Nadal

So this will be my last blog until I return after Christmas, this week has been very hectic so I haven't gotten round to blogging.
This weekend I chilled here in Barcelona, went out on Saturday night and went shopping on Sunday. There is a primark here! I know it's not very cultural but sometimes you just need something cheap and cheerful and Primarmani is the place for that.
Last night we all went out together for tapas as a final meet up before we all go off to Madrid/France/America/England (delete as appropriate) for Christmas. The food was lovely and also very cheap, all the dishes were between 1euro and 2.50, even my friends who unfortunately are still waiting to be paid could afford that!

Yesterday and today were the Christmas concerts at my school, it was so cute (photo below of us being reindeers) I was really proud of them all managing to sing their songs in English, especially the youngest, they may only be 5 and 6 but they definitely were the best.

I've received lots of Christmas presents this week from teacher too, I got a hat, scarf, necklace, turron and a flower, very spoilt. I feel so at home here in Barcelona and at my school that it's really sad to leave, but it's best to see my family while I can and I know I would have regretted not going home.
So I fly tomorrow, hopefully all will go well and I'll be back in England tomorrow night, freezing to death but enjoying a lovely Chinese takeout with my friend Becky!
Feliz Navidad a todos/Bon Nadal tothom/Merry Christmas everyone!

th teacher's curse....

So I have now been hit by the cold that seems to hit every teacher in the world as they finish work for the holidays, leaving them ill and unable to function. I felt tired and a bit funny all morning so decided to have a power nap this afternoon.. it lasted 6 and a half hours and I still don't feel A1. :(
But on the plus side my last two posts now make some sense, I did go to the circus with school today, but it was held in the building of the old flowers and silk market, so I got it right both times! (glad to see my Catalan/Spanish hasn't failed me) The show was good, a mixture of acrobatics and drama and comedy, I've never seen anything like it before but I did enjoy it, as did all the pupils (we took 8 classes...) On the bus to and from the Mercat de flors we sung Christmas songs in preparation for the show next week, I have learnt that they sing better in English than they do in Catalan, guess my job isn't going to badly. I was on a bus with 3rd level so this was all very cute. However at the front we also had two boys from 6th grade, one with a broken foo and his friend. They were made to sing their songs! Oh it gets better... they couldn't remember the words to the English song (John Lennon's Imagine..) so yes, I was forced to sing with them.... on the bus' MICROPHONE. I think my skin was somewhere between the shades of beetroot and crimson...
Also my block of flats now has a Christmas tree in the lobby! As does my school, but that was more likely to happen.
Tomorrow I need to pay for my Catalan course and buy the book. Should be easy enough......
Bona Nit a tothom!
:)

Webcam = dead

So my webcam has died, my uber-technical friend John attempted to fix it remotely, but it still isn't working. :( Yet another bad thing about my computer.
But I have now got a much quicker version of Internet explorer; which means I can final delete safari  - yay!
However on the up side of things I am definitely moving up a class in catalan, I got 90.4% overall on the course. I am very pleased with myself, seems like my hard work has paid off. :)
Tomorrow I'm off to the Circus with school, then maybe iceskating later, not some sort of flowers and silk thing, to be honest I don't know where on earth I got that idea from....
Also planning to watch a Barca match with Gavin at some point early next year, which I can't wait for, to see some live sport, I miss it.
Starting to get excited about meeting up with everyone over Christmas, although I am not looking forward to those temperatures... eeek.
See you soon England.

Christmas is nigh..

