Barcelona-Day two

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May 20, 2009 (Barcelona Day Two)

People watching has always been one of my favorite pastimes. I have spent a lot of my time observing the personalities of people, watching their interaction with another and with (presumable) strangers (largely because it interests me, but there is a part that is participating in the observation as I lack an English speaking companion). On the street, everyone seems hurried to get somewhere without enthusiasm or, like me, they are wide eyed tourists soaking in the delicious scenes laid out before them. However, when you see a group of people dining together, their attention to each other is focused. They are present in the now, that is obvious. Maybe they spend their walking time clearing the clutter in their head so they can fully appreciate the time they spend with friends or loved ones?

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I was fortunate enough to see the siesta time today. I got lost on my way to the Block of Discord and wound up on a park bench trying to read the map (for those of you who know me, my internal GPS system has been haywire for a while). I watched two old men just enjoying the weather, the fluttering birds and each other. There was a Bocce court and several old men had gathered waiting for an afternoon of fun. Grandfathers with the grandsons, mothers attentively listening to their child’s excited recap of the day, families holding hands walking down the street. Spain as something right when it comes to the value of family time.

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I walked from my hostel to the Sagrada Familia church, when translated means Holy Family. I paid an additional 4 euros for the guided tour and I am so glad I did. I learned much from an enthusiastic tour guide about the architect Gaudi and the visions he had when designing this church. Each part of this ornate structure had meaning, most representing the life and death of Jesus. The structure is made of natural stone so it’s beauty is indescribable. These pictures I have posted will not do the building justice.

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Barcelona’s buildings, like it’s people, are beautiful, ornate, interesting. I spent a lot of time today in awe of the buildings and their structure. Most of the day has been spent on park benches, walking cobblestone roads, getting a little lost in a few ally ways and admiring the cosmetics of this region. Their language is captivating. I am pretty sure I would do anything they asked if they asked it in catalan. It is frustrating, I admit, that I can not speak to anyone. I want to have a genuine conversation and that does not seem plausible given my limited Spanish lingo (which consists of O-LA).

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Tonight I went to the Ramblas again. I ventured off the beaten course and got lost (again). I found a cathedral, more dark alleys and a cream puff to die for (all because I got lost). I spent 15 euros on food today and, trust me, I have not gone hungry. I am pretty impressed with the selection of food. Tapas run about a buck each and they are an appetizer type thing. All different sorts of yummy stuff.

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When I got back to the hostel there was a yummy Brazilian man working. He spoke English so I worked on the computer in the lobby so that I could talk to someone. Of course I flirted too. An English speaker and delicious looking man…I couldn’t help myself.

Tomorrow I am off to Tossa de Mar. I booked a little place up there for three days. I will probably be taking a few day trips to nearby areas, but Tossa is mainly a beach town and I am looking forward to winding down and relaxing.

Until then! Thanks for all of your comments on my blog! I love to hear from you!!!