Hey there!
This is well overdue, for which I profusely apologise...it's just that I've already written it twice, and stupidly managed to delete it both times. So, to save time and energy, neither of which I have, I'm condensing two weeks into one blog...
Week 11:
Started off with Monday and Tuesday in Madrid. Freezing cold to say the least. I love Barcelona more. Full stop.
The rest of the week was a mix of cafe con leche, xurros amb xocolate, and friendlings...which make for a very happy Hannah.
The weekend saw the arrival of our two student visitors, both of whom attend the United World College in Italy, Dylan (America) and Justin (Hong Kong), who were both absolutely lovely, and on the most part, a pleasure to be with.
Apart from my getting no sleep due to having to wait for them to get home.
But no pasa nada.
Week 12:
Again, a mixture of coffee, friends and Aliocha's English lessons:
Aliocha: 'Como se dice cuchilla en ingles?'
Gemma: 'Spoon'
Aliocha: 'Snoof?'
Dirk: 'Snoof!'
Aliocha: 'Y como se dice tenador?'
Gemma: 'Fork...es similar a 'fuck''
Aliocha: 'Aaah, vale, y un cucharo?'
Gemma: 'Knife con 'k''
Aliocha: 'K-knife?'
Gemma: 'No, knife.'
Aliocha: 'Vale, I have a k-knife, a fuck and a snoof!'
Gemma: 'Erm..almost.'
Dirk: 'Just don't go into a restaurant and ask for a fuck.'
Hannah: '...' (apart from painful hysterical laughter)
So, yeah.
Everything's going pretty great so far :)
The week culminated on Friday, with lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe BCN, and that night, Aliocha and I headed out to Margarita Blue for mojitos, and then to another bar for shots. Like, ohmyGod, no joke, this bar is incredible. Shots are 2E each, and there are literally hundreds. I have a weird coffee shot, which was ON FIRE, followed by a shot where you roasted a marshmallow, dipped it in the shot, drank the shot, then ate the marshmallow. Amazing. We also decided (stupidly) to head down to the beach, but then decided that this was a bad idea, seeing as it was literally 1*.
Saturday was a mix of sleeping, sleeping, half packing, and then heading out with Dirk and Aliocha to (unbenown to me) watch the Barca match, and todavia, I don't know who won!
I come home tomorrow (YAY!), so I'd just like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all you guys who have supported me over my last four months (can you believe it?!) here, from giving me money (mummy and daddy!), to being there for me when I needed you most (Gemma, Dirk, Aliocha, Arnold, Alie), and generally keeping my spirits up from the safe distance of England (everyone, but in particular, Anisha, Sam, Sarah, and Ben). Thank you guys so much for everything.
Looking back over the last rollercoaster of a year, I know that, as a person, I am 100% stronger and more confident than this time last year, and I can't say how much I appreciate all the love, support and faith that everyone's had in me, not to mention the numerous kicks up the backside! I could go on for ages about how lucky and fortunate I am, and I still would not be able to express it well enough. To anyone who's reading this that doesn't know, I got rejected from my University choices, but instead of letting it defeat me, I stood up, and went, guns blazing, into lands anew, and found myself living in the glorious city of Barcelona. Luck? Nah. Hard work? Definately not. Fate? Probably.
I may not be the best example to anyone in the world, I mean, I talk to much in class, I party hard, and I have done some pretty stupid/awful/hurtful things in the past, but despite all of this, I found myself here, in the best situation possible. And for this, I am unexplicably grateful. This situation has also taught me to be grateful for what I have. Even the smallest things, Mariokart racing against my brothers, little chats over cups of tea with my mum, being 'a kid', everything, you really learn to appreciate when it's not there. And fortunately for me, I have disovered this before it's too late, and it's gone forever. Thank you Mum, Dad, Kieran, Josh, and my whole family, for believing in me, and helping me know that I can do it, no matter how hard 'it' is.
I'm not really the strongest believer, but I now know that there IS someone out there looking out for me, and that, despite everything, is helping me along, and helping me become a stronger, better, and happier human being. To quote Ben Folds, 'I don't get many things right the first time, in fact, I am told that a lot. Now i know all the wrong turns and stumbles and falls brought me here...' That line could never be more true than here.
Anyway, time to wrap this up.
Here's to 2010, may it be 100% more successful than 2009: the best year yet.
I hope you all have a magical Christmas, and a very safe and healthy New Year.
Finally, in the words of Tiny Tim,
God bless us, everyone.
Hannah XxX
12/9/09
Barcelona Diaries: Week 10
Oops.
Firstly I would like to say, we're in the double digits people!!! 10 weeks!!!
Secondly, sorry that this has come so late. I have a fair exuse though...This week, or should I say, last week, has been hectic.
