Is it a crime...

...to order an American breakfast in Spain's most "Spanish" city?

Finished our weekend trip to Sevilla with a stack of pancakes I won't soon see again. Couldn't resist!

Trippin', in more ways than one

Time is slipping fast, and at this rate, there is only time for so many more entries. I admit, I have been horrible about updating, especially about the Spain outside of Barcelona I've taken some weekends to enjoy... From the sumptuous palaces of the Alahambra in Granada to the colorful facades of a rainy Girona, the more I explore this country the thought of traveling outside becomes less and less appealing.


Valls

  The culture shock in Barcelona is nothing compared to that I experienced in the sleepy, unapologetically Catalonian town of Valls. Visiting for the day for the Decanels Casteller Festival, which happens once a decade, I've never felt more foreign or unaware as my Castilian Spanish barely got me by in this town that prides themselves in their rich Catalan identity. The tradition (more like sport) of the Castellers, or human towers, is one of the most fascinating things I've ever seen. At the height of the day, 50 teams racked up their members all around the square simultaneously, the cherry on top being the four or five year old racing to the top of the surprisingly sturdy towers. Personal space is not even suggested in this sport, body parts becoming mere stepping stones in creating a structure that encompasses the Casteller motto: Força, equilibri, valor i seny [Strength, balance, courage, and reason] A perfect representation of the sport, the Catalan culture, and well, life in general.

 Tarragona

Roman ruins to the left/breathtaking coast/obstrusive poplar

Full bangs matching a full heart

Granada
1 glass of wine & 1 tapa in Barcelona: 8€
1 glass of wine & 1 tapa in Granada: 2€
I have a feeling I'm not in Barca anymore...

Tortolitos enjoying the view

With every drink bought, a plate of tapas comes gratis in this city. I ate and drank far too well, building friendships and experience with every tapa ate and every glass of vino tinto consumed under an undeserved 70 degree sun. Highlights: orange trees lining the gorgeous architecture of the Alhambra, a 4 hour lunch with the best company, suffering for fashion walking on endless cobblestone in unsupportive footwear, powerfully sweet Middle-eastern pastries. And the views! As you can tell, I still fail to capture the spotlight with the Sierra Nevadas and la Alhambra as a backdrop.

Sitges
¡A celebrar carnaval!

Photos were abundant. The faux hawk made a valiant return. I was a zombie in more than one way [on Fat Tuesday, and in class on Wednesday morning]

Valencia

A visit from the brother came at a perfect time to celebrate in the sister's study abroad home! This past weekend was Las Fallas, a celebration of fire and burning I won't begin to try and explain. But every year, huge [huge.] structures are built throughout the year and promptly burnt to a crisp above a crowd of thousands, some dressed in traditional attire, all enoying warm churros dipped in melted chocolate while 3-80 year olds let off fireworks in the street. My ears may never be the same again.

 Girona & Figueres

 “This grandiose tragedy that we call modern art.”

If only I brought my camera on this tumultuously rainy excursion. Though the horrible weather did detract a little from the beautiful town of Girona, nothing could put a damper on the amazing Salvador Dali Museum in his hometown of Figueres. Arriving back in BCN with ruined boots was well worth it.

 

This extensive post may be in bad blogger taste, but so are my adventures! [Being extensive! Not in bad taste ;)] The two month mark is quickly approaching, as are new entries after my coming trip to Sevilla! Hasta luego.

"January, month of empty pockets!"

Seeing as I've run out of Duane Reade bags, I write this as I wait for my hanging laundry to dry after a fight with the washing machine that left me with sore forearms, squeezing out the extra water the spin cycle failed to do itself. My next adventure will be hanging my clothes out the windowsill, though looking down, dropping a sock would be a gift to Hades.

A month has come and gone. It flew by, and it's been rocky, as can be expected. Just when I was about to reach the point of overwhelm, last week I woke up to start my day at the corner cafe-- an unremarkable little place without a name. I opened the door to find the barista with the cool bangs and effortless hands setting down a cafe con leche and croissant at my favorite table. "Como siempre, no?" Yes, like always.

Since then, it's been smoother sailing. I've started to ignore a few loose ends that I've finally realized may stay undone indefinitely. The one thing I'm having the most trouble with is the whole school thing-- it's been difficult forcing myself to act like a student. It is a nice change of pace, though, to have school revolving around my life rather the other way around.

My very pensive, brilliant friend back in New York once told me that it's all about finding a balance; an equilibrium that allows both work and play, confusion and clarity, solitude and good company. And though the latter may be hard to find, I can't complain. I've always been spoiled with an oversupply of wonderful friends, yet notoriously need my alone time. Here, the most important thing is not falling into the trap of loneliness, which can easily be turned into solitude with the right book on the right park bench. A flat full of friends has been a world of comfort despite our differences-- religious, political, geographical, cultural-- whatever they may be, laughs conquer them all.

Continuing to find more ways to love Barcelona, with its aversion to dreary days, preference for risky fashions, and naps over work. Even though the tapas at Sagardi may never replace Bleecker Street Pizza, I'm welcoming any competition over the next few months.


Updates of recent travels to come!
Meanwhile, take a look, vale!