Riding on the Metro Train

L7 Brown line. Av Tibidabo

mood: defeated,

isolated YET UPLIFTED

I hate to say this but I think one of the places that I have learned the most is by simply riding on the metro! Not only is the convenient but also it is exponentially better than any public transportation I have ever seen in the United States. Not that the United States doesn’t have a public transportation but it simply is not as extensive and accessible. When I first came to Barcelona I quickly became familiar with the metro. I bought a T-joven and soon realized that the T-joven would become my best friend! I take the metro everyday for 20 minutes to and from school. Along my journeys around the city I have gotten the opportunity to observe, talk and interact with many Catalans. Whether I may strike up a conversation with the people sitting next to me or just simply sit back and observe. I have become very familiar with the Catalan language in the metro. I try and decipher what people are saying but I am always content with just observing peoples facial expressions. I have also been exposed to the typical style and clothes that many Catalans wear. As well, as family dynamics including how parents talk to their children and interact. I have also had a few instances where Catalan men will try and approach and talk to me. I find it way more aggressive than the U.S. however; I have grown to deal with it. Many times I don’t even realize how exciting it is to ride the metro because if you look and listen closing there is always something new to see. One instance on the metro I experienced the most heart warming Catalan hospitality I have ever experienced in my life. I was having a HORRIBLE day, everything seemed like it was going wrong. I was 6,000 miles away from home and never felt so far away and alone in my life. I was looking out the window listening to my ipod with tears running down my face. It was about 8 o’clock at night and woman came over and sat next to me. She began speaking Catalan to me and soon she realized I did not understand. She then did something heartwarming and amazing. She just stop talking, read my facial expression and put her arms around and me and hugged me. Eventually, I found out she spoke English and we chatted and made me feel significantly better. However, in that moment I don’t think I could have ask for anything more. Even though I felt so isolated and alone and separated from everyone around me there is no language of love. Catalonia really was there for me in a way I could have never expected. I am almost crying writing this journal entry. I will never forget my Catalan hug.

Mirablau

Mirablau-Peu del Funicular

C/ Manuel Arnús 208035 Barcelona, Spain

I have to say that Mirablau is my absolute favorite place that I have been to in Barcelona. I have been there multiple times and Mirablau acts as an escape for me. I live on Carrer de Crinwickel located off the Av Tibidabo metro stop so it is not too hard to get up to this bar. Sometimes when I’m feeling really homesick, lonely or just stressed I hop on the tram and head up the Mountain. Mirablau is a cocktail bar located on the hill of Tibidabo. It offers one of the most beautiful views of Barcelona Sagrada Familia the sea and Montjuic. The food and cocktails are very pricey and not very good however; I don’t go for the food. I am always drawn back by the breath taking view and open light environment. When I walk into the Mirablau my problems and concerns seem to disappear and are minimized by the irresistible view and millions of citizens of Barcelona. The firstweek that I was in Barcelona I explored Tibidabo and discovered Mirablau and the spectacular view. I started my trip to Barcelona and I plan to end my trip in Barcelona at Mirablau with a large cervesa! I took my parents here when they cameto visit and I’m pretty sure that they feel in love as well. I think this place may lack good food and charm but no one will ever complain about the view and excellent location.

Roman Barcino

September 24, 2009

In session 4 our class took a little trip to the Roman Barcino and the Museu d’Historia de la Cuitat. We focused on the Romans in Catalonia and the major impact they had on the way of life. The notion of the Romans conjured up imagines of life an enormously long time ago. It almost felt impossible to get a mental grip on the way of life and epochs from the Roman culture but this field trip forced me to use my imagination. The hub of Roman Barcelona, known then as Barcino, is in fact today's

Ciutat Vella or Barri Gotic. The inhabitants of Barcino decided to build the center of the city right around the Cathedral and religious center. The center of the city was the forum, a space for commerce and meetings to occur. I made connections with this notion of the forum or center of the city with other ancient Roman cities I had seen like Girona for example. Girona had a very
similar set-up originating from it’s Roman roots as well. I thought it was really interesting that the forum area was located in Plaza St. Jaume where the council and local government buildings are still positioned today.