First of all, I had my final week at Camino. Incredibly sad times to the max. But, as with all good things, they come to a fireworky, fabulous end. Meaning photos, music and scribbling on the board! Also, I spent a wonderful lunchtime on Wednesday with Gemma, Aliocha and Dirk, down at Barceloneta, eating at this tiddly little place, which was unbelievably lovely, despite only paying 7E for a three course meal and drinks! :D
However, I think the biggest thing to mention this week is my weekend, my fin de semana, as you will.
What happened?
I went to MADRID!!
So.
After a 5 hour journey in the 6th seat of a 7 seater car, also with Carmela, Mauro, Lucas, Ana and Maria, we arrived in the rather grungy city of Madrid. 'Okay', I thought, 'this is only the suburbs, I'm sure the centre will be nicer'. So off I trotted.
I was so wrong.
You know that thing i have about me not liking big crowds? Well, this was massive. Literally. Half an hour to cross Puerta del Sol? On a Saturday night? RIDICULOUS! And the lights weren't even that nice. Apart from the pretty LED snowflakes on the side of El Corte Ingles, which flashed in time to Christmas songs. Aw. So, I went and hid in Stradavarius. And H and M. And Zara.
So, the next day, I thought I'd try again. It can't be AS busy during the day.
Again, I was wrong. BUT that wasn't the worst of it, oh no. I decided to buy myself a ticket to go on a tour bus, as I simply could not be bothered to walk around Madrid for the whole day. Easier said thatn done, it seems. I had to FIND a tour bus.
So, after walking from Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor to the post office place near el Prado (where a random Spanish guy started talking to me, and introduced himself. I think he was called Carlos. Or that could be my Spanish stereotyping...), I finally found one.
And I stayed on that bus for 2 routes round. I then got horrifically bored, and on the advice of the ticket guy, I changed to the other line (from Modern Madrid to Historical Madrid), which was pretty much the same, but with the Palace. Oh well.
By this point, I was cold, probably the coldest I've ever been. No joke, my hands and lips were blue (I carry a pocket mirror, before any smartarses decide to ask how I knew...), I was sat on the top of an open topped tour bus, going pell-mell across Madrid, meaning that the temperature around me was actually freezing. And I only had a blazer for warmth.
'Screw this', I thought, 'I'm going home'. Once again, easier said than done... Walking for another 20 minutes to find a Metro station...not my cup of tea. Fortunately, I was the line I needed, so I sat down (I HAD A SEAT!!!!!!!! On Madrid's Metro!!!) and curled up to warm up.
As soon as I got home, I put the TV on, watched a Christmas movie of some kind, and then went to bed.
I awoke to the dulcet tones of, 'Hannah, I hear noises, I'm scared.' Yes, I was sharing a room with a 5 year old. Great. I spent the rest of Monday playing with Carmela, occupying her until the blissful moment that we went to the circus. Oh yes. THE CIRCUS!!!! :D Well, we have to support the kids in their shows... :D
Tuesday, fortunately, went rather quickly. Awoken again by Carmela, this time being 'hungry', breakfasted, dressed, the usual...then Carmela's NIECE (would you believe!) turned up with her parents...meaning Hannah got rather broody. Okay, this kid was sooo cute...Alejandra...she's like the sweetest one year old ever!!!!!!!! After they'd left again, we finally set off. The journey home was made quicker (slightly) by Alvin and the Chipmunks (not my choice) and Harry Potter 3 (marginally better).
Ah, I love my life.
H XxX
Firstly I would like to say, we're in the double digits people!!! 10 weeks!!!
Secondly, sorry that this has come so late. I have a fair exuse though...This week, or should I say, last week, has been hectic.
First of all, I had my final week at Camino. Incredibly sad times to the max. But, as with all good things, they come to a fireworky, fabulous end. Meaning photos, music and scribbling on the board! Also, I spent a wonderful lunchtime on Wednesday with Gemma, Aliocha and Dirk, down at Barceloneta, eating at this tiddly little place, which was unbelievably lovely, despite only paying 7E for a three course meal and drinks! :D
However, I think the biggest thing to mention this week is my weekend, my fin de semana, as you will.
What happened?
I went to MADRID!!
So.
After a 5 hour journey in the 6th seat of a 7 seater car, also with Carmela, Mauro, Lucas, Ana and Maria, we arrived in the rather grungy city of Madrid. 'Okay', I thought, 'this is only the suburbs, I'm sure the centre will be nicer'. So off I trotted.
I was so wrong.