Today was pretty boring, I went to school, the gym and then have mainly chilled, partly due to the fact that my private lesson had to be cancelled as my pupil is ill, and partly due to the fact I ache all over from the gym. I hurt in places where I didn't know muscles existed! Maybe it will have some effect so I look good on my return to England, but I doubt it, seeing as I am going out for chinese food on Friday.
It really feels like everything is grinding to a stop here. I have no private lesson, no homework to do for my catalan class tomorrow and a bad case of not wanting to go to school, along with all the other teachers, and pupils. 
But I did manage to find out that my school trip on Thursday is to some sort of flowers and silk market, I have a party at catalan to look forward to tomorrow, as well as my final weekend in Barcelona being filled with Christmassy things, and going out.... and maybe the gym
All in all life's not too damn shabby, I guess I've just gotten used to be so busy that I'm not really sure how to have nothing to do anymore..
Hasta Manana
x

Under two weeks until Christmas

Ice skating yesterday was absolutely amazing, so funny, looking after my French friend Rosa who was adamant she was going to fall made my day! Afterwards I had a christmassy starbucks with the Frenchies, never thought I would miss speaking French, but it was a welcomed change from the Catalan and Spanish overload I sometimes experience. 
Today was a pretty normal day at school, found out I am going on a trip with levels 3, 4 , 5 and 6 on thursday, although I'm not exactly sure where. Should be interesting though. :)
And I got 88% on the Catalan test I took so hopefully On Wednesday I shall be moving up to the next level, which means I could be a certified B1 by March! Definitely worth doing.

Back to reality

After an amazingly long weekend, a trip to Frankfurt then exploring Barcelona and puente-ing, (yes the new verb to party, hard, because it's a puente) I today am slammed back into reality. I've just finished my Catalan book report which is due in tomorrow, then on Wednesday I should know whether or not I can matriculate to the next level of my Catalan class. It's scary how quick time is going, this time in 2 weeks I will be celebrating Christmas day, with my family, in England. I'm glad I am spending my entire year here, otherwise I would be moving to a new country soon and that would be too quick for my liking. 
One very strange thing which is going on here in Barcelona is the appearance of ice rinks, there are 2 within 15 minutes of my house. Now I know everybody likes a good ice skate, but I just find it a little weird when it's bright sunshine and still about 16 degrees that there are Spaniards in scarves, hats and gloves on ice. It's all a little bit too surreal for my liking.  
So tomorrow I head back to school, only 7 working days left now before Christmas, crazy! I'm starting to get really excited now, mainly because I have all my presents and I can't wait to see my family. 
Hope everyone else is enjoying the run up to Christmas as much as me :)

Puentes, Puentes, Puentes

This is last night's blog. Posted a little late, as it didn't work, sorry about that guys.
So today I did a lot of research for my DELC310 in french as I want to start the next 4000 words after christmas. Gosh I had brain ache, I think I have finally decided what I want to do it on, and Isabelle seems to agree that it will be ok, and there seem to be quite a few academic papers and articles on both topics. Which is good. Except the prospect of being stuck inside reading on a computer screen while it's a nice sunny puente weekend outside does not, and I really can't afford to print them so I am going to have to suck it up and stare outside from my window. :(  Tomorrow I plan to go to the gym, and then do some studying afterwards. I was thinking of seeing if Maquinista (a massive shopping complex) is open as I am desperately in need of tights, the one pair I have left are about to die. So a pretty boring day today guys. :( At least I have some weekend trips planned :) although I'm still thinking about last weekend in Frankfurt, which was simply amazing.  

Only 2 weeks and 2 days left

This is the small amount of time I have left here in Barcelona before I go home for Christmas. Today I mainly relaxed, as I had a headache :( I think mainly due to the lack of water and sleep over the weekend. Then I did a little bit of French reading then headed to the Christmas markets in the evening where I bought a tio de nadal. It's a traditional catalan tradition of a log which bring children presents as long as you feed it. :) Very cute. I'm planning on going ice-skating with Katie later this week, I can't wait, I feel so Christmassy.
Bona nit a tots.

A Christmassy Weekend Away

I have just gotten back from an absolutely fantastic weekend away in Frankfurt. I’ve caught up on my advent calendar and can say that I am now feeling well and truly Christmassy. The markets were absolutely amazing. I drank lots of German beer and Glühwein (mulled wine) and tried eggnog, which I also loved. I can’t decide on my favourite beverage though, the Germans do know how to make good warming alcohol for the cold December nights (and days.)

