The Gringos Take on Barca

So yes, we're the Gringos, no two ways about it. No matter how hard I try to add an accent to my Spanish the person inevitably answers in English. Obviously we're Americans. If it isn't our words its the constancy of our hands in our pockets--a maneuver we've come to refer to as our gang symbol. Whenever we get to a place like the Metro or a crowded sidewalk, one of us wil calmly say gang symbol time and into our front pockets our hands fly.

Anyway, day one in Barca. Up at 9.30 and out by 11. Having only had a cup of instant coffee, and being in dire nee of water--the tap water is off limits--we staggered out into the warm sunlight. The first stop was Park Guell, a wonder dedicated to Gaudi and his knack for amazing architecture. It's at the top of a massive hill, so to assist the swarms of tourists there are escalators running all the way up it. The once you've reached the bottom you have to traverse long winding paths up the hill, lined with beautiful trees and flowers, as well as street musicians and people selling various souveneirs. Each step brings an even better vista over the whole of the city and at the top is a single stone cross rests wth a platform around it from which hundredsof people take pictures. At the center of the park is Gaudi's former house which of course has now been turned into a museum. It being Palm Sunday today, the park was packed by after church goers carrying dried palms made into a variety of shapes and tied with colorul ribbons--far more extensive than South Portland.

Next, it was off to argubaly the pinnacle of the Barcelona tourist scene, La Sagrada Familia. This still to be completed cathedral, designed by Gaudi is really a sight to behold, something that pictures ca't do justice to. The outside is carved with figures depicting various biblical stories and verses, designed with immaculate precision and skill. The inside is just as spectacular, wit ornate ceilings and amazing stained glass windows. 2,50 euros was enough to bring us to the top of the spire and see an even more amazing view of the city. The cathedral just took my breath away. From its design to the awe with which people behold it, it seems to be one of those places that although rather recent in its construction, is very sacred still during its completion.

Last on the agenda for day one was the Museu de Picasso, situated in the southern ditrict of the city. We thought it would be easy to find, having already asked for the apropriate stop on the Metro, but after 45 or so minutes of searching throughout the neighberhood, still no museum. Finally we found it in a gorgeous multistory open building, tucked away in an alley. Luckily for us, not only was the museum free to enter after 3PM on Sundays, but having not found it right away we were able to explore and see what must be one of the most gorgeous discticts in the city. The museum itself wasn't as amazing as I had hoped--considering that Picasso is easily my favorite artist. I guess it's because the majority of his great works are situated in other cities across the world. But the pleasant ending to a tireless search proved to be far more of the pleasure than the museum itself.

Finally we just took a lesiurely walk down by the shore, seeing all thealrge boats and the sundrenched people. An amazing sunet and a great end to a tireing day. Of course, dinner has yet to come-a meal which will hopefully consist of San Miguel and some local pallella, if I can have anything to say about it.

So, day one has been great so far. I'm sure that rest will come at a premium over the next days, but I am indeed forging friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

But before I go...a few general oberservations about Barcelona and Spain. I like the look of Spaniards a lot more than Brits. That's just in regards to the women. People here not only seem to be a lot more laid back, but they seem a lot more genuine and funky. Yes, that's the general nature of Barcelona as a city, but it seems to be the nature of Spain as a nation as well. People don't spike their hair everywhich way, dreads seem to be more the style. People move at a much more lesiurely pace and have a lot more fun.

I've also noticed the ways in which a preexisting empire can influence the makeup of a country. There are of course the more white Spanairds, the ones who are far more caucasuian, though more tan than those found farther North. But there are also those who you can't help but idenity as Central American in complexion. Those who most likely emigrated from what used to be Spanish colonies. There are also those who moved from former colonies in African like Angola. The bottom line is that I've been surprised many a time by those who speak Spanish like a Spanaiard but don't necessarily look the part. I guess that's the beauty of a cosmopolitan city.

Anyway, that's it for now. Gelatto has been the only food that I've had today, so I guess it's time for some proper dinner. Hasta luego!