You know that thing i have about me not liking big crowds? Well, this was massive. Literally. Half an hour to cross Puerta del Sol? On a Saturday night? RIDICULOUS! And the lights weren't even that nice. Apart from the pretty LED snowflakes on the side of El Corte Ingles, which flashed in time to Christmas songs. Aw. So, I went and hid in Stradavarius. And H and M. And Zara.
So, the next day, I thought I'd try again. It can't be AS busy during the day.
Again, I was wrong. BUT that wasn't the worst of it, oh no. I decided to buy myself a ticket to go on a tour bus, as I simply could not be bothered to walk around Madrid for the whole day. Easier said thatn done, it seems. I had to FIND a tour bus.
So, after walking from Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor to the post office place near el Prado (where a random Spanish guy started talking to me, and introduced himself. I think he was called Carlos. Or that could be my Spanish stereotyping...), I finally found one.
And I stayed on that bus for 2 routes round. I then got horrifically bored, and on the advice of the ticket guy, I changed to the other line (from Modern Madrid to Historical Madrid), which was pretty much the same, but with the Palace. Oh well.
By this point, I was cold, probably the coldest I've ever been. No joke, my hands and lips were blue (I carry a pocket mirror, before any smartarses decide to ask how I knew...), I was sat on the top of an open topped tour bus, going pell-mell across Madrid, meaning that the temperature around me was actually freezing. And I only had a blazer for warmth.
'Screw this', I thought, 'I'm going home'. Once again, easier said than done... Walking for another 20 minutes to find a Metro station...not my cup of tea. Fortunately, I was the line I needed, so I sat down (I HAD A SEAT!!!!!!!! On Madrid's Metro!!!) and curled up to warm up.
As soon as I got home, I put the TV on, watched a Christmas movie of some kind, and then went to bed.
I awoke to the dulcet tones of, 'Hannah, I hear noises, I'm scared.' Yes, I was sharing a room with a 5 year old. Great. I spent the rest of Monday playing with Carmela, occupying her until the blissful moment that we went to the circus. Oh yes. THE CIRCUS!!!! :D Well, we have to support the kids in their shows... :D
Tuesday, fortunately, went rather quickly. Awoken again by Carmela, this time being 'hungry', breakfasted, dressed, the usual...then Carmela's NIECE (would you believe!) turned up with her parents...meaning Hannah got rather broody. Okay, this kid was sooo cute...Alejandra...she's like the sweetest one year old ever!!!!!!!! After they'd left again, we finally set off. The journey home was made quicker (slightly) by Alvin and the Chipmunks (not my choice) and Harry Potter 3 (marginally better).
Ah, I love my life.
H XxX
Barcelona Diaries: Week 9
This week has been a pretty normal week by any stretch of the imagination, full of films, croissants, and irritating American accents.
School was, of course, as good as always, apart from the Monday when my left arm, Gemma, and I got separated by the teacher. NOT IMPRESSED! We weren't actually even talking. That time.
Anyways, the week flew by, and in between 'dos cafe con leche y dos croissants por favor', and chocolate con churros, we were conjugating various forms of the subjunctive. Which, seeing as it is the second time I've done this exact same lesson at Camino, it's fairly easy and refreshing.
This week also saw the monumentious occassion of Aliocha's 21st birthday, which we celebrated with a super massive chocolate cake (triple chocolate base, Milka and Smarties). YUM! Encore, joyeux anniversaire a toi Aliocha, et j'espere que tu as un bon weekend :P
As far as this weekend is concerned, it's been a cracker so far (Christmas reference, anyone?). Yesterday, Gem, Kirsty, Sara and I spent the day wandering around Diagonal Mar, Portal d'Angel and the road around the back between there and Las Ramblas but that no one knows the name of, shopping, eating and generally having a great girl's day out :) THANKS GIRLIES :D
Today is one of the most important cultural events of Catalunya: Barca vs Real Madrid, as so, me being a fan of culture and not football, I am heading out tonight to a bar (Goodness knows where!) to watch it in a crowd of die-hard football fans.Help.See you all soon, only a couple of weeks more!
**UPDATE**Sunday night was, to put it bluntly, rather amazing :) Barca won against Real Madrid 1-0...WHOOOOOOOOP!!!! I have two mojitos, and spent the next 4 hours walking around Barcelona, literally from one side to the other :D
H XxX
Barcelona Diaries: Week 8
Okay, I failed again, but less so than last week...it's only Monday.
Anyways, what's happened?
I have totally recovered from whatever the hell that illness was, and I'm back to my normal self!
Really, I unfortunately don't have much to say about last week, it was fun as per normal, school was good, but really not much happened.
Oh wait...ALIE :D :D :D
This amazingly wonderful Senoriiiita came to visit yet again :D
A perfect weekend watching Mamma Mia, Gossip Girl, vintage shopping, getting chatted up by random guys in Marmalade, relaxing over egg on toast and tea, and taking a day trip to Castelldefells. Ah, fun times :D
I MISS YOU!