Let’s start at the very beginning, (a very good place to start), we arrived in Frankfurt and after dropping off our things at the hostel, and trying some German apple wine we headed towards the markets, where on the way we saw the occupy Frankfurt camp, this was really interesting, especially for my friend Katie who is from New York so has been missing out on where it all started.

We then spent the evening at the Christmas markets, eating Bratwurst and drinking mulled wine along with buying some little bits and pieces to finish off our Christmas shopping. I had to wear a hat and scarf – it was wonderful! We also looked around Frankfurt Cathedral, which was very quaint and lovely, different to those here in Spain. The markets out there are simply amazing, so much bigger and better than anything we have in the U.K. But then again they have been holding markets in Frankfurt for over 600 years.

The next morning we went for a walk, and a little explore, we walked up through Frankfurt’s financial district and got to look at some amazing skyscrapers.  We saw the Opera house, some gorgeous parks, inhabited by some freaky looking ducks (30% of Frankfurt is parkland) and a beautiful old guard tower two. We spent 2 and a half hours of the afternoon in the Jewish Museum, which was fascinated and told the story of the Jews within Europe from around 300A.D. until after the 2^nd world war with the creation of Israel. I learnt so much and it was also a nice break from the cold. In the evening we headed to the markets again. More shopping, eating and drinking, gosh the Germans like to drink, many of them were drunk by 5.30! 

On our final day in Frankfurt we ate as much as humanly possible at the all you could eat breakfast and smuggled out some food for later in the day. We headed up to the Frankfurt stock exchange, a really pretty building with lots of different sculptures from a neo-classical period, and a more modern bull and bear, although the reason for this is unknown to me. Then we headed back down into the old part of town, where at 11.30am Katie decided she wanted eggnog, I have been a bad influence....  After the first alcoholic drink of the day we saw the old town hall, and an art exhibition inside which was pretty interesting, and free. We also headed over the bridge and walked along the other side of the river before heading back into the markets, then to a pub for beers and food, and lots of free Jager... before getting the bus to the airport to wait for our early morning flight back, which landed 25 minutes early – good old Ryanair! And as for the rest of today, I feel some rest and relaxation is in order.  

I can't sleep

So I need to be up at 4.15, to get an early morning flight to Frankfurt for the weekend, where I will be visiting the Christmas Markets (which are over 600 years old) and maybe going to a few museums too. 

Yesterday I forgot to mention that I have recently had a lot of comments recently on my style. All good, people saying how much they like it, that it is very “British” and different from the Spanish fashion. Now as much as I would like to think that I am flying the flag for British fashion retailers everywhere. I am not. Principally for one reason, the majority of the clothes on which people have commented I have bought here. In Spain. In Spanish shops. Henceforth we make a remarkable conclusion, I can make Spanish clothes appear British, and apparently wear them better than the people for whom they were designed, now that is something that should be praised in national press.

I’ve eaten my advent calendar for today, I’m packed, and I’ve watched Russell Howard for an hour. Yet I am as excited as a child on Christmas Eve, and even though I know not sleeping will not make tomorrow come any quicker, and it will mean I’m tired, I still can’t drift off. So I write my blog for the day – at the start of the day ... :) Here is a photo of me and my friend Katie, exploring Ibiza, we will be exploring Frankfurt this weekend, but without the short sleeved t-shirts. I think this time woolly jumpers and bobble hats are more appropriate attire. 

Have a good weekend everyone! I know I will!

White Rabbits.

So I am officially the worse blogger ever, I never find the time to actually write. Whoops. But today with my school we started work on an English blog. This inspired me to get back on the blog I originally started (especially as I now know how to do everything).

I’ve been up to a lot of travelling, Valencia, Madrid, Olot, Ibiza, Besalu, Bilbao, to name but a few so last weekend I decided to stay in Barcelona and work on my DELC 310 essay, it’s almost finished now, which has helped me distress so much. I also had a Catalan exam last night, and fingers crossed I will be able to matriculate to the next level. So my academic side of things is going pretty well.

