Today

Everything here is so beautiful and different. It's overwhelming taking the bus to the beach and seeing all these shops and sights that i need to go to. I wouldn't say that I miss home; I'm actually quite enjoying myself here. However, I do wish my family and friends were here with me. Im getting along well with other people in my abroad program and we've had a great time going out and getting around together. My roommates are super great and fun. It's a bit difficult getting in with the locals because so far, they don't seem to like Americans at all. However, it is just the end of peak season here and by now I'm sure the locals are sick of everyone and anyone that aren't from around here.

I've been around mostly touristy parts of Barcelona lately, so I'm excited to explore places more off the beaten path. We went to the beach yesterday and that was pretty fun. Super crowded! Quite a few topless women, and many many couples. Barcelona must be quite the romantic city; there's couples all over each other everywhere! Next time we're going to take a train up the coast to find a quieter beach rather than the one where everyone goes to. The water is lovely though, I swam in it yesterday and can't wait to get in again. The cool water and the humidity is really calming.

We went to this cute little bar last night and there was a guy playing guitar in the back of the room. he was playing contemporary Spanish songs and everyone there was singing along. I think it must have been mostly locals, I enjoyed it. Everyday I'm overwhelmed at how beautiful everything is, Barcelona takes aesthetics very seriously here. I don't think I'll ever make it somewhere that has beautiful architecture everywhere I turn as much as here.

I really miss home cooking though. I'm looking up recipes where I can find ingredients here and cook. Maybe mashed potatoes, or creamy potato and ham soup... I'm not sure! My host mom's food is pretty good, mostly her idea of american food I think.

Tuesday is the Independence day of Catalonia so there will be demonstrations and lots of activities in the city centers. Everyone has their Catalan flags hanging outside their windows! Very patriotic.

Eventually I hope to make it down to Seville, Costa Brava, and maybe San Sebastian. I have to get organized though if i'm going to make it happen. Yessenia and I just booked our trip to Ibiza Sep 20 though and like 15 other people we know are going. I can't wait!! It's a beeeauuutiful island known to have amazing clubs and great small towns everywhere.

Until then, we have school off Monday and Tuesday then it'll just be mostly school until Ibiza and lots of sightseeing. Adios