Week 6: Home Sweet Barcelona
This past week I spent a lot of time just being in Barcelona. Figuring out my workout routine here, what grocery store I like for a quick stop and a full restock, what my favorite morning coffee place is, and every other little detail that makes a place really start to feel like home. I even figured out my hair salon. Shoutout to Touch Hair by my favorite person ever, Gijs!
Since I don’t want to bore anyone with those small details I figured I would share the bigger moments that happened this week. But if anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out!
On Monday we were able to catch the last celebration of the holiday, La Mercè. There was a firework show that we went to and it was easily the biggest firework show I have seen in my life. I won’t lie though, towards the end of the show I had to leave a little early because it was so loud and bright and the air was becoming such bad quality that I felt like I was breathing in chemicals. BUT I will give the show credit for having the fireworks match up with the music in a really cool and unique way. We also had paella for the first time right before the show! It was really tasty! If you can get past the huge shrimps still fully intact in the pan. I’ like seafood, but the eyes were a bit alarming for me.
On Thursday one of my classes went on an excursion to the Gothic Quarter to see all of the ancient Roman ruins that are visible throughout the area. It was really fun just walking around and seeing things I’ve walked by before but through a different lens this time. As I mentioned in my last post, my professor is so fun and it was just a good time walking around with her. She told me that she reads tarot cards at a bar sometimes so stay tuned to hear about what my future is as determined by my professor! After the excursion, we went to a restaurant close to my apartment which is always crowded with people called La Pepita. It is a really fun environment and I’m bringing my family there when they visit. That night we also went back to the bar, Dow Jones, and met one of my friends from my class and all her friends. It was fun meeting new people and expanding our circle. I definitely want to hang out with them more! I also went to two new clubs, Colors and Jamboree, which were much different from the ones I’ve gone to in the past. They are much smaller and more intimate but a totally fun experience nonetheless. If anything, I’d say they’re much more social than the other clubs.
A Weekend in Barcelona
On Friday we went to an FC Barcelona game! The game in general wasn’t the most climactic but it was super fun being surrounded by the fans, listening to all of the chants, and getting dressed up in our gear to support Barca. Plus, Barca won in the end so it definitely was a great night!
On Saturday night, we went to the club Razzmatazz and saw the D.J. Disco Lines. We also went to the bar, Ovella Negra, and ordered patatas bravas. We have come to the conclusion that these are the best bravas to exist. Overall, a successful night.
One of my favorite parts of the week was going to Born Street Food. This was like a neighborhood party near the Gothic Quarter with different food vendors that each sold one dish, a D.J., and drinks. Upon entry, you would buy tickets that could go towards food or a drink. A plate was two tickets and a drink was one. I tried a super yummy pork bun (more of a bao type of bun), and shishito peppers. The man who sold me the peppers made me try one first because he didn’t think I could handle the spice, but none of them even ended up being spicy. The best part of it all was when the D.J. started to play music that everyone started salsa dancing to. It was just so much fun watching everyone dance. My roommates and I were so impressed at how people were able to pick up on their partner’s next move so easily. Everyone was so fluid and it looked like a blast. We all decided we needed to take a lesson ASAP. We also met a girl who is from Barcelona but going to UCSB in the future! Every day that I’m here I’m reminded of what a small world it is.
Overall, it was a week spent perfectly in Barcelona. Lots of food, shopping, socializing, and chilling. Exactly what I needed. I don’t think I will ever be bored in this city.
My family is on their way to Barcelona now and I’m so excited to explore Valencia and more of Barcelona with them! They’re also the perfect excuse for me to do all of the touristy things in Barcelona that I haven’t done already.
Love hearing the details and places to go. Though it looks like you are holding an uncovered drink in that photo! Keep your drink safe!
Wow, just reading this made me excited and then worn out.