It's hard to believe that my two months in Barcelona have come to an end. While it wasn't love at first sight, I have to say that I've totally fallen for this city. This is evidenced through the extreme lengths I have gone to just to try to get a visa extension -- I even researched getting Italian citizenship just to stay in the EU for a few more months. Sadly, it turns out this is not a process that can be completed in just a few weeks by young American women whose greatest claim to Italian citizenship is an undying love for a good bolognese.
Here are some highlights from my second month in Barca!
Mount Tibidabo
For any of you Friends fans (looking at you Mymy!), I have news: I WENT TO MOUNT TIBIDABO!!! If you don't understand the great significance of this life-changing event, I encourage you to watch the video to the right.
Jokes aside, Tibidabo was awesome. A castle-like church atop a mountain, next to an amusement park complete with a ferris wheel, rollercoaster, etc. The view of Barcelona was unbeatable, and the ride up the mountain on the moto (in the rain!) was an experience I'll never forget.
SITGES
About 35km south of Barcelona lies Sitges, a charming coastal town known for its sandy beaches, seaside promenade, and numerous gay bars. I was lucky enough to experience Sitges on a stormy afternoon in early May. Forget sunshine, I've now decided that thunderstorms are the best time to visit the beach. If you don't believe me, just take a look at the photos:
colors of barcelona
One thing I've always loved about Barcelona is the colorful street art. Walking around the city, I seemed to stumble upon some interesting piece of artwork almost daily. Here are a couple of my favorites:
It was cool to see the artist at work!
I've been trying to interpret this one... any thoughts?
For the 5 euro cover charge, you get a bucket of beer. Yes, a BUCKET.
El clasico
If there's one thing that all people from Barcelona have in common, it is a massive pride in their soccer team, affectionately known as Bárça (pronounced "barsa"). One of the most exciting soccer events of the year is known as El Clásico, the much-anticipated match between Barça and their biggest rival, Real Madrid. We decided to go to one of the best sports bars in the city center to watch the game. We arrived 40 minutes in advance, and the line to get in was already out the door and halfway down the block. Once we finally got inside, the place was packed, and the energy palpable. It was an exciting match that unfortunately ended in a tie (a tie!). Embarrassingly, I was unaware that soccer games could end in a tie! So when everyone suddenly started leaving the bar, I assumed I must have missed someone scoring at the last minute. Too embarrassed to admit I had missed the final goal, I tried to piece together the outcome without giving away that I actually had no clue who had won. Unsurprisingly, the following conversation didn't give me many clues. Finally, when I got home, I immediately googled the final score, only to learn of the disappointing outcome. But I have to say I was relieved that I wasn't oblivious enough to miss a goal in the final seconds of the game!
you can call me "profe"!
I can now cross "teach a salsa class" off my bucket list.
Rewind. A couple weeks ago, my fellow "co-livers" and I decided to host a gathering on our rooftop terrace. What began as a casual potluck soon turned into a full on rooftop BBQ + DJ + party complete with a 3-part dance workshop. Don't ask me how that happened (I may have had something to do with it). The original plan was to pay one of the instructors from my favorite Cuban dance bar to teach the workshop, but after the financial reality of hosting such an elaborate party began to sink in, we decided to scratch that idea. Instead, we decided the workshop would be led by the two most experienced dancers in the group, a guy named Patrice from France (legitimately knows how to dance), and myself (6 weeks of free dance workshops in bars).
Much to my amazement, the workshop was actually a success! We have the participants to thank for this-- everyone had a great attitude and was extremely willing to jump right in and be patient when things didn't work out exactly as planned (in fact, we had no plan at all!). I also have my fellow co-livers to thank. Everyone pitched in to help make the party a success, from purchasing the food, to managing the barbecue, to choosing the music and executing the massive cleanup. It was a team effort :).
Afterwards, we had a delicious barbecue. Although there was rain in the forecast, the sky cleared up beautifully just as the party began, giving way to a spectacular sunset. The perfect way to end my time in Barcelona.
Some scenes from the rooftop BBQ
Patrice and I doing a salsa demo for the group. Wishing I wore something a little less frumpy!
The FOOD!
more photos & videos
This was a peaceful demonstration to protest the imprisonment of Catalan separatist leaders by the Spanish government. It was ENORMOUS. You can see the Catalan independence flags everywhere and everyone dressed in yellow.
I took a spin class that was led by a virtual instructor! These are actually quite common.
This is SUPER Catalan. These human towers are called castells (castles) and are a festival tradition in Catalunya. They take it very seriously and have extensive training to be able to participate.
If you’re curious what a typical night is like in our co-living… (we’re all really weird and it’s great!)
The gardens of Montjuic, where I like to go running. The building in the background is the impressive Palau Nacional, where the museum of Catalan art is located.
With two of my closest friends that I met through my language school. Believe it or not, the market where this photo was taken is called "Palo Alto". AND believe it or not, Tati (the woman on the right) has the same birthday as me!! It's fate!
This speaks for itself…
Street performer in one of the main pedestrian malls.
Dancing in my favorite bar, El Cubano. How could anyone not want to go here every night?!
Beautiful Plaza del Sol in the Gracia neighborhood. This is a popular local hangout.
Ready for the next adventure!