Most of the ancient city is now buried deep underneath today’s city center. However, the City History Museum in Placa Del Rei had a great deal of excavated ruins. My favorite part of the museum was the “time-traveling” elevator. The elevator goes down into the vaults of the city while a digital year display counts down time in big red flashing numbers. We crammed into the elevators and 2 minutes later the doors opened at 600AD. We stepped out and began to explore the ruins! The ruins included a sweet drainage system, which was just another example that helped paint the picture of life in Barcelona. They also had what it looked like a trading area where they made salted fish and wine another important cultural good of that era. Not only did this field trip help me discovered and make connections of Roman life but also it showed me a new and unexplored part of Barcelona. The Barri Gothic has now become my favorite part of the city and I have a deeper understanding of the history behind it!

Drugs in Catalonia

Desciende el consumo de alcohol y cannabis en Catalunya y sube el de cocaína

8/12/2009 | Ciudadanos Lavanguardia-Article from Monday

While reading the Lavanguardia one article caught my eye in particular. This article spoke about drug use in Catalonia. This is an issue that I have been very curious about for the past 3 months while studying in Barcelona. Coming from Berkeley, California I have a very liberal point of view on drug use especially Cannabis because it is practically legal and EXTREMELY common. For some reason people seem like they do a lot of drugs in Barcelona. I also have been curious because I feel as if talking about this with teachers or older Catalans might be rather taboo. The article says that in recent years there has been a decline in the consumption of alcohol and cannabis in all age groups - 67.7% of the population that consumed it in the last month for alcohol in 2003 to 61.9% after four years and 11.4% to 9.7% in the case of cannabis - while slightly increased cocaine use - from 0.7% to 2.6% -- According to data from the Regional Ministry of Health released today. I found this a little bit confusing. But, possibly with the economic recession people have less money to spend on buying drinks in bars and weed in the streets. However, I would still think that WITH the recession and unemployment rates many people would turn to drugs and alcohol use.

Before I came to Barcelona I was talking to a family friend who travels the world to work in fashion and hair. She had traveled to Barcelona many times and was offering me tid-bits of advice for my travels. The one thing that scared me a little bit is that she said there is a lot of heroin in Barcelona especially around the Club scene. However, in my experience thankfully I have not encountered this. This article presents a relevant fact that cocaine has replaced heroin use. I have run into some cocaine in my experiences in Barcelona and with the club scene I can see why it is rather prevalent.

"El tió corre peligro y nos necesita"

Lavanguardia JOEL ALBARRÁN BUGIÉ | Barcelona | 10/12/2009

Abandonan 500 mini-tiós para que pasen de mano en mano y crean una web para revitalizar esta costumbre navideña

HAHAHA this was the greatest article ever! Not only was it completely relevant to ideas and traditions we have talked about it class but it is a brilliant idea. The article talks about a local companying that has created a webpage and campaign to take in tio's unto local Catalan families and house's during the Christmas season. The campaign mixes Tió Catalan Christmas traditions with new technologies such as Facebook and Twitter. The article says that over 500,000 people have become a “fan” of this movement on a group created on the web. Caja Tio is a Catalan Christmas tradition in which a trunk shits gifts after being fed for days. Not only is this tradition interesting and different to me but I just think it is humorous and fun! I want to beat a log and then get presents instead of them just secretly being placed under the Christmas tree. The main point of this article however, is not about uncle Tio; it’s about the tradition and history involved. The Catalan ways are losing popularity and it is essential to maintain this heritage. Not only in Spain but all over the world young children are losing touch with traditions and becoming hypnotized by consumerism. Which is a very depressing thought that spending money and presents are beginning to be more valued that traditional family bonding activities. I really think this is a great article and that Catalans need to hold on to this wonderful tradition and save uncle shitter!!!

Quote this!

Just something I stumbled upon in my readings that caught my attention

"Those who visit foreign nations but associate only with their own countrymen change their climate, but not their customs and with their heads as empty as their pockets, return home with traveled bodies but untraveled minds"-anonymous

"Do not grieve over your departure, for you have to drunk your death in one gulp, wheras we have to stay behind among these wicked people, receiving death from them everythingday"

