We arrived in Barcelona without fanfare...which really kind of pisses me off. I expected fanfare at the very least. Maybe a parade. But these people acted like my arrival was totally unimpressive.
We had the dubious honor of traveling with a college choir. Imagine all the kids from Glee, only louder, infinitely less interesting, and unable to speak three words without using the word "like."
Greg met us at the airport, which is an odd place consisting of long, empty hallways. There're little surprises everywhere though, sculptures or installations that make me wonder if Atlanta has this stuff too, and I've just never appreciated it. Oddly, you rarely notice things in your home airport. Cassie was totally shocked at the lack of real security at BCN -- we just sailed on through. Shut up, kid. I like sailing through.
We grabbed a van-cab thingy to take us to our apartment, and I got my first shot at a real Spanish conversation. I did okay, picking up some basic city facts and the very important idea that this is a totally different part of the world than Spain itself. The culture, the food, the people, all completely different. We talked about the city's diversity, and how it is the diversity that makes it great, because everyone is equal but not alike.
Or maybe we talked about cattle futures. Hell if I know. I just tried to keep up with about a third of the words. He was a nice guy who humored me.
Our apartment is in a part of the city with a lot of parks, and everything looks amazing. There are sculptures and fountains and sculptures in fountains. We aren't near the sight-seeing so much as in a neighborhood. I don't know how I feel about that yet. The cabbie told me that we can get an amazing seafood pudding (I'm thinking he means mousse or soufflé) during the local market. Or maybe he said I can go fishing in a fountain with a moose.
The apartment is probably nice by euro-standards, but the American in me is a little bummed about the tiny-ness. But I will deal. Overall, I find the whole apartment thing kind of interesting because I see little plants and potted gardens everywhere...terraces, rooftops, wherever. People always want to grow things, no matter what.
Now I haven't slept in 22hrs, so I'm out.
AhMAYzing!! However, since you are obviously overtired, I would put off the moose fishing until you have had some rest!! Have a great time and keep posting.
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, I'm sitting in a not-so-fancy part of Washington Heights awaiting my young charges. I was reading your moose fishing comment as some tough guys were walking past. My abrupt outburst of laughter drew their attention. Thankfully, they moved on. Whew. Sleep well, and write to your heart's content.
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