Just so we’re clear, kitten heels do not mix with cobblestones. For those of you who do not know what a kitten heel is, it is a tiny, usually fairly short heel. This is in contrast to a wedge heel, which I had to explain to one of my peers, is a wide heel with no gaps in the sole of the shoe.
After we were whisked through glimpses of 19th century architecture, modernism and concrete tunnels, we arrived at the hotel. Then we mingled during cocktail hour before beginning orientation. We walked maybe 2 blocks and arrived at this beautiful little yellow house, which I will have to take a picture of tomorrow. Then we sat and talked rules for 2 hours before being let loose on the town. I think it was supposed to be a scavenger hunt, but mostly we just followed and chatted while we walked who knows where. We were loud, noisy Americans travelling in a large group in a heavy tourist area. The other students and I were amazed that we were basically breaking all—and I do mean all—of the security rules we had just covered. But that aside, the city is lovely. Some parts are baroque. I already saw my first Guadi building (though I can’t remember the name of it). Interestingly enough, baroque seems to belong here, but what do I know. Lol. Anyways, one of the items on the scavenger hunt we were doing was to go to the beach. So we walked the 15 minutes or more to the beach. But I think with all of the group indecisiveness we took about 45 minutes to get there. Finally my toes hit the sand. Ahhhh…. So, yes mother, I can go to the beach everyday if I want to. We finally caught the metro back to the hotel, but were already late.
By this time the vast majority of our 16 person group was jetlagged and starving, myself included. Apparently I was very tired because the other students got a kick out of how I was acting. It has been all I can do to stay awake this long, but I know it will be worth it. We were all exhausted and had been walking for four hours evidently because we were almost late for dinner. Dinner here is served at 8:30 or 9 pm. Sure enough, right after we got there, the restaurant became packed. I had a lovely quiche, so so fish, and decent yogurt. The portions are interesting, we’ll see if they’re the norm. The hotel is very nice, with bathrobes and everything. But no free wi-fi so I will have to go to the lobby to post this, lol. I’m sitting in a comfy chair while I write this, sipping my second Fanta of the day. (Un refresco). Mopeds, scooters and motorcycles are flying around everywhere, which only makes me want to ride one. He he.
Most of the day was spent walking and admiring the unique mix of architecture—old with new, baroque with modern… I don’t feel like I’m half a world away, but maybe it’s because the other students are awesome. . . funny and smart and very easy to talk to. But Barcelona just feels like every city. I have to use more caution and be vigilant. But there are so many places to explore. But I can always find that one quiet place. I can’t wait to get out and explore, but I’m not sure when I’ll have the chance, exactly. So far I really like it though, despite the four hours of walking semi-aimlessly and semi-unprepared.
And I did it all in heels.
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