-Juan de Leon of Aranda 1492

current mood: contemplative

current music: John Mayer-Slow Dancing in a burning room

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX-nuY9LJAs

Cerveceria Catalana

Mood: full, content, huggable

weekend travels: Paris <3

Cerveceria Catalana is a beer bar and a tapas restaurant. It is considered one of the best places in the city to try the more tasty tapas. I have been here 3 times during my stay in Barcelona. The first time I went to Cerveceria Catalana was in October with my parents. The hotel we were staying suggested that we try the resturant and I absolutely loved it. I had eaten a good amount of tapas by this point but the atmosphere and crowded ambiance really won me over. The food was delicious! I had a difficult time explaining to my parents that in Spain, dinner is usually served between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. I know I speak for myself as well as my parents when I say I had a little bit of a difficult time adjusting to the eating habits of the Spanish. For example, I am used to

a very hardy breakfast and a light mid day snack which holds me over until an relatively early dinner. While, in spain lunch is usually served between 1 and 3 p.m. and dinner is much later and lighter. However, I absolutely love tapas especially because they are often very strongly flavored with garlic, chilies or paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and usually plentiful in olive oil. My absolute favorite tapas Tortilla with fried chunks of potatoes and onions. I also love Pincho moruno and off course, pan amt tomato and patatas bravas. I basically love all tapas and I wish I could take the yummy assortment of tapas home with me. I just love to eat J I would say possibly one of my favorite hobbies. I’m really going to miss Cerveceria Catalana and the light on the go bar atmosphere of food in Spain.

A simple reflection

Well, I have less than two weeks until I go home and quite frankly I have no clue how to feel about this situation. I just started asking myself questions and I thought I would answer them in my journal.

When I think of going home I feel. . . . .excited, loved, sad

When I think of leaving Barcelona I feel. . . . .depressed, emotional, anxious that I didn’t see enough or learn as much as I could

I will never forget. . . . .Marta’s cooking, my companionship and life long friends, the pain and struggle, the growth, Carrer de Craywickel, Dublin, Oktoberfest

The most important experience has been. . . . . .everything emotionally challenging and frustrating that I experienced on this trip. Without these obstacles I don’t think I would have been able to grow as much as I have.

I would love to bring home. . . . . TAPAS! SANGRIA! DISCOTECOS and the Spanish pace of life and the friends I have made.

I will be happy to leave behind. . . . OIL, confusions and misunderstandings from the language barrier and the Euro

To remember Barcelona, I plan to . . . . . scrapbook, and facebook

I expect that the most difficult part of returing home will be. . . . . the pace of life, breaking into old circles of friends, and realizing everything is the same.

When I see my frriensd back home, I expect they will say. . . . I’ve missed you and we will get some drinks at a bar

My family will notice that I have changed because. . . . . I’ve gained weight. I can speak some Spanish and I’m more independent.

The most important thing I have learned about myself is. . . . . I am strong. I am confident. I am capable. I am powerful intelligent woman. Who doesn’t need a man by her side.

As a result of my experience abroad I plan to. . . . . Study harder, focus my efforts on making a career and living for myself independently of my parents.

MUSEU PABLO PICASSO

C/ Montcada 15-23
08003 Barcelona, Spain

October 13^th, 2009

I Fell in love with Picasso when I went to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. The Barri Gothic quarter is enchanting and I would say my favorite place to go walk around and shop in Barcelona. My favorite part of the museum was watching the transformation of painting styles that Picasso expressed with the evolution of his works. The Picasso Museum is comprised of a series of connected palaces consisting of five buildings. These buildings root back to the thirteenth century, and gave me a feeling of the historical Barri Gothic of Barcelona. The five buildings of the Museum are directly linked to Catalan history. They represent what Catalan history incorporated into its culture six hundred years ago, and what the history can bring to the present. Palau Agullar was owned by several noble families throughout the 1300’s, and was eventually sold to a merchant named Berenguer d’Aguilar in 1400. Generations of the Aguilar family continually redecorated the palace, leaving behind hints of the diverse styles used throughout the centuries, until it was sold to the Clerch and Pons families in 1837. In 1961, upon the restoration, decorative murals were found dating back to the thirteenth century. In the 1920s, 970 Picasso works were donated to the museums putting Barcelona on the map for one of the great collections of Spanish art. Not only do these buildings themselves represent Catalan history, but what they house is also considered a symbol of Catalan history and culture. Picasso is a direct link that the people of Barcelona can relate to and take pride in having in their culture. These buildings allow people to see the connections within their culture and strengthen their roots to the city.