I also received my first parcel from England, a CADBURY advent calendar, for someone living in a country that hasn’t really mastered chocolate this was nothing less than a godsend. It’s also starting to feel Christmassy around here which means that I am starting to get a little bit giddy. I’ve visited one Christmas market already and nearly all my Christmas shopping is done, hopefully it will all be finished by next weekend.

I’m also applying for a job to teach English to adults in the evenings – so keep your fingers crossed for me guys!

I’m off to Frankfurt in the early hours of tomorrow morning for the Christmas markets, I can’t wait!  

Hasta Luego!

Valencia

So I spent a fun filled weekend in valencia this weekend. With the motto a paella a day well and truly realised. :) We visited the arts and sciences city, which was stunning and included a trip to the aquarium, the biggest in europe no less. It was scorching hot all weekend, 26 degrees, and the umbrella and jacket I had packed for use in the predicted thunderstorm were unnecessary, thank god. We also visited some botanical gardens, where I was followed by cats, I think it was the fact I was carrying a chicken and chorizo sandwich but none the less becoming the equivalent of the pied piper for a morning soon looses its hilarity.
We also bought paella dishes, I got a lovely new jacket and some shorts and we managed to find some Spanish cook books for only 4 euros! Valencia really was a city of bargain shopping. 
We tried fried pumpkin.. yuck and had Valencian oranges (yummy) as well as consuming copious amounts of free sangria. :)
We even sat on the beach, in late October, this is the difference between England and Spain.
So then today I was back in school, tired but it was definitely worth it; and on wednesday night I head to Madrid. Exciting times.
So now I am planning trips for Christmas, hoping to get to Germany for the christmas markets, maybe also to prague or somewhere, who knows. 

The day I descended into hell....

So today I finally plucked up the guts to ask more people if they will take part in my delc 310, the response was positive, so at least that is a load of my mind as I won't really be able to do any work on it until the start of next month as I go to Valencia tomorrow until practically Monday and then Wednesday I'm off to Madrid for a few days and will be doing interview prep the few days before. I'm so excited to travel out of Catalonia and experience even more parts of Spain, and now that I have got some concrete work done on delc work I feel I can really relax and enjoy it. 
Today I also went to the library which was fun, but the metro was unbelievable strange. I went on L9, which only has about 5 stops and is so deep underground I'm not sure if it's still part of the earth's crust. I went down escalator after escalator to the point where I was convinced I was going to be greeted by a man with horns and a pointy stick. But alas no, Bicheal Trickles* was not stood waiting for me at the bottom waiting to tell me about "avoidable errors" but a very swish metro train like none witnessed before.
So now I head to bed, to prepare for an adventure tomorrow.
*Name changed to protect identity (and trouble within delc)   

Who can be an elephant?

So today I woke up and after feeling homesick last night, I think for the first time in my life really, I felt much better. Getting ready and going to work to the old school music of Shania Twain and Pink's first album definitely helped me to remember that although I am missing out on a lot in England I'm not going to get this chance again, and in fact there are probably many people in England who would love to swap places.
Today I got to teach about mummy and baby animals to some 6 year olds. By animal I mean: elephant, kangaroo, monkey and penguin. Part of this lesson involved us all being each of the animals, much to the other teachers, who were working nearby, amusement. But I hasten to add that it is still lots of fun growing a trunk or waddling like a penguin regardless of age.
I also worked with some of the older ones, which went pretty smoothly, but was nowhere near as fun. :) 
I had a lovely lunch at the cafe near the school, and the portions were so big I don't think I will need to have an tea after my catalan class. 
I am also going to try and improve my languages by learning 3 new words a day in each, hopefully this will give me some sort of chance in final year.
A pretty normal day, but everyone needs one of those once in a while.

