Barcelona, Part Dos!

Holy hell! The first of my 2008 New Year's resolutions was to make sure that I post all about my trip within the month of January. Well, what fun are resolutions if you don't break them?

So last I wrote, I had gotten back to Barcelona to meet up with my travel mate. It was really easy finding her waiting for me in the hostel. Now, I can go on and on about hostels but I won't, because I just may sound hostile. While this was a nicer one, I have to admit that I think that this was the last time I stayed at one. After all, while I was a student, it was a nice cheap way to travel, but you know what? I have worked too hard to get where I am, and I think I deserve to stay at a hotel. And as much as I love my friend, sharing a twin bed with another person is just unrealistic and physically painful. But I won't go on and on about hostels.

Other than the lodging, which was bearable, walking around Barcelona was an absolutely wonderful experience. I can't even try to describe the history of it, as it has one of the richest and most interesting histories. The people are interesting. They have that hint of French attitude in them. I am not saying it's good or bad, just that it's there, a certain attitude. And as much as the Spanish don't want to be told they resemble the French in any way, shape or form, they really do. But at the same time they're very different. For example, they start their day a little later than usual, take a 2 hour lunch from 2-4 and dinner is around 9 pm. Then it's party time. Those are really rules after my own heart.

But let's get back to me being a tourist. I made sure that I hit every site that the guide books told me to visit. I am not usually that kind of tourist, but I am more like that when other people are involved. I try to make fewer decisions and stray off the tourist path less, because I don't want to suggest something that someone will complain about or remind me years later about that one time I took them down a side street not recommended in any guide book only to be chased by an albino midget. You know, it's just not the kind of thing I can live with for the rest of my life.

There were a few spots that we hit Asian-tourist style. You know, walk up to the place, maybe walk around it, take a picture of it, maybe take a picture with it, and check it off our list. Hey, sometimes you just have to do that when there's a lot to see and not enough time. Don't judge me!

There were along the way a few strange things. Like the guy with the creepy smile staring at us at the coffee shop. For about half an hour he just sat there and stared and smiled. It was very "I'm going to follow you and stab you" kind of smile. Then there was the fish cooked whole with its eyes still in there staring at my friend as she ate it. I usually like my food sans eyes. But I guess that's just me being picky. Though I can't complain about the food. YUM! It's that simple, the food was delicious. The wine was great. While I'm not a fan of the rose, it's actually pretty good there, and not sweet like roses you get here.

New Year's was a fun night. We had dinner at a very nice restaurant, didn't eat the twelve grapes at midnight, and we didn't kiss anyone. But then we went to the bars that were full of people who had just had too much to drink. So we caught up. Then we got caught up with this group of weird guys who just wanted to make out. And you know, I actually did say at one point "No means No!" And I wasn't joking. I don't mind a little kiss, but this guy actually licked my ear. I'm not sure why there are guys out there that still think that licking a girl's ear or face is sexy or would turn HER on. I also can't see what it would do to a guy? I mean, if there are any guys reading this, please do tell me, does it turn YOU on to lick someone's face or ear? Sounds very unhealthy to me.

So, one smooth move of "we're going to the bathroom, we'll be back" and off we went. And that was our New Year's Eve.

We hiked in a mountain, and walked through empty dark gardens, the found a hidden Greek amphitheater on a very rainy night. It would have been so romantic and lovely had we each been with a special man. But it was still lovely.

Then there was shopping. Did I already talk about shopping? You could not avoid it in Barcelona. There were stores everywhere. There was really good coffee, and really good pastry, and just the best flan I have ever had.

So that's it for you, sightseeing, food, bad kissing, and flan. It was butt loads of fun.

Next, will be my trip back home. It was so eventful that it deserves its own blog post, and I promise, this time it won't take a whole month. I PROMISE!