Barcelona - February 2012

Well our stay in Spain is almost over, and I haven’t even got around to writing about Barcelona! Allow me to cast my mind back almost a week now…..This was my second visit to the Gaudi-created city, and I loved it every bit as much (if not more!) than my last visit. The weather was a true delight, which was most welcomed by all, as with 2 of our party from London and 2 from Madrid, we were all in much need of some rays. The weather really helped make this a real “holiday”.
Rory and I were the first to arrive at the accom, and therefore bagsed the double bed, leaving poor Elly & Dan to sleep on the Mormon fold out couch. I say Mormon, as the couch was actually 2 seperate beds. We would later pay for this move in Madrid, when we had to sleep in seperate beds for a week!

My favourite parts of Barcelona, were easily the fresh food markets. Both visits. Hands down.
We went to the Park Guell this time, and I’m so glad we did! It was amazing. We had a good long chuckle about the escalators in the street as well. Then we headed out to the Sagrada Familia - what a Gaudi filled day if ever I’ve had one. And I’ve had one. By the way… did I forget to mention this was also RORY’S BIRTHDAY!!!! WOOO!!! 27 years old. Best birthday ever, I would have to claim on his behalf.

Elly made the most delish birthday pasta, and we lit up a birthday apple in leiu of cake. Then we headed out for what might go down in history as one of the best worst nights of forever. We started our night off in a bar called “Jetlag” which was a eurotrash bar with the decor of a kitchy retro aeroplane. I remember that, because at this point I had only had one Caipiranha (sp?) and Elly only one Mojito. This became quite a theme. at 6euro a cocktail, we set off in search of a better deal, which we promptly came across at a bar of whos name escapes me (this is after the Caipiranha, remember). This bar had 5euro cocktails. Sweet. Oh, and a dog named Tess who was not easily amused. But we couldn’t stop at 5euros, so off we set in search of 4euro cocktails…. hmmmm… let’s just say we found them. We also found free jager-shots and back-flipping bar tenders. I don’t remember going home.
But as Elly kept reminding us, it’s quite poetic to drink in Barcelona, after all - Hemingway did it! However, this didn’t soften the blow of the following day.

The last day we had to leave at midday but not before sneaking in a quick visit to the gotic mercats for a quick purchase of the cutest little key-shaped charm for my (not yet existant) charm braclet.
Barcelona - what a city!!!!!!

Madrid - 22/2/12

Day one, ability to greet people. Day two, successfully ordering a “whopper” without a meat patty. Day three, asking where the bathroom is and a better understanding of the menu. Day four, understanding a speedy Spanish conversation between Sam & Fredy who were conspiring to pay the dinner bill without our assistance.

Madrid

We made it! We’re in Madrid. Still buzzing off that excitement that comes with not working, and our whole lives being a fabulous holiday. Last night we met up with Sam and Noemi for a couple of beverages, and tonight we’re heading to Freddie’s were we’ll stay for a bit. Looking forward to Barcelona, and catching up with Elly in a couple of days… This is the life.

Traveller hair

Quitting your day-job means you can take your hairdresser up on their offer to dye your hair "cupcake" pink!