Naps are becoming too much of an addiction

Well school today was fun, I got the children to read some riddles about Halloween and everything went pretty smoothly. My only problem is I seem to have developed the need to nap. This is a viscous circle as it means I am tired in the early afternoon, so i nap, then can't get to sleep until late at night/the early hours of the morning and subsequently require another nap the next day, and so the problem continues...
After my nap today I had my private lesson with the English teacher's daughter, which was simply amazing, she is so eager to learn that I can't help but enjoy my lessons with her, and I met her grandmother today who is perhaps the sweetest old lady ever. She was surprised that I spoke Spanish so when I spoke in a bit of catalan the old dear almost had a heart attack!
I then went to a language exchange tonight - where I was mistake for French when speaking French at the French + Spanish table, Erin 1 - 0 Spanish/French). (yes this point system really is appearing on all of our blogs....)
Now after eating a copious amount of rice I am going to try and turn in for the night, hopefully then I won't require a nap tomorrow, which would be handy, seeing as I'm working until half four.
Sweet dreams all
xxx

Me duelen las muelas…

So today was fun, despite the fact I think my wisdom teeth are coming through (hence the title for today) School was more difficult as I was working with 6 year olds, so their level of comprehension is pretty low and I am constantly trying to stop myself from speaking in Spanish in order to help them. So instead I have to repeat myself a lot and use actions, but it is very tiring, I don’t know how full time teachers manage it. Teachers of the world, I salute you! This afternoon I did some lesson planning for my private lesson tomorrow, I should really think about doing a couple more, but I’m not too sure how to go about it; then I had my Catalan class. This was really interesting as I had to give a presentation about England, informing everyone that yes we like fish and chips and prefer tea to coffee, and even managed to explain scones in Catalan. I also got to learn about so many places, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Japan and the Dominican Republic to name but a few. I also have some more people lined up for questionnaires; and Olga seems to have ok-ed my ideas for DELC 310 so hopefully I can get it finished by Christmas.

Finally the highlight of my day way when I discovered that I have a 6 day weekend next week! Yes the puentes for public holidays here are simply marvellous.

On that note I leave you guys to your evening while I relax with a yummy hot chocolate.

Bona nit. 

Sunday is a day of rest.

So last night I had a really good night out in Barcelona; free entry, and many free shots for girls (I’m growing to quite like this sexism thing and being objectified). I danced until the early hours of the morning only  until about 5 this time before heading home on the all night metro, which is very hand, although it usually starts at 5 so I am yet to benefit from the fact it remains open all night on a Saturday, rather than closing between 12 and 5. So far I’ve not needed it at this time, I don’t know what that says about me.....

Also someone has graffiti-ed the bank near I live with words such as "culpables" (guilty) and that capitalism is to blame for the current economic climate, interesting, if a little shocking to find in my lovely neighbourhood.  

Then today I chilled, got my first DELC 310 interview out of the way; 1 down, 9 to go. I watched the best part of a film with Katie and then generally attempted to do reading but fate intervened and OneSearch refused to work all day, meaning I could spend a little more time relaxing and a little less researching.

Back to school tomorrow, and I need to write a presentation for Catalan class in the afternoon.

Hasta Mañana readers.

Because I forgot to blog....

So I have completed neglected my blogging responsibilities, oopsie. It’s been two weeks more or less, woops.  But I have been working at my school for two weeks now and all the children are lovely and really enthusiastic about learning English, which is good for me – even one of the “naughty” children finished all his work and homework so he could come out for half an hour in my group. I’m also teaching one of the children’s children for an hour and a half every week – she is adorable! And Catalan is perhaps the cutest language ever when spoken by children.

I have made a start on the dreaded DELC310 and yet feel less than relieved, I feel if I read and read and read then at least I should have a comprehensive bibliography and get some points for content, if not language ....

On Wednesday I went to Besalu, which is an absolutely stunning medieval town about an hour and a half away from Barcelona, I got to see the only Jewish baths in the Iberian peninsular, which was pretty cool too. Also there was a crazy modern art thing going on with chairs on the walls upside down and all sorts, only in Spain.

