It's a beautiful plaza just off La Rambla, and despite the enormous trees, it's easy to miss. I saw it once a few weeks ago, walking with a group of friends, and have been searching for it ever since. I sat and worked on some homework while I watched the people passing through the narrow streets nearby.
I feel at home in Alicante, despite being very far away from the States: it's a livable city, and there are countless things to do for an old soul like myself. Apart from sitting in plazas, I've been spending time on the beach, frequenting cafés and visiting tapas bars. I had a moment in Barcelona last weekend when I was frustrated by its enormity: two friends and I were searching for a bar to meet up with other people, and we walked for more than half an hour trying to find it. None of the Spaniards we asked knew where it was (I started to feel like it didn't exist...it turns out it's just really touristy.) and we finally gave up. My feet were killing me and I just wanted to be back in my small city again.
That being said, Barcelona was beautiful. I keep saying that the best part were the Starbucks on every corner...that's not really true. (Although drinking normal American coffee was a definite plus to the trip!) We toured La Sagrada Familia and walked past other Gaudí works, as well as drank cava in El Xampanyet, a champagne bar close to the Museo de Picasso. I was so excited when I saw El Xampanyet: apparently it's famous, and so there was a picture of it in an old Spain calendar I had.
Although February has been pretty routine (except for the whole being in Spain thing), March is going to be a busy month for me: next weekend is my birthday and Carnaval, a giant festival/party here in Alicante. I'm not sure why they celebrate Carnaval, or what it means, but I like to tell people that it's really just a celebration for my birthday. The next weekend I'm off to Madrid with three friends, and I'm excited because A) I'll be going to Madrid and B) This will be the most independent traveling I've done so far. There's a Renoir exhibit at the Museo Prado, which I'm planning on seeing, as well as the Museo Reina Sofía. I found a highly rated hotel for $30 a night, and we get our own bathroom and private bedroom. It was funny because some hostels - in which we would've had to share a room/bathroom with four strangers - cost the same. Suffice to say I'm happy we found this one instead.
After Madrid, I'm going to Valencia for a day trip with CIEE. I'm excited to see Valencia, but it's too bad it's only for a day! I might have to go back before the semester is over. Finally, the weekend of the 25th I'm off to Barcelona again. I'm taking the train in by myself, which is about a four hour journey. Then I'll take the Metro to the hotel where Mom, Sean and Emily will be saying: I feel rather "European Traveler" about the matter. I'm trying to find a good weekend to go to Paris, as well as Norway and Sweden. My friends and I are planning our spring break as well: we want to go to Germany, Poland, Austria and Croatia.
Pues, It's about time for our giant meal of the day, la comida. Wish me luck: my padre thinks it's funny that I like bread so much, and he always gives me about half a loaf to eat, despite my protests. It's probably a good problem to have.
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