Short'un this one, as I have to run and wrap Lucas' b'day present before he gets back.
H XxX
Barcelona Diaries: Weeks 6 and 7
Okay, I admit it, I failed, I totally forgot to write one of these last week. To be honest, that would've been a pretty dull article, as I was just getting settled back into life here.
Last week, I pretty much spent the week randomly turning up at Camino Barcelona to see Gemma, eating Tortilla and cycling around Barcelona thanks to Gisella's 'bicing' card (for those of you that don't know, the bicing system is one that you pay 30E a year, and with that you are able to use any of the designated bikes for 2hrs, provided that they are returned by that time to one of the hundreds of stations all over the city!)
On the Saturday, I went with Gemma, Rix, and Gemma's brother and his girfriend to 'Barcelona Snow Show', which was held in the Olympic Stadium up in Montjuic. Imagine a smaller version of the Norfolk show, but designated only to skiing and snowboarding. Amazing! There was even a massive real snow slope, with boarders (and presumably skiiers, but we didn't see any) doing these amazing jumps and tricks. Absolutely incredible.
That night, I went out with one of my Spanish friends, Jordi, who I'd like to point out speaks no English, to a really amazing little club in Placa Reial called Kahuna (I think). I was super impressed by the sheer amount of my kinda music that was played...T Rex, The Zutons, MGMT, Kings of Leon...
On the Sunday, I spent the day wandering around Barcelona, covering a grand total of about 17km, in which I incoporated (deep breath): Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Placa Cataluyna, Las Ramblas, Palau Guell, La Boqueria, the port, las Jardines de la Ciudadela, El Raval (alone...scary stuff!), Riera Baixa, El Arc de Triomf, Casa Batllo (at night :D) and finally La Sagrada Familia. And no blisters!
This week, however, has been more eventful. I spent all day Monday throwing up into a bucket, and missing my first day at school :( Sad, sad times. I was back in by Tuesday, but not quite back to my normal self, as in, I didn't talk all class. This week so far has been a medely of class, Gemma time, tortilla, CHURROS :D :D, shopping, and of course, working. Today should be good (saturday), I'm going off ice skating with Gemma and two of her English friends at Camp Nou, then shopping, and then finally heading back to Sitges with Gemma for a night out on the town, and a sleep over :D GOOD TIMES AHEAD!
H XxX
Last week, I pretty much spent the week randomly turning up at Camino Barcelona to see Gemma, eating Tortilla and cycling around Barcelona thanks to Gisella's 'bicing' card (for those of you that don't know, the bicing system is one that you pay 30E a year, and with that you are able to use any of the designated bikes for 2hrs, provided that they are returned by that time to one of the hundreds of stations all over the city!)
On the Saturday, I went with Gemma, Rix, and Gemma's brother and his girfriend to 'Barcelona Snow Show', which was held in the Olympic Stadium up in Montjuic. Imagine a smaller version of the Norfolk show, but designated only to skiing and snowboarding. Amazing! There was even a massive real snow slope, with boarders (and presumably skiiers, but we didn't see any) doing these amazing jumps and tricks. Absolutely incredible.
That night, I went out with one of my Spanish friends, Jordi, who I'd like to point out speaks no English, to a really amazing little club in Placa Reial called Kahuna (I think). I was super impressed by the sheer amount of my kinda music that was played...T Rex, The Zutons, MGMT, Kings of Leon...
On the Sunday, I spent the day wandering around Barcelona, covering a grand total of about 17km, in which I incoporated (deep breath): Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Placa Cataluyna, Las Ramblas, Palau Guell, La Boqueria, the port, las Jardines de la Ciudadela, El Raval (alone...scary stuff!), Riera Baixa, El Arc de Triomf, Casa Batllo (at night :D) and finally La Sagrada Familia. And no blisters!
This week, however, has been more eventful. I spent all day Monday throwing up into a bucket, and missing my first day at school :( Sad, sad times. I was back in by Tuesday, but not quite back to my normal self, as in, I didn't talk all class. This week so far has been a medely of class, Gemma time, tortilla, CHURROS :D :D, shopping, and of course, working. Today should be good (saturday), I'm going off ice skating with Gemma and two of her English friends at Camp Nou, then shopping, and then finally heading back to Sitges with Gemma for a night out on the town, and a sleep over :D GOOD TIMES AHEAD!
H XxX
Barcelona Diaries: Week 5
Week five was a bit of a downer on the previous week, so this note is going to one hell of a lot shorter.
Having said this, it was still an amazing week, especially this weekend!