Today I went to Monserrat, I touched the Virgen, (my second in one month) hee hee and I got to take communion at the mass which was really moving and packed with people. Afterward Katie, Rosa and I rambled through the mountains and climbed almost 1km above sea level.  And tonight BAILAMOS! I’m hoping the clubs will be free for girls, like they were last week, it’s sexist but in my favour so my feminist side doesn’t mind so much. :)

Well I promise now to blog cada dia, I’ll let you know tomorrow how it goes with the 2euro bottle of rose that I have.....

I can dance the Sardana!

So the last few days have been absolutely fun filled and packed with La Mercè activities. Yesterday was manic – but amazing! We meet in the early morning with the plan to watch more events as the 24^th is the main day of celebration, however it started to absolutely poor down with rain – I bought a three euro umbrella but it meant that the “Castellers” or human towers were cancelled. After some yummy scrummy hot chocolate and a croissant we decided to go to a wine tasting event. However we got there and decided against the idea as it was a complete rip off; 10 euros for 6 tickets which may only mean 2 wines if you were to pick ones of good quality. So instead we went to a little grocery store and spent 17 euros on a bottle of red, white and a cava and sat drinking wine, eating cheese/bread/meat/pizza and listening to music at Adrian’s flat.

We then went to see the Virgin La Mercè before attempting to do the Sardana. It may look slow and boring but infact is extremely difficult and involves a lot of footwork! After multiple elderly Spanish people helping us we finally got the hang of it and decided that we quite like this Sardana-ing after all. :)

We then went to a jazz concert which was pretty cool before heading up to watch a couple of Catalan groups perform before Fangoria! Adrian and I decided to do the Sardana to all different types of music from electro to pop to rock and decided it is pretty darn cool – we even got invited to join a Sardana dance troop – result! We were also part of the most posh botellon ever – drinking cava at an open air concert. 

Fangoria was simply amazing – great dancing, great singing and absolutely amazing costumes – but who could expect anything else from the legendary Alaska. After this we went down to some more concerts, where Adrian taught me to do the Charleston before I finally turned in at about half five this morning.

Then up to watch the Castellers today, take a look at my photos – they were simply breath taking – the participants are so brave and well practiced, I would advise everyone to watch them, they are beautiful! The children who climb to the very top are tiny and resemble monkeys in their movements.

So now after composing this I shall relax, I start taking Catalan classes tomorrow, with my brand new dictionary :)

Adios!

La Merce begins...

So i began to compose this at 23.59, which could not be more at the end of my day. :) Today was packed full of things and was unbelievably fun. I had my first catalan telephone conversation to arrange a test, which I took later on this afternoon and then popped around the corner to the library to pick up my library card; geeky I know but they have a really good language learning section. After this I headed up and sat my test and was an entire level better than I thought which pleased me thoroughly :) So as of Monday I start taking 4 hours a week of catalan classes – molt bé!

I went straight from here to meet Adrian and Katie, we drank some Sangria and Cerveza before heading for the start of La Merce, a huge 4 day festival in Barcelona. There was amazing marching band music with giants, including a dragon which blew fire into the crowds, the dance of the devils with loads of fireworks and homage to kings and queens past with dancing giants. We then watched an amazing light show which was projected onto the town hall. Lemins and Pacman and pinball played out infront of us. It was stunning – I took photos but only wish I had filmed it.

We then went for a coffee before finally turning in for the night – it’s going to be a late night tomorrow and Saturday to celebrate this fiesta properly!

Fins demà  

What's a stone? It's 14 pounds... this is what happens when you meet an American :p

Today was absolutely AMAZING! (yes it requires capitalising). After setting up my Spanish bank account and making the transfer across from my English bank I went to the beach and sat reading my book, where a lovely old Spanish man gave me half of his cardboard to sit on. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it guys, it makes concrete much more comfy J After that I met up with Adrian and Katie, two other language assistants from Florida and New York  who were really nice and six hours soon disappeared, I also learnt that I do not understand American! “Hang a left” huh? Translates to turn left, lovely. Although I did educate the “colonials” in the wonders of how to pronounce words such as participle, wander, wonder, water... the list goes on. No they really were lovely and really interested in Catalan so we have founded the Catalan club. J I also taught them what a stone is (yes 14lb’s) as they did not have a clue what this was.

