Part I (Friday)This city is extraordinarily beautiful in architecture, people, scenery and sounds. From the chaos and overpopulation of tourists in La Rambla to the mellowness of the port, Barcelona is quite something. This past week has consisted of getting to know the city, even the less traversed, less touristy nooks. Our class was at first postponed, so we had a week to indulge in sights and have an actual vacation. Today, however, after going to the school office, we learned that the class had been cancelled. All right, I thought, that leaves three weeks prepaid rent in Barcelona with my limited Spanish and Ivanna's utter lack thereof. I already had conversations with bankers, city officials and store owners in Spanish, which was remarkable considering how little I recall and how horribly I must have conjugated verbs, etc. Now a class would be nice.
We have, however, seen Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the Grácia district, the old center and La Rambla where we live, Gaudí's other buildings and numerous other noteworthy places, like the beach. I took part in a great bike tour and was thrilled to ride again, especially in such weather. Our housemates are friendly: two other Americans, an Irish guy and a guy from Turkey. The gender ratio is even, with three women and three men, and this is comforting. They all know good local bars, of course and are in their mid to late 20s. I always happen to be the youngest. People on the Munich program are making their way through spain, and I will see a few of them here this month, while having the upper hand as far as knowing where everything is located, muahaha.
Part II (Saturday)
So, now to illustrate a complete turn-around in mood compared to yesterday (which now as I reread the segment doesn't seem so glum, though my thoughts were more pessimistic), when I started writing. First order of business: we found a school that costs half the price of the old one, is a five minute walk from home, is highly recommended by an acquaintance and is taught by people with MAs in Spanish from the University of Barcelona. We are going on Monday to register in person, just before we get our refunds from the old school. Reason number two for my good mood is that I have a bike today. After searching a bit, I found an independent shop called My Beautiful Parking - the kind that would exist in Portland - where it costs 5 euro for five hours. The bike I have is a lime green and obviously well-loved Hercules. I was disappointed after not being able to do the Bicing program (26 euro a year bike sharing) because I am not a resident, and I was put off by the 15 euro daily cost of most rental places. The place I found is great and had flyer for the "Filmed By Bike" festival in Portland!
So now, I am sitting by the port admiring the bike and having sangria before going off again. People-watching here is great. The young female American tourists that come in gaggles are ridiculous. Hypocrisy abounds! I keep meeting and conversing with Germans, which is amusing. The third reason for my good mood is alone time. Ahhh I missed this. I was really clear about when I needed it in Amsterdam with Emily and Anna, probably because I know them well and will see them plenty next year. Ivanna and I, though, are sharing a room and want to see all the same sights, so until today (aside from the bike tour earlier this week), we haven't had much of a break from one another. I forgot how solitary I have become and really always was, as well as how well that way of being works for me.
Part III Sunday
Today I had breakfast on the balcony and read in the sunlight. I picked up a copy of Barcelona's alternative newspaper earlier and managed to get through the Spanish parts with a dictionary on hand. I also read a bit of Dave Eggers' How We Are Hungry and basked in the sun, lost in thought. I love lazy Sundays. After getting my fill of that aforementioned alone time, Ivanna and I will go to a café by the sea and further unwind. I am really getting a grip on what I want out of life, how important art and travel are to me, and such things. Here's to being 21 in Barcelona. Cheers, prost, salud.