The beginning of my week started with a bit of a knock on the head, with the termination of my probably more hopeful than anything relationship, but with the consolation of my friends and a whole lot of pastry (95c from Dia...bargainous!), I was up and raring to go by the end of Tuesday :)
Alie left on the Monday afternoon, after a day of playing Risk with the kids, and watching Ratatouille, which was thoroughly depressing...I MISS YOU STILL!! Once again, babe, thank you so much for a fantastic weekend, really I loved having you around, and I promise to regail you with how much better than England Spain is when I return :D
Wednesday to Friday was pretty much old hat, school, followed by kid watching, which is still crazy, fun, and exceedingly hard work. But I love it, Carmela, Mauro and Lucas are really becoming like family to me (Sorry Kieran and Josh!!). Mauro had his first Taekwondo lesson on Friday, which was terrifying, as he seems to love it. Expect to see me with a black eye some time in the near future.
Oooh, big news, I dyed my hair darker again, I was totally sick of the sunbleached, gingery look, so I decided to return to the colour it was before I left. And it didn't go green!
I went out on Friday night with Arnold and two of his 'latino' friends, requiring me to speak Spanish. We went to a hip hop club called Roxy, which was really good despite it not being my cup of tea. I have to say, the Spanish way of going out is really starting to take its toll on me: the club opened at 00:15, and left 'early', meaning at 3am, so I was exhausted. Gimme Mercy and in bed my 2am any day :P
Saturday was where it really kicked off though: for the first time in my life, I went to the beach in mid October to go sunbathing...yes, sunbathing. It was me, Gemma, Rix (her bf :P) Arnold and two of his friends, and this equalled an amazing day lying in the sun, gossiping, taking photos, occasionally getting soaked by the sea, and probably drinking more alcohol than is responisble for 3pm :S Okay, I only had a Cosmopolitan and a Tequila Sunrise, but add my exhaustion to that, and I was fairly tipsy.
I still miss you all, but (and in the nicest way possible) I'm starting to make my own life here, FINALLY, and I love it. I have finally got onto my feet and am even starting to budget. Honestly, mum, I've been shopping TWICE in 5 weeks. In BCN. Impressive :D And I don't spend all my money!!!
H XxX
Having said this, it was still an amazing week, especially this weekend!
The beginning of my week started with a bit of a knock on the head, with the termination of my probably more hopeful than anything relationship, but with the consolation of my friends and a whole lot of pastry (95c from Dia...bargainous!), I was up and raring to go by the end of Tuesday :)
Alie left on the Monday afternoon, after a day of playing Risk with the kids, and watching Ratatouille, which was thoroughly depressing...I MISS YOU STILL!! Once again, babe, thank you so much for a fantastic weekend, really I loved having you around, and I promise to regail you with how much better than England Spain is when I return :D
Wednesday to Friday was pretty much old hat, school, followed by kid watching, which is still crazy, fun, and exceedingly hard work. But I love it, Carmela, Mauro and Lucas are really becoming like family to me (Sorry Kieran and Josh!!). Mauro had his first Taekwondo lesson on Friday, which was terrifying, as he seems to love it. Expect to see me with a black eye some time in the near future.
Oooh, big news, I dyed my hair darker again, I was totally sick of the sunbleached, gingery look, so I decided to return to the colour it was before I left. And it didn't go green!
I went out on Friday night with Arnold and two of his 'latino' friends, requiring me to speak Spanish. We went to a hip hop club called Roxy, which was really good despite it not being my cup of tea. I have to say, the Spanish way of going out is really starting to take its toll on me: the club opened at 00:15, and left 'early', meaning at 3am, so I was exhausted. Gimme Mercy and in bed my 2am any day :P
Saturday was where it really kicked off though: for the first time in my life, I went to the beach in mid October to go sunbathing...yes, sunbathing. It was me, Gemma, Rix (her bf :P) Arnold and two of his friends, and this equalled an amazing day lying in the sun, gossiping, taking photos, occasionally getting soaked by the sea, and probably drinking more alcohol than is responisble for 3pm :S Okay, I only had a Cosmopolitan and a Tequila Sunrise, but add my exhaustion to that, and I was fairly tipsy.
I still miss you all, but (and in the nicest way possible) I'm starting to make my own life here, FINALLY, and I love it. I have finally got onto my feet and am even starting to budget. Honestly, mum, I've been shopping TWICE in 5 weeks. In BCN. Impressive :D And I don't spend all my money!!!
H XxX
Barcelona Diaries: Week 4
Well, I'm not going to lie. This week has been one of the best in my whole life.
As a massive change to the norm, I actually had something to do during my mornings: yes that's right, I went to school!
