Ninjas Ate My Lunch…So I wrote a blog about it.

A collection of Catalan bands (some from Barcelona) that I want to keep track of and also suggest. I’ve posted some samples of videos or songs. Enjoy! A total super amazing thing is that by the time I come home I will have seen all but one of these bands live this month!! And hoping to make a trip to see Pastora…don’t know if it will happen though…another time then .

Pastora – Desolado

Els Amics de les Arts – El Codigo Da Vinci

Mishima – Una Vida Tranquila

Els Pets – Por

Anna Roig – Je t’aime

The past few days I’ve been thinking a lot about my “role” here; how I am an outsider to this culture, language, way of life. While this is not a totally brand new feeling (to say the least), it is one that has been continuously on my mind lately.

The last time I spent an extended amount of time alone here was last summer. My trip in 2009 offered me an inside view of what life is like for Catalan people, because I found myself spending a lot of time with them. Also, I did more touristy things, like day trips to beach towns, spending time at the beach near my apartment, and traveling around Catalonia. All of those things were amazing, and really helped make that such a memorable trip.

This time however, it’s different. Now I am in Barcelona full time, and it’s a different way of life here. Platja d’Aro, my “home” last summer, is a beach town that people vacation to. Barcelona, on the other hand, is a bustling city that is busy with everyday life. Of course, there are plenty of tourists, but there is also a very real sense that people are working here, living their day-to-day existence.

In turn, that is the kind of experience I’m having. Volunteering during the day, resting after, and then doing things around the city in the evenings – that has been my routine. It has been fulfilling in a different way, giving me a view of what my “real life” here could potentially be like. For that I am very grateful. Though it has been uncomfortable, as most of my time abroad has been to a certain extent, it has been an opportunity for me to face the anxieties and fears that will come with living in a new country/culture/city (should that be my path.) Read the rest of this entry »

I’m in ur department stores, being fashun.

Meow-ch.

That is song that was being sung CONSTANTLY last night, throughout the streets of Barcelona after Spain accomplished something never before done…winning themselves a spot in the World Cup finals!

The apartment I am staying at is very near Placa d’Espanya, which while not as much of a central spot as Placa Cataluyna (popular as a downtown spot for shopping and eating) is still very much a major location in the city. I don’t know if it’s because of it’s historical meaning or because of the name, but regardless, Placa d’Espanya was a place for serious celebration last night.

I ended up watching the game a local bar near my apartment, which was nice because it wasn’t too crowded so I could get a seat, but I did kind of want a crowded, excited atmosphere. There was definitely cheering going on – in fact I thought the guy in front of me was going to propose to his girlfriend he was so happy and touchy-feely with her after the win. But once I left the bar the sounds of fireworks, horns, and cheering caught my attention.

I made my way toward Placa d’Espanya, noticing on my way the many police cars and vans lining the streets with cops in what looked like riot-gear milling about. I took this to mean I was heading in the right direction for a celebration.

Then I noticed that they had blocked off the entire center island of the plaza, barricading people from getting to the fountain. I realized later this was probably a good idea, considering the kind of revelry that exploded in the street.

I can only imagine what Sunday is going to be like, if they win or lose…

Please enjoy a few photos I was able to take with my phone. They don’t really do the scene justice, but do note the total bromance happening in the right hand corner of the second photo. Also I’m trying to upload some audio of the evening…we’ll see if it works!

Dreaming of Revelry

Spanish Bromance

A huge mass of people running in circles around the fountain.

Sounds of Winning

And so it is. First night of my third trip to Barcelona in a year. Things are feeling good.

I don’t have a lot to write, or rather, I don’t know how to formulate my many thoughts to write something coherent, but I can say that it has been a good day overall. Everything came together nicely – the apartment I’m in is very comfortable and in a great location, I have explored and navigated around with little trouble, AND I read a map correctly! I think this will be a trend.

The theme of this particular blog is just beginnings, since it is the first day. I’m hopeful and excited about my time here. Figuring out ways to really savor my time here rather then just spend it or pass it. I want as many moments to count as I can. So far, so good!

Bona nit, Barcelona!