juices, sea food, cheese, live chickens, etc.

We then headed to the beach next to Port Olympic. The city got a major face lift for the 1992 summer Olympics. Some of the structures are incredible. We frolicked in the waves before heading for dinner and hitting a club. Their nights don't even start until 1. We left home at 1:30 am and returned between 5 and 6:00 am. This was an early night. Let's just say, the Romans pack it in a little earlier and I was exhausted. But a great time was had by all and the male gogo dancer in white leather was a sight to behold.
Tips for Future Travelers:


If you are flying Ryan Air, you are NOT going to Barcelona (as they advertise), you are going to Gerona. From there you need to take the "Barcelona Bus" into the city. It is about an hour ride and is 21 euro round trip.

Watch your purse like a hawk. Consider all sketchy characters to be pickpockets. Double check your bag often. Also, when eating, keep it on your lap, not at your feet, not slung on the chair.

Try tapas. They will rock your world. If you are afraid they won't fill you, go buy something else down the street when you are done. Or just order a ton. They are only 1-2 euro each.

Go clubbing just for the experience. The ages ranged from 18-45, so don't be shy. Dress up and have fun!

Check out at least one Gaudi building/exhibit while you are there.

They will sell you hash at the beach or on the street. Respectfully decline.

I'm not kidding about the tapas. Get them.