Barcelona

We have now reached the last major stop and new city within the three month European expedition. Barcelona, Spain is indeed an interesting place and if some Barcelonians could have it their way, the city would not even be Spanish. Of the Catalan region, the primary language of Barcelona is in fact Catalonian, an interesting and unique combination of Spanish and French (find Barcelona on a map and you'll see why). Here's an example: The word for 'exit' in Spanish is 'salida' and in French is 'sortir'. The word for 'exit' in Catalan is 'sortida'. Furthermore the word for 'I' in Spanish is 'yo' and in French is 'je'.. in Catalan it is 'jo'. Beyond the obvious language barrier this creates between the Spaniards and the Catalonians (side note: all Catalonians speak Spanish but not necessarily the other way around) this principle is just a microcosm of the Catalonian spirit and is therefore not surprising that the Catalonian region even has a strong separatist party.

In regards to how we spent our time in Barcelona, there is much more to see than is possible given only 2 touring days. Plus, we are getting burnt out from all the tourismmmm (imagine me saying that word out loud as it is typed.. and that may help put a mental picture in your head of how I feel about tourism after three months non-stop. Vacationing is hard work.)  The point that I am trying to make here is that in the last few stops of our travels, we have been embracing opportunities to enjoy the experiences along side or instead of the must-sees in each respected city. This one no different. We spent one lazy day wandering the Guell Park, a park created by the Spanish architect Antoni Guadi known for his love of 'natural curves'. There is really no rhyme or reason behind his architecture and yet it is beautiful. The videos and photos will do no justice in showing you what I am trying to explain so.... go to Barcelona and see for yourself. We also spent time wandering the gothic quarter, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, relaxing port side and even watched people and pigeons interact for about an hour. I got some great photos of this, be on the lookout.

All great Barcelonian things aside, the city is also known for it's extravagant pick pocketing and prostitution scenes. Sometimes they are two within one. Just walking home from a night out with Tom, we we're confronted by easily 20 prostitues in 10 minutes, their pimps waiting on the other side of the block. So if you do make it here, watch out... especially at night.

Once again, we met up with my friend Tom whom you might recognize from the Stockholm video who showed us around town. He has been spending the semester abroad in the city. Watch the video and this following comment will make sense, but I yet again forgot to buy him the batteries that I owe him. You'll get them within the next 20 years, I promise. Hopefully I'll see you and the other guys in Chicago come August.

One more thing, for anyone whose known me since elementary school, you will especially appreciate the last clip in this video (but don't skip to the end).

Highlights: