Barcelona

Barcelona was insane…in every way! From the moment we got off the bus I knew I was in for a surprise. The general vibe of the city was quite different than any of the places I have travelled to. The graffiti, demeanor of the people, and speed at which life ensued suggested a rowdy lifestyle.

Needless to say my first impression turned out to be correct. A few of the members of our program were victim to the crime that is well-known in the city. The piea and tapas were decent but in now way comparable to some of the other ethnic foods I have tried. The Sangria was good. On a more positive note, the night life (the main reason for visiting here) was everything I suspected it to be.

The first night out was the best night of dancing I think I have ever had. The group of us went to a club called Opium. The club played all American hip-hop and techno. There were dancers on the stage all night. The club was right on the edge of the sea. There was a demons and angels theme party in celebration of Halloween. I have never seen so many college aged kids dancing before. The club was definetly at maximum capacity which is said to be 3,000. The mixed drinks at the club were 15 euros a piece. I spent a little more than I am comfortable admitting. I can honestly say I have never had that much fun dancing in my life. I was absolutely soaked in sweat when the club closed down just after 6 am. Everything I was wearing was wet. Keith was absolutely loving life the whole night. He danced nonstop for like 6 straight hours. His dancing was not limited to headbutting, kissing, breakdancing, and all out fist pumping. The best part of the night was the dancing during the last hour of our time in the club. We left the club and headed back to our hostels at about 630 am. Insetad of going to sleep a few of us decided to walk across town to find breakfast at subway at just after 7am. The final bed time was 830. What a night!

The second night was similar to the first. I pretty much lazied around the hostel for the whole second afternoon until dinner time. After eating dinner and getting ready, we began round two. We stopped at a bar that had every kind of shot you could imagine. I did not actually go inside because it was so busy. Again, we waited in line at midnight for the club to open, as we had done the night before. The club shoko was better than most I have been to. It did not compare to Opium. We danced until the club closed at 4 am. Some people went to another club that was opening around that time. I walked back to the hostel and got breakfast at subway again! I stayed awake till 930 when I called I quits on a bet with Anna to see who could stay up later.

By the third night I acquired a pretty serious cough and decided not to go out. It was Halloween. Some of our crew dressed up for Halloween and others did not. I took a lot of heat for not going out, especially because I am usually one of the ring leaders of night life planning. I am now on medication as a result of too many big kid drinks and not enough rest. This week will be consumed with getting back my health and studying for exams!

The experience was one I will remember for a long time to come. I had soo much fun. My first hostel experience was very satisfactory. My first flight on a European airline (Ryanair) was equally satisfying. Travelling to and from Barcelona was quite the task. Strikes in both Italy in Spain forced changes in our travel itinerary. We had to take alternative means of transport both ways. I can honestly say I appreciate American public transportation so much more after dealing with the strike shenanigans this weekend. There are a lot more great trips to come. Greece will be just as crazy and exciting this weekend! Plenty more stories to come.