I enrolled for a week at Camino BCN, which is a language school that I studied at last time I was here, and I really cannot believe my luck.My class is amazing, no joke. Out of the 7 ish students, almost all of them actually live here, and all speak perfect English. I'd just like to give particular thanks to Gem, Dirk and Arnaud, who have been fanstastic this week, what with hanging out, laughing, shopping and partying.
However, this note is a little different. I am not going to just give a bullet pointed list of what I have done, oh no. This week has been to special to just summarise it in a few points. So here, for your delectation and delight, is a full on weekend plan!
Friday: Had school in the morning, which was absolutely hilarious. Hung out with Dirk and Arnaud on the top terrace for ages in the sun, chatting and laughing. Went home and looked after the kids. At 10pm, Andreu picked me up and we went for a walk in the Park Turo (opposite my flat), and at 10.50pm, he drove me to the train station to meet Miss Alieeeeeee!!! After meeting her, she quickly got changed, and then the three of us headed out to Bikini, the local salsa club! We spent up until about 4am dancing salsa and having a great time, with random guys buying us drinks and spinning us round on the dance floor. After that, Alie and I walked (rather drunkenly) all the way to another club to meet Arnaud and Dirk (on the way meeting a nice and rather lost local, with whom we spoke to in perfect, fluent spanish. Funny what Tequila can do!) On reaching the club, we parted ways, and Arnaud walked Alie home, whilst Dirk walked with me. We both got to sleep at about 7am!
Saturday: I woke Alie up at 10am, ready for a crazy day of sight seeing. I met her at her hostel, along with breakfast, and we walked to La Sagrada Familia (to which she said, 'Wow!!) we then walked home along the Diagonal, stopping only to check out La Pedrera (Casa Mila) on Passeig de Gracia. She met my family, and we ate lunch all together. We then went straight out again to go proper sightseeing!! Bus-ed to Placa Catalunya, went to La Boqueria, the Cathedral, Casa Batllo, Las Ramblas, el Ayuntamiento de BCN, and rounded it off with orange juice in Trobador, with Faical for company! :D We then walked back home (again) and ate dinner with the family. That night, I had to babysit, so Alie stayed over, and we stayed up until 2am chatting and really getting to know each other. We eventually got to sleep at about half 2/3 ish...sleepy!!!
Sunday: Today was more relaxed. Alie and I hung out with the kids and played Monopoly (I won by a landslide!!), and then we headed out to finish the tour of the city. Alie lost her Metro virginity, by making (to date) 8 trips in one day (and as I speak, she is now back on the Metro). We went to Camp Nou to gaze longingly at the Stadium (despite the fact that neither of us are very interested in the 'beautiful game'. However, in BCN, Barca is 'mes que un club' or more than a club, as it represents Catalunya's independence from the rest of Spain.) We then Metroed up to Park Guell, where we spent a good couple of hours relaxing, listening to phenomenal music and enjoying the peace and quiet. Oh and ate seemingly never ending cookies, which suprisingly didn't melt! After this, we Metroed to the other side of the city to head to the beach, bought ice creams (costing 10c each, due to Alie's observational skills and finding 5E on the floor!), and lay soaking up the rays for a good hour. Deciding it was too cold to just stay there and wait for the evening's joys, we went our separate ways to get a tad warmer. Half an hour...wait, that's a lie...an hour later, we were on our way to Hospital Clinic metro station, ready to meet Dirk and Arnaud for a night of relaxing on the beach. What happened next stays here...Which was just talking. And drinking calamari...calamodi...cambodia...oh, calimochi! We swear. :)
So, we are now chilling (or at least trying to) before heading to Estacio' Sants for getting the return AVE home...waaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!! :(
I'll miss you Alie!
H XxX
As a massive change to the norm, I actually had something to do during my mornings: yes that's right, I went to school!
I enrolled for a week at Camino BCN, which is a language school that I studied at last time I was here, and I really cannot believe my luck.My class is amazing, no joke. Out of the 7 ish students, almost all of them actually live here, and all speak perfect English. I'd just like to give particular thanks to Gem, Dirk and Arnaud, who have been fanstastic this week, what with hanging out, laughing, shopping and partying.
However, this note is a little different. I am not going to just give a bullet pointed list of what I have done, oh no. This week has been to special to just summarise it in a few points. So here, for your delectation and delight, is a full on weekend plan!
