Been too long...
Well, after my trip to Rome, I had exactly 15 hours until my next trip. I'll just give you a snapshot moment that sums up those 15 hours: First, you need to know this about England. No one leaves their house without being put together. There is no such thing as sweat pants day... even in college. Second, propriety and having it together is another huge trait of England. Needless to say, English culture and I didn't really 'fit'. BUT this morning in particular was just outrageous. After 4 phone calls all across campus and lugging my bags up and down 2 flights of stairs to re-pack all my crap, I was attempting to make it to the storage place because mine fell through and this is what people saw:
A soggy headed, blond girl jogging down the street... in pink moccasins... with a grocery trolley (cart) with two GIANT pink bags in it, hanging on to them because they are both about to fall off and a Hunchback of Notre Dam backpack filled with 3/4 dried clothes on my back. As if that wasn't dorky enough, blue running shorts, a yellow tee shirt completed my ensemble... Needless to say, I was glad to get to Barcelona with Chelsey and Melinda and get settled.
After arriving at around 2 am to our interesting landlord (you'll have to ask about that story). We woke up late the next morning, grabbed a crossiant from the bakery below our apartment, and then went to explore. First we came across a great artists market! The thing I LOVED about Spain was the colorful clothes, art, and buildings! If you know me at all, you know I'm all about the color! Ironically, the women all wear black, brown and gray... pants and sweaters... and it was 75 degrees outside! And they looked at me like I was nuts for my sundress and sandals?! Anywho...
Next stop, the famous strip Las Ramblas. This was a high energy street that was loaded with street performers, human statues, and interesting street shops. Loved it! My favorite human statue... BAHAHA! My whole family (minus my mom) would've loved this!!! 
Next stop: the port and the beach! We grabbed lunch and sat on the beach and ate... soo relaxing. Oh, and I had a potato and egg sandwich-- that's a normal sandwich there. :)
Ohh... the next morning we stumbled upon a giant market! I've never tasted all natural, freshly blended juice this good... mmm mmm!
Everyone has these in their kitchen. It's a leg of a pig... w/ hair and all still on it. NAST. See the people standing there in awe? ...I was about to vomit...
After our market stop, we went looking for all the Gaudi art that Barcelona is famous for. This is the cathedral that is still under construction and has been for 120 years! It's due to be finished in 2011 or something like that. It was SO original. I've seen ALOT of fancy pants cathedrals in Europe, and this is by far my favorite b/c of the originality!
After a LOONNNGGG uphill walk (the. whole. way.) We arrived at the park where Gaudi's house and buildings were. Looks like we were dropped into Hanzel and Gretal, huh? Very cool!
I am now inspired to mosaic when I get home. I can't wait!
And if you've studied art at all, you have seen this lizard.
The girls...
Well, a short 2 full day trip, but very neat! A little adventure story about our wait to go to Palma de Mallorca. We were waiting in the train station to catch our train to the airport, and Chels stepped off to look for a bathroom. Well, there were a TON of people around and Melinda and I were reading. A man came up to talk to Melinda and while doing so, a guy tried to steal Chelsey's computer and bag... and I was RIGHT THERE! Luckily, this old lady next to us did this "TS! TS! TS!" Thing and scared him off. But Melinda just heard an uproar and went chasing after the guy... who didn't have anything! Hahaha. QUITE the adventure. Thank goodness for attentive Spainish women who scare theives off!
I must say that time with those girls was SO needed. After 3 months of little to no community, a short stint w/ new friend Melinda, and getting to know old friend Chelsey again was INCREDIBLE and refreshing. After learning to 'do-it-on-your-own' traveling and living life, just God and you, for 3 months, it was like being in a stuffy room alone and walking out into a cool crisp fall afternoon. More on what I learned about community in part 3. A truly wonderful beginning to an amazing trip...
Parts 2 and 3 to come. Only 24 days til home!!! Woo hoo!!! Miss ya'll and love ya!
Case
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