My Catalan Friend Kyke

Many people have a very poor opinion of Kyke however; in my experience he has shown me great hospitality and taught me a great deal about Catalonia. He may be a club promoter and love drinking with American’s but a friend who came abroad last year told him to watch after me and he did exactly that. Kyke treated my best friend Annie and I see the movie Agora because we were homesick and missed going to the movies yet, we decided to see a movie in Spanish J. He then took us out to drinks at a 5 star hotel on the Port (Offcourse he never failed to mention to us that the 5 star hotel was owned by a Catalan). Just being around him I picked up many nuances about his culture. We asked him questions such has what type of school he attended? He explained that he went a concertado

which is a type of half public have private school that is very common in Spain. He also explained to us the Catalan Pride behind the nightlife in Barcelona. He explained to us that all of the clubs we attend are owned by Catalans. For example, Opium Mar, Shoko, Catwalk and Sutton are all Catalan run clubs. This in itself shows just a glimpse into the Spanish and Catalan culture of late nights and free loving Mediterranean parties. He also explained how when doing business, Catalans LOVE to talk badly about the other club owners and competition. This is a concept that I am very new too. I understand the notion of talking badly about competition but the extent and commonality of it here is almost depressing. He explained that none of the Catalan club owners like each other, naturally. Also, the way Kyke spoke about this was so easy going and nonchalant. His truthfulness was to the point of being blunt yet it did not even phase him. It was definitely a cultural difference in the way business is run and handled by people in Catalonia. Seems as if no one trusts each other and constantly strives bring others down around them. While in the states often times we harvest a more team mentality.

We then began to ask Kyke about the type of woman he is in interested and what a typical “Catalan” woman is like. I tried to keep in mind that his opinions were extremely bias however, I found them fascinating. A direct quote that from Kyke was, “I am 100% Catalan and my wife MUST be a Catalan woman”. Just the way that he said this still rings in my head today. Almost with a hint of arrogance but yet, an underlining pride that I completely understand. Even in the States, my mom stresses to me over and over that I need to find a specific type of man to marry. However, speaking with Kyke gave me a little window into the mind of a Catalan man. Once again continuing to piece together my Catalan puzzle. I honestly think that Kyke is a great guy and Catalan man which intentions of making friends and having fun. He may promote clubs and drinking and thwart true immersion into Spanish culture, but I was lucky enough to sit down and talk to him face to face and really understand what he is all about. When I look back on my 3 months in Barcelona Kyke was someone that I could go to for any question or concern that I had and he truly was one of my only Catalan friends.

THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

Here we are now…in Spain…6,000 miles away from my boyfriend my mom my dad my two older brothers always looking over me oh and my best friends. Things in Spain and Europe soar and crash from the laughter of pleasure, excitement of traveling, new cultures and meeting new people. However, there are always the dips into the dark depths of isolation, depression, loneliness and frustration. The moment my computer crashed and every file, document, skype application, email and music where erased in a matter of seconds. Seemed like my whole world slipped away as my computer screen flashed green. Oh, wait don't

worry though Spain doesn’t run off Macs and there is no such thing as an Apple Store in Barcelona. Forced me to fend for myself and stand on my own two feet. No way to communicate with my loved ones and do school work. = ISOLATION. Just another plunge on the roller coaster of life. The upside loop of breaking up with relationships back home, Language barriers, spending excessive amounts on traveling issues and just plain getting lost. Thank god, all of those things are balanced out by the best trips and experiences of my life. Just living with one of my best friends in a foreign country to explore and be free is more than a girl can ask for. Annie Thompson, my best friend has helped me soar through the clouds and pulled me out of some very dark places. We have traveled to Paris, Portugal, Dublin, Amsterdam, Munich and Switzerland. Each place filled with new life experiences and travels. At the time nothing else mattered besides friends, laugher, food and fun.

The moment my mom and dad came to Barcelona tear cames to my eyes. I felt so accomplished because I was living on my own and could act as there own tour guides. I took them to Shoko and Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell.

Other Pinnacles include clubbing, Opium Mar after 3 cocktails just dancing and singing to techno beats. Ups and Downs, Ins and outs, friends and foes, immaturity and maturity.

THIS IS IT all on the emotional roller coaster of EUROPE.

I just think and feel thankful for those who have helped me and support me along the way. Constantly sending their love and positive energy my way. J Sometimes I don’t know whether to laugh or cry….But if Spain has taught me one thing and one thing only its that every up has a down and that ever thing in life changes.

