Viva A Europa: Spring Break Part 1: Barcelona

I am getting to this a little late, but here are some of the spring break adventures. I Headed into town wednesday Feb 23

And stayed at my Friend MacKenzie's for the night to make getting to the train in the morning easier.

I got up early thursday to take the train to Pisa to get on my flight. I had the large backpack that Will Spiro lent me and it was way too big for Ryan Air, but I managed to conceal it enough to make it past their stingy employees. I got to Barcelona, well Gerona an hour from Barcelona, as that was where Ryan air had the cheapest flight, 13 Euro will fees. Cheaper than the 15 i got tricked into spending on gelato one time.... So i took the bus into town and then walked to my Friend CC's apartment where I was going to stay that night. She was only a few blocks away from the bus station so I got there in no time. Across the street from her apartment was a Bullfighting ring, only being used for Circus's as Bullfighting was outlawed in Catalonia.

She had class soon after So i walked around and returned to the Gaudi Buildings, Casa Batllo and Casa Mia, that I had loved when I was there 3 years ago.

Thankfully I was with my parents that time So i got to go in and have tours, but I did not want to spend the money again. After her class was over I met up with CC and we walked around the gothic area of Barcelona. We came upon a courtyard that I found familiar, and realized it was the location of the restaurant I had dinner at the first night I was in barcelona with my family in 2008

After a nap at CC's It was time to go out to eat and after that a night out on the town.

We first went to this shot bar that had over 300 different shots, each for 2 euro. Then we headed to this beer hall and I ran into some other wisconsin people, including Matt, one of my Roommates from Sophomore year, and Ari who was studying in Sevilla, but happened to be in Barcelona for the weekend. We left the beer hall and tried to get into a club, but the bouncer did not like our tennis shoes. Oh well

The next morning I awoke to the news that CC's roommates were fine with me staying there, despite the fact they were all going to be in Madrid for the rest of the weekend. Great News. Later I met up with some other kids from my Florence program and we headed to Sagrada Familia, and then to the Beach

The beach was great, nice weather, clear blue sea and views of one of the premiere hotels in Barcelona

I also met Ally, a girl on my program's twin, and it was hard to tell them apart

That evening I headed to my friend Mark's residencia and had played some cards watching the sunset from the roof of his building. Of course there was a building blocking a great sky.

After cards I headed home for a nap and then ate some food, before going out again. This time we were successful in getting into the club, and it was funny running into more Wisconsin people.

The next day we headed to Park Guell, and climbed to the top of it where you can overlook the city