Friday: Had school in the morning, which was absolutely hilarious. Hung out with Dirk and Arnaud on the top terrace for ages in the sun, chatting and laughing. Went home and looked after the kids. At 10pm, Andreu picked me up and we went for a walk in the Park Turo (opposite my flat), and at 10.50pm, he drove me to the train station to meet Miss Alieeeeeee!!! After meeting her, she quickly got changed, and then the three of us headed out to Bikini, the local salsa club! We spent up until about 4am dancing salsa and having a great time, with random guys buying us drinks and spinning us round on the dance floor. After that, Alie and I walked (rather drunkenly) all the way to another club to meet Arnaud and Dirk (on the way meeting a nice and rather lost local, with whom we spoke to in perfect, fluent spanish. Funny what Tequila can do!) On reaching the club, we parted ways, and Arnaud walked Alie home, whilst Dirk walked with me. We both got to sleep at about 7am!
Saturday: I woke Alie up at 10am, ready for a crazy day of sight seeing. I met her at her hostel, along with breakfast, and we walked to La Sagrada Familia (to which she said, 'Wow!!) we then walked home along the Diagonal, stopping only to check out La Pedrera (Casa Mila) on Passeig de Gracia. She met my family, and we ate lunch all together. We then went straight out again to go proper sightseeing!! Bus-ed to Placa Catalunya, went to La Boqueria, the Cathedral, Casa Batllo, Las Ramblas, el Ayuntamiento de BCN, and rounded it off with orange juice in Trobador, with Faical for company! :D We then walked back home (again) and ate dinner with the family. That night, I had to babysit, so Alie stayed over, and we stayed up until 2am chatting and really getting to know each other. We eventually got to sleep at about half 2/3 ish...sleepy!!!
Sunday: Today was more relaxed. Alie and I hung out with the kids and played Monopoly (I won by a landslide!!), and then we headed out to finish the tour of the city. Alie lost her Metro virginity, by making (to date) 8 trips in one day (and as I speak, she is now back on the Metro). We went to Camp Nou to gaze longingly at the Stadium (despite the fact that neither of us are very interested in the 'beautiful game'. However, in BCN, Barca is 'mes que un club' or more than a club, as it represents Catalunya's independence from the rest of Spain.) We then Metroed up to Park Guell, where we spent a good couple of hours relaxing, listening to phenomenal music and enjoying the peace and quiet. Oh and ate seemingly never ending cookies, which suprisingly didn't melt! After this, we Metroed to the other side of the city to head to the beach, bought ice creams (costing 10c each, due to Alie's observational skills and finding 5E on the floor!), and lay soaking up the rays for a good hour. Deciding it was too cold to just stay there and wait for the evening's joys, we went our separate ways to get a tad warmer. Half an hour...wait, that's a lie...an hour later, we were on our way to Hospital Clinic metro station, ready to meet Dirk and Arnaud for a night of relaxing on the beach. What happened next stays here...Which was just talking. And drinking calamari...calamodi...cambodia...oh, calimochi! We swear. :)
So, we are now chilling (or at least trying to) before heading to Estacio' Sants for getting the return AVE home...waaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!! :(
I'll miss you Alie!
H XxX
Barcelona Diaries: Week 3
This week has seen what I think I can call a return to normality.
The kids' after-school activities have started, meaning I have a whole new timetable to learn, and different places to be at different times. Crazy.
I've also enrolled at Camino Barcelona for next week, which I'm really looking forward to. I'm seriously hoping that there is some lovely English person in my class that I can talk to: I miss the accent so much!
However, I must say, the highlight of next week will definately be a certain person's visit...Thank you, Alie, for not only paying however much it cost for a overpriced train fare, but for saving my sanity (and actually for giving me the idea to come here in the first place!!)
So, this week, what have I done?
- Been out of town twice, once to Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, where the family (or the grandparents more specifically) have a house, and once to visit my other Sant Andreu (see what I did there? :P) at his house near to Villedecans, which translates from Catalan into being the town of dogs. Haha!!
- Been rather drunk...first time in a while...
- Tidied up my room, which took a lot longer than expected, and ended up putting up more photos!
- Done a language exchange almost every day, although I'm not complaining!
- Walked to Camino Barcelona, booked a course, sat the exam and then walked all the way home...which is hard work!
- Set the record on the Wii for Wakeboarding...hope there!
- Taught Carmela how to play chess, then got immediately put in checkmate. Carmela is 5. Oops.
- Given in and paid 21E to go on the Tourist bus around the city...and so saw in one day, Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Park Guell, Palau Guell, Camp Nou, La Sagrada Familia...to name a few.
- Written postcards, but am yet to send them. Or buy stamps. I may just bring them home.
- Been taught how to pronounce Spanish 'properly' (or at least how they do it here...)
- Seen Gracia...it's taken me long enough! It's like a Spanish version of the Norwich lanes, but 50x bigger!
- Slept for 12 hours. Bliss.
So, tomorrow? I'm in theory off to Park Guell with Felipe for a wonderful day in the sunshine, enjoying Gaudi's finest work, and then who knows!