La Lavaguardia

3 Articles from Lavaguardia-I decided to put my Spanish reading skills to the test. I did surprisingly better than I thought I would :)

November 24th Edition.

International-

Barack Obama, and the Indian Prime Minister Met in Washington DC, agreed to intensify cooperation between their countries in areas such as climate change or the fight against terrorism. Obama said the United States and India are natural allies and added that "both recognize that our primary objective is to achieve peace and security for all peoples"

I think It's interesting to see the US turn to countries such as India, one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world for cooperation. I guess it is a smart political move because India is a rapidly growing country who could pose a great threat one day. One thing that I think both the US and India need to sit down and discuss is their pollution and environmental policies. Maybe they should take a little trip to Copenhagen. However, with recent news I really think that they sat down to discuss that they were going to refuse to sign the Copenhagen Climate change policies along with China. I just don't understand why they have to be the "difficult" and "stubborn" ones. So go ahead China, US and India ruin our environment !

Local-article taken from Lavanguardia on Nov. 24th

6 Catalan Universities are competing for the international excellence award. 5 of the universities are public and 1 is private. They receive public funds which boost their research and teaching methods. The international jury will decide on Tuesday who the winner is.

-I think this is great thing for Catalan pride and a great way to increase emphasis on education and local funding for schools. This is possible an idea that the United States should pick up on. If schools and universities whether they may be public or private had an incentive to prepare and educate their students to the best of their ability maybe students would receive a better education and opportunities. I really believe that education is one of the most important issues in our political system today. Without an education the youth can never succeed and hold the tools they need to excel and lead our country in the future.

Regional

The Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, has finally recognized that the labor market needs reform. With the economical recession and real estate industry down. The objective is to give more leeway for companies to adjust their working hours and wages.

It's very different for me to compare the way that employment and wages work in the States vs. the way the work in Spain. It blows my mind that when you fire an employee you are required to pay them a salary. I know that the United States is currently struggling with low unemployment levels and I really am at a lack for words for an appropriate

solution. Hopefully, the economy will pick up if not I fear for myself that I may not be able to enter the job market after I graduate from college.

Wednesday is Macaroni Day.

Hermanos Peña

C/ Teodora Lamadrid, 25, 08022 Barcelona, Spain

Hermanos peña is our Wednesday Tradition. It is located off the L7 El Putxet stop and is the most delicious lunch you will ever have. As the months progressed on more and more people began to join in our Wednesday lunch tradition. Usually, we have about 4 or 5 people who come to feast J. Hermanos peña is basically a small cafeteria that has a bar and televisions on the walls for its clients. It is a local restaurant and you ALWAYS get your moneys worth. This has really been one of my favorite places to eat in Barcelona. Rufio, the owner of the restaurant absolutely loves us and we always chat with him in Spanish. Usually, we have a group of 2-3 guys and 1-2 girls and whenever we bring more girls he gives us free beers or pan con tomato. Rufio loves las chicas! They also have the best chorizo and pan con

tomato I have had in all of Barcelona. We usually order 2 plates of pan con tomato, one with jamon and one with Chorizo. One Wednesday, a friend of ours John Lewis, invited his IES professor to eat lunch with us. It may have been one of the best lunches of my life. He got wasted with us and made us buy 2-3 beers and a café con baileys to top off our huge meal. Keep in mind It was only 2 o’clock in the afternoon and most all of us had to make our way back to IES for our afternoon classes. One thing I love about hermanos peña is that Rufio, the owner, is always welcoming and you can have a delicious meal for less than 10 euro. They serve you a huge plate of macaroni because Wednesday is well . . . . . Macaroni day!!!! I would highly recommend this little whole in the wall restaurant if you are looking to fit in with the locals, grab a beer and a great filling meal.

FC Barca!

