Needless to say, my French would be better spent in a country that speaks French, but living in Barcelona has definitely increased my (otherwise nonexistent) Spanish skills.
Barcelona is quite the city, but not at all what I imagined. In placed of red, clay roofs and brightly colored homes, we are smack dab in the center of the city, which is overflowing with H&Ms, graffiti and peddlers. I am still getting used to the landscape and the culture, which is quite different from London. We are living the state of Catalunya, a group of people who wish they were a separate country and speak a language called Catalon (who knew?). The people here are friendly and do not look at all like "typical Spaniards," at least in my mind (Penelope Cruz look-a-likes, that is). In a city where tourists outnumber the locals 8:2, I still feel like I am getting a good idea of what life is like on this side of the Mediterranean.
On Friday, we were introduced to the city by two students from the local university, both of whom spoke very good English and made it clear that our limited Spanish was pretty pathetic. We saw a lot of things, but as our guides were students, we weren't given a whole lot of history lessons. From La Rambla to Passeig de Gracia to the Cathedral of Barcelona and down to the sea, we a) walked our butts off & b) got to see what a beautiful city Barcelona is. Plus, there is tons of great shopping :)Then that evening, we headed off to a fancy club right on the beach to observe the lives of the Spanish youth...and also to enjoy some time to ourselves after the previous four days of extensive travel. I am keeping an open mind and think that we are off to a good start!
You appear to be having loads of fun and a wonderful time. I'm so excited for you!! I fear that upon your return you shall never again want to eat the food stateside and that the shopping won't compare. That last part is not a bad thing...sounds like you can do without some shopping for a while. Hugs and love and safe travels! xoxo, P
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