I got home, a little sunburnt... oopsie, and went out for tea with the Spanish to a lovely local tapas place, where I tried octopus – complete with tentacles and pigs ear! I wasn’t a fan of the latter, far too fatty but the octopus was nice, it tasted kind of like tinned salmon....

Anyway I’m keeping it short, my day was much more fun filled but I’m off to bed J zzzzzzz

xxx   

Una siesta es la cura para cada problema....

I HAVE AN NIE!! :) It took me almost five and a half hours of queuing but I finally have a piece of green paper that says I am allowed to be here, which I knew already but at least now I can set up my bank account and such. So after getting up at 6.30am to get to the comisaria for 7.30 to wait for it to open at 9 it was fair to say that by quarter to one when I eventually got the NIE I was pretty tired. You have to queue with ticket a for them to type some details on a form, which you then take to a bank and pay 10.20 euros then come back and queue with ticket B before you get it. Phew! Anyway after all this bureaucracy I needed some air, I drifted down la Rambla de Cataluna before deciding what I really needed was a true Spanish siesta. :) I popped home and slept passed out for a few hours before popping down to the supermarket for some stuff for tea.

I know not a very interesting day , but I do now have plans for the weekend, I’m going to go out and also see some bits of la merce with a couple of friends I made in all the epic queues. So at least the NIE has helped my social life, although that seems to be it’s only real use so far.....  

Hasta mañana :)

El problema de la tarjeta de NIE...

After Dan convincing me to Blog my adventures whilst on my year abroad I finally decided to sit down and write, so children, make sure you're all sitting nice and quietly... Let's begin!
Once upon a time.... I awoke upon my first morning in Barcelona, a lovely sunny day - much better than the torrential rain in which I arrived, leaving myself (and half of my suitcase) completed soaked. I’ll quickly fill you in on last night which was lovely, after being picked up from the airport by Nuri and Nando I unpacked and we went for a walk around alot of Barcelona before stopping off for “empanadas” which were delicious. And that was pretty much that.

So anyway, back to today – after reading in my official letters from the ministry of education that I can get my tarjeta de NIE (basically a national insurance card) from ANY, I’ll repeat that ANY police station I decided to get it sorted. So off I trot 10 minutes away on the metro to my nearest police station, where the police man tells me that in fact everyone has to go to one station, 45 minutes away... or only half an hour if I had already known this.. urg... oh well... let the fun begin.

After quickly popping home to work out my route I got to the former mentioned police station to encounter a horrifically long line, outside in the boiling heat;  but luckily I discover this is not the line I need because I live in the EU, so around to the much nicer foyer with seats and air-con. J I have my numero and wait for just over an hour to discover I must come back tomorrow at 7/8am, as my enquiry is no longer being served, my heart sunk, I panicked/felt upset/angry for all of ten seconds then sucked it up and went to enjoy the Catalan capital.

And boy was I glad that I did! Firstly I went to la pedrera, a gorgeous Gaudí apartment building, with such beautiful modernist features, the rooftop terrace was simply stunning, even if it does seem to have been inspired by a cheese dream....

I then continued my adventure by visiting La Sagrada Familiar, where I easily spent 2 or 3 hours in awe and wonder, I cannot even explain it, if a picture is worth a thousand words I have enough for a short novel, maybe even a trilogy of them.

I headed home, where I now sit on a very comfy sofa with my lovely flatmate/landlady watching Spanish tv, although that is definitely not something to write home about. J

I nearly forgot I ordered successfully at La Fleca today in Catalan – bonus points for me.

Besos y hasta manaña

x-x-x