FC Barcelona v Cultural Leonesa

November 10, 2009

Barca, Barca, Barca. Went to a FC Barcelona game and it was everything I expected and more. For some, reason I didn’t realize how much I missed going to sporting events until now. The roar of the crowd and the excitement of rooting for your home team really hit close to home. A few friends and I grabbed some drinks at a near by bar before the game. A wave of enthusiasm swept over me as I walked up to the stadium. We were a few block

s away and after turning the corner the stadium stood starring at me. The place of so much athleticism, competition and rivalry was inviting me in. This stadium where the BEST soccer players in the world came to compete. We decided to buy some cheap tickets and even though the were playing a lower ranked team, Cultural Leonesa, I knew that would mean a definite win and lots of GOALLLSSSS!!! I was so happy by the end of the game when the final score was 5-0! I had been to my first Soccer match ever and seen 5 professional goals. I was alsi really happy that I had been taught some previous knowledge of the meaning and importance of soccer for the people of Catalonia. The phrase "Més que un club" (More than a club) really began to take on a new meaning and life form to me after the game. Even though the stadium wasn’t sold out an imagine of the intensity and Catalan pride was painted in my head. EVERYONE had on FC Barca gear and it almost made me want to draw the parallel between America’s notion of Great Pass time of America-Baseball mixed with the intense team spirit you would witness as a Oakland, Raiders football game. However, one stark difference is the political ties that are interwoven with this popular culture. Catalan’s have been a very suppressed Nationality and after the rise of the Franco dictatorship they have a great deal of pride and nationality for their culture. FC Barcelona being one of them. We also cannot forget the great rivalry between REAL MADRID and FC Barcelona, which directly correlates with political issues of Catalans vs. Castellan’s. Regardless, of my separation and little knowledge of the meaning and deep-rooted ties people have with FC Barca I felt the energy, excitement and pride in Camp Nou. I will never forget my new favorite soccer team.

Maritim Museum

Oct. 14, 2009

Today was a beautiful day in the city. It was about 75 degrees and absolutely gorgeous. We met at the Martim Museum and the building was gorgeous. It was a stone building covered in green vines. There were three main columns with large arched ceilings. While I was in DRassanes and near the ship year I just imagined ships being built and people running around the area. We saw smaller boats, which were used to fish the Mediterranean and help support local live styles for the people of Barcelona. I began to wonder if the Mediterranean was more plentiful then because I remembered that the Mediterranean has been fished forever and has few fish in it today. The sea is dead. I also thought that it was rather ironic that we went to the Maritim Museum two days after the National Holiday in Spain that celebrated Christopher Columbus founding America. I’m not sure if Xavie planned that or if it was a mere coincidence but I found it refreshing and very relevant.

For some reason being in that museum made me flash back to the fourth grade. In the fourth grade I distinctly remember reading out United States history books and learning about Castellan royalty paying Christopher Columbus for his travels to America. I felt some sort of bizarre parallel with that moment from the past. I felt that the knowledge I had learned so many years ago was coming full circle and I was on the completely other end of the spectrum.

Language

Spanish. Catalan. What is going on?

Mood: confusion, frustration

Why is Spanish so hard for me sometimes? One day I feel like I’m on top of the world and I can understand EVERYTHING people are saying to me and I can respond coherently. Then the next day everything is gone. I struggle real hard to even get out a sentence that makes sense. I may manage to get out a sentence but then I forget how to conjugate every verb. I like to think of those days as noticing my improvement but it really makes life difficult. I came to Spain with hopes and expectations of learning more Spanish. Sadly those hopes have been put to rest. I live in a homestay with a married couple. They speak Catalan, Spanish and English. It’s really frustrating sometimes because the first day we arrived in Spain they began speaking English to us right off the bat. It was nice to be able to communicate effectively upon arriving but it has also made for a great scapegoat from really progressing in Spanish. It’s very rare that they sit down and eat with us. We have simple conversations in passing. For example, “how was your weekend” just stupid mindless talk. Usually dinner is just left on the table for us to eat anytime after 8 PM. It’s also very interesting to me to observe their relationship. As a young married couple I notice some major differences between a relationships I would see in the United States. First off, Rai works in Madrid and is gone for maybe 10 days at a time or more. Natalia, the wife works for a marketing company however, she travels almost every other weekend to Madrid or on trips with her friends. It’s just very strange to me that they don’t spend a lot of time together. I know most young married couples or even my parents for example come home every night to each other and eat a meal and discuss their days together. Maybe it’s better that they have time apart so that they don’t get sick of each other and fight HA. Just a random thought. UGH I MISS HOME AND EVERYTHING. But, back to the Spanish. The task of learning Spanish is so easy yet so hard for me at the same time. I came to Spain with a moderate background in Spanish. I had taken 4 years in high school and being that I’m from California, I’m constantly surrounded by it. If only I could just be completely immersed and FORCE to speak Spanish for 2-3 weeks maybe even a month. I know I would improve exponentially. It’s still hard to do that here. I hate to say it and feel like a failure that I haven’t improved more. Maybe I have and I just don’t realize. But, with IES run in English and being isolated from other Catalan students in school. Even though, IES claims they have a great education and programs. I really wish I had taken classes outside of the American bubble. I mean what do you learn talking in English about the same things you would about back in the States.