Only two more weeks left before I come home...I'm not going to lie, I'm quite excited. Yeah, I love it here, but I miss everyone so much. So, those of you that can make it to Norwich, ('Don't worry, no-one's ever heard of it, it's a tiny city in the East of England with a few sheep. And no, it's not close to London.' Probably my most frequented phrase.) please come, I'd love to see you :)
H XxX
Barcelona Diaries: Week 2
Well, hello there!!
After my second week here, full of up and downs, crazy moments and tears. The apartment is still as amazing as ever, despite it being fairly lonely. At this moment, the kids and Gisella are at their house at the beach (I'm off to join them tomorrow), and Ana and Fermin are off on a cycling thing, so I'm home alone. For the second time this week!
Not that I'm complaining, I love this! I've finally discovered the joys of the OC...it took me a bit long!
So this week, what've I done?
-Almost set the flat on fire (shh!)
-Been homesick
-Recovered from the 'flu
-Become addicted to freshly squeezed orange juice: we have an electric juicer!!
-Watched my first ever episodes of Sex and the City, and the OC
-Been the the most amazing club, that is dedicated to salsa.
-Had a Spaniard attempt to teach me salsa. I just keep forgetting one step...I think.
-Lived the high life in my super-amazing apartment :P I just wish it was mine!
-Seen the fiesta of Merce, which is crazy!
So, today and Sunday? I'm heading out to Placa Catalunya later to go see what's on today for the fiesta of Merce, then I may go see if I can find some vintagey shops around the area. And tomorrow, like I said, I'm heading to Llavaneres to go see the family, and hopefully catch some rays.
H XxXBarcelona Diaries: Week 1
Well, this week has been crazy.
Since arriving last Sunday eve', I've landed on my feet, running for my life! Although, having said this, I'm not complaining.
The apartment is a.m.a.z.i.n.g, the family are lovely, the kids are fun but a handful (especially yesterday when I just wanted to strangle them. Seriously, NEVER try teaching a 5 year old how to play Mario Kart! Just don't!)
So, what have I done?
Well:
-Seen a photo shoot outside Louis Vuitton (just around the corner!)
-Been for a birthday dinner at one of the richest, most influential men in Spain's flat (who also happens to be the mother's dad), and turn bright red whenever he asked me anything.
-Eat myself into oblivion with Magic Stars
-Go on not one, but two language exhanges, and have another with another person set up for today.
-Manage to buy a Spanish mobile phone
-Walked through the middle of an advert filming only to have angry camera men yelling.
-Got wiped out by a cold
And finally - read three books, but none of the ones that I need to have read.
So good times all round really.
Best bit: Playing a crazy ball game with Lucas, Mauro and Mauro's friend, where I ended up just having balls thrown at me. But it was funny all the same.
Worst bit: 'You never play with meeee!' Carmela, after I said I wanted to help Mauro with his homework, after spending an hour watching her play a Bratz game. Gr.
Fun fact: Did you know that Ana's dad (the influential guy) has met the King, Queen, Dali, Mandela...to name a few!! And has a couple of ORIGINAL Miro's haning on the wall, but told me that I was an artist after I drew his three grandchildren :
H XxX
Since arriving last Sunday eve', I've landed on my feet, running for my life! Although, having said this, I'm not complaining.
The apartment is a.m.a.z.i.n.g, the family are lovely, the kids are fun but a handful (especially yesterday when I just wanted to strangle them. Seriously, NEVER try teaching a 5 year old how to play Mario Kart! Just don't!)
So, what have I done?
Well:
-Seen a photo shoot outside Louis Vuitton (just around the corner!)
-Been for a birthday dinner at one of the richest, most influential men in Spain's flat (who also happens to be the mother's dad), and turn bright red whenever he asked me anything.
-Eat myself into oblivion with Magic Stars
-Go on not one, but two language exhanges, and have another with another person set up for today.
-Manage to buy a Spanish mobile phone
-Walked through the middle of an advert filming only to have angry camera men yelling.
-Got wiped out by a cold
And finally - read three books, but none of the ones that I need to have read.
So good times all round really.
Best bit: Playing a crazy ball game with Lucas, Mauro and Mauro's friend, where I ended up just having balls thrown at me. But it was funny all the same.
Worst bit: 'You never play with meeee!' Carmela, after I said I wanted to help Mauro with his homework, after spending an hour watching her play a Bratz game. Gr.
Fun fact: Did you know that Ana's dad (the influential guy) has met the King, Queen, Dali, Mandela...to name a few!! And has a couple of ORIGINAL Miro's haning on the wall, but told me that I was an artist after I drew his three grandchildren :
H XxX
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)