It is technically my second day in Barcelona because it is about 3:30 in the morning local time, January 3. I have not yet adjusted to the time difference!
My parents dropped me off at IAH the evening of January 1. I was randomly selected for more thorough security screening, so it's a good thing we were early. Once I got to my gate I discovered a friend of mine from British Studies at UT, Matt Kennedy, was on my flight. We changed our tickets to sit together and had a very nice time chatting during the flight. He is going to be in London for the next two weeks researching for his thesis.
On the plane I plugged my excellent new headphones in to the entertainment system and watched an episode of Dexter and the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I also read my Spanish review materials and 501 Spanish Verbs, as well as Children of the Mind by Orson Scott Card. Matt was also a science fiction fan, and we talked a lot about all kinds of sci fi topics.
I also slept for a few hours, but I was still very, very tired when we got to London. I also rued not bringing some pounds with me to buy the English chocolates and trashy magazines that I do so dearly love. I said goodbye to Matt and made my way to the bus that took me from the troubled Heathrow Terminal 5 to Terminal 1. My layover was pretty short and I boarded my flight to Barcelona, where I slept the whole time.
We got in to Barcelona at about 5:30 (17:30) local time. It was not as cold as London; in fact it wasn't really cold at all, just a little cool. I had to walk what felt like miles to the baggage claim and got there just as the bags started coming off the belt. I then made my way to the very distinctive black and yellow cabs and proceeded for the Hotel Catalonia Berna. Check in went smoothly (in a mix of Spanish and English) and I finally made it to my room.
I didn't go out yesterday because I wasn't hungry enough for dinner and I was still quite tired. I tried to stay up as late as possible so that I could get over any jetlag, but I succumbed at 9:30 (21:30) or so. I am thinking today I will try to walk around a bit after breakfast. I should probably get some more money and I have been instructed to use the Barclays ATMs. Luckily there appears to be one only a few blocks from here. I will also try to study more Spanish before the orientation starts tomorrow.
Hasta pronto,
Nicole
2 comments:
Hi Nicole,
I just posted a long comment, but it disappeared before I could re-do my Google password. I'll try to write a shorter one this time!
I loved reading your first posts. Since I was just in Barcelona a few months ago, it was like a virtual re-visit. Did you read my Chowhound report on eating in Barcelona (also contained in the more detailed Trip Report)? If you don't have it, I'll send the link to you. There are some great eating recommendations in there. I especially love the Boqueria (and you will, too if you haven't yet visited) and breakfast or lunch at Pinoxto in the market could be addictive. If you go there say hello to Albert or his Dad for me. They are very funny and the food is wonderful and inexpensive.
The reason the scaffolding is on the Sagrada Familia isn't because they are repairing it... it's because it isn't finished yet. The latest I heard is that they are hoping to have it completed for the 2026 centennial of Gaudi's death. There is a wonderful exhibit about Gaudi's life and work in the house where he lived for the last 20 years of his life in Parc Guell. Parc Guell is my favorite Gaudi site in Barcelona and on a nice day, it's fabulous.
I laughed when I saw the bridge to the harbor mall. I walked across that bridge many times before I realized that it opened up for passing boats -- very cool bridge!
Also, have you noticed that all the corners in the Exaimple are chamfered corners? That creates big open spaces at every intersection and I really like the way it looks. Like you, I am constantly amazed at how beautiful the buildings are in Barcelona.
I look forward to more of your wonderful posts.
Love,
Linda
Hi Linda! I am glad you are reading my blog. I did indeed read your report, and I have gone back several times to write down which places you went to and what you thought of them.
I visited Sagrada Familia recently and there was at least some construction going on, so it's not being completely neglected.
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