The Born- La Ribera Quarter

November 2, 2009

Mood: wanting to explore

Weekend Travels: Amsterdam

Well, normally I really dislike going on field trips with my classes in Barcelona. But, lately I have felt as if walking around the city really sets off my imagination and helps me understand what I am learning about. I am a very hands on visual learning so when I sit in class and listen to a teacher lecture it always just seems one-dimensional to me. So today we walked to the Born area. I forgot to bring my camera but the main thing that stood out to me on the trip was the small street guilds. Walking along the streets I could imagine families working together in the apartment buildings. Each apartment building organized vertically. The bottom floor was the workshop and the richest/ owner lived on the primary floors. While, workers and poor lived above. I could just picture the fathers and sons and men running the leather, wool and iron shops.

Especially, on Carrer Dels canvis, Via Italiana and Carrer Del Cotoners. One thing that stood out that our teacher, Xavi, said was that Via Italiana was “Manhattan Like”. This one street was the center of trade and commerce. It made me think about the progress that modernization with new technologies has made. Even though commercial marketing and large businesses have taken over they have just moved to a larger scale. Even though some companies that make leather and other products have advanced technology many are still family businesses during their life around the local commerce area. Even though, that area may be Placa Catalunya or Manhattan New York. Not only, are these markets similar but the Port and “Stock Market” we saw seemed very similar to my hometown San Fransisco or other large cities like Barcelona and New York. All of these major cities are local on a Port. Where they are constantly receiving foreign travelers importing and exporting new and needed goods. These cities have a mix of cultures, goods and immigrants and I think it’s really one of the reasons while I love these cities.

La Merce

October 12, 2009 Les Festes de la Merçè (September 24-27)

The first La Merçè activity that I attended was the Correfok or Fire run. My roommate and best friend Annie Thompson and I took the metro to Placa Catalunya. We were not sure where exactly to go but we just started walking along with the crowds. All of the sudden we started to see sparks of fire and hundreds of people in the streets. We squeezed our way through the crowd until we were within a few feet of the enormous metal dragons spiting out fire and flames. I have to admit I was a little frightened and overwhelmed by the massive amount of people and the constant, intense banging of the marching parades drums. I also was worried of getting burned by the flames. I did not come prepared and was wearing a sleeveless dress. My friend Annie was a bit more fearless than me and was on a mission to get the perfect picture of the metal dragons. I stood back and tried to take cover in the crowd. After about an hour of banging drums, dragon after dragon Annie and I decided to walk up the street to a resturante called La Rosa Negra.

It was a small festive Mexican restaurant where we enjoyed Mojitos! I had really been missing Mexican food like they make in the states and this resturant hit the spot! I had chicken tacos and chips and guacamole. It was a little different than home but I’m not complaining.

Las "Castells"

In Catalonia there is a very popular tradition of human towers. My friend Annie and went to Las Castells on a Saturday. It was about 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit and

EXTREMELY sunny. We walked to Placa Jamuel and went to the city center. I don't think I have ever seen as many people in my life crowded around one square. Annie and I weassled our way into the crowd in order to see the towers. The skill and concentration is took these Catalans was absolutely incredible. We watched tower after tower slowly being formed. On tower in particular was erected right in front of the Mayor. The every top was a made of two 5 year old girls. As each level was making its way down two Catalan men in the middle of the tower stopped. Raised their hands in the air and yelled out of sheer excitement, pride and accomplishment. The entire crowd went crazy. At that moment, I was sweating and excited and I almost felt as if I were Catalan. I was so excited and pride to have watched this tower constructed infront of my eyes. The energy and excitement was contagious. Even though I would never be considered Catalan but at the moment a window into the pride and national spirit of Catalonia was opened to me.

BEST FIREWORKS OF MY LIFEEE

Placa Espanya I love you. You are magical and excited and captivating with your music and light show :) Be mine!