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On our last day in Madrid Melissa stayed in her bed the entire day attempting to get over the flu... Kristi and Dana decided to trekk out in the rainy day in search for some fun! What's more fun than eating?!? They basically did their own cafe crawl. When they got back they jumped in on some free sangria and drinking games, compliments of our hostel - how nice! The crawl continued except in bar form and guess who they met? More Australians and Canadians!
All prepped for Barcelona we set off on our bullet shaped high-speed train, again ridin in style. We fancy huh. Ironically enough, two fellow illini were on the train sitting right next to us. Dana and Kristi had seen them the previous day, one of which had been wearing an Illinois business shirt. Small world. After the train we checked into our hostel, which is one of the "famous hostels" so is a pretty popular place. After being here for the past few nights we understand why, very social atmosphere, friendly staff and free breakfast and dinner! Not to mention a free city tour that we did yesterday and many more opportunities for activities!
Our first evening here we walked around the main street called Las Ramblas and down to the port. It started to rain but luckily it was like a mini navy pier that included a mall so we had something to do.
The free walking tour was very personal as there were only 8 of us and we learned about the differences between Catalonya and Spain and witnessed some protests. Quite the chaotic scene. We also saw where Picasso went to art school and where Columbus went to Ferdinand and Isabella to request a ship. Who knew that the first people in America were Barcelonian prisoners? Left that one out of our history books... Afterwards we went to see some quite unusual archictecture by Gaudi including the building in the picture, Sangrada Familia. It looked like something out of Whooville or a Nightmare before Christmas. Never seen anything like it! We saw two other buildings of his, one of which was very colorful and had lots of curves. The US could learn a few lessons and spice up our architecture a bit. After we came back down to Barcelona and went to the main Cathedral (yes, we were wearing appropriate clothing this time) and the garden attached to it.
Almost time for dinner! We headed back to the hostel and decided to pay for tapas and sangria at a nearby restaurant with our hostel. Dana tried squid!! (Although Kristi and Mel tricked her into believing it was fish hehe). We were so proud of her for trying everything. The tapas were aiight. After we jumped right in with the group going on the bar crawl and headed out. More canadians and Australians! Not to mention a few Americans also. We got some flaming shots that were really cool and some great drink deals. It ended at 12:30 just in time to play a little beer pong with some Argentinians at the hostel before our night really got started. The taxis for the club didn't leave the hostel until 1:45 a.m.!! So late! The club was awesome and right on the beach and we all got our dance on (finally). All the clubs are right next to each other and the entrances look miniscule because the actual club is underground. It was quite the mix of people at the club, anywhere from old business men to young college kids like ourselves. The Spaniards definitely know how to party. The time schedule in general for everything is much later over here, lunch is the main meal and is at 2 or 3, then a light dinner of tapas around 8 or 9 and then head to the clubs around 2 a.m. until 6 a.m. Yes, the sun was starting to rise by the time we got in this morning.
Today we decided to take it easy and sleep in. We grabbed a quick bite and headed to the beach to relax and soak up some sun. We learned why they have siestas (and love them!) and were lucky to have sunny weather today. The only surprise for the day were a few overexposed women on the beach.... yikes. We took the metro home and got dinner at a local chicken and seafood place recommended by our tour guide. Cheap and big portions!! Perfect!
Barcelona, it has been fun. Flying to Rome tomorrow! Adios for now
- comments
Audrey Sounds great, except the bar crawling:). Glad you are having a great time. We went to the Texas Roadhouse with Roger & Susie tonight. YUMMMM. Went from high 90's yesterday to 50's today. Take care, remember you are loved & missed. Grandma & Grandpa
Phil Now that you mastered Spanish, Italian should be easy.
Susie At least with the hours yous keep over there you shouldn't have jet-lag when you get home. ha Aunt Susie & Uncle Rog
Tony & Karen Sorry to hear about your sickness, Melissa. Maybe you should switch to OJ! :) Enjoy Italia!