*tears*

Well, it's coming to an end... and, consiquently, I've been walking around the city for the past day or two with misty, misty eyes. Nope. this time it's not allergies. I can't believe that my journey came to an end so quickly! Where did all the time go?! I've been telling people that I'm leaving in about two months for the past two months, but when I looked at the calendar while deciding which day to head over to Madrid to visit friends... I came to a sudden and shocking realization.

Friends and Family in Barcelona (and Europe): Thank you for the beautiful time we've spent together. Please take care of yourselves. May you be blessed in everything that you do, and that we may see each other again on day in the near future.

Mommy, Daddy, Crystal and Bryan, and Grandma and Grandpa and the rest my friends and family in the USA: I can't wait to see you all soon. I have missed you more than words can describe and am now filled with joy at the prospect of hugging and kissing you all again.

Well, Europe has become more of a home than I could have ever imagined. With out meaning to sound a wee bit dramatic, my heart feels as if it is torn between two very distinct but beautiful places.

That settles it then... I'm just simply going to have to return to Europe one day, and you're all going to have to come with me.

Shooting Nikki

Alright, alright, alright! Before you guys FrEaK out, the title is totally figurative. Yesterday before small group, my friend Nikki (a musician in the symphony here) ran around for about an hour snapping head-shots (because one should always update pictures, at least, every 5 years). The weather was fantastic, and it was SOO wonderful just being outside in the cool evening air. Oh wait, actually, it was kinda hot. Anyways, we had fun... and now that I’ve gotten some practice shooting someone, I’d kinda like to do it again... any takers?

Calling all photographizing friends: suggestions, tips, and tiddly-bits of the factoidal variety are welcome.

OH! I’m going to Madrid tomorrow. Takin the high-speed train. Woot!

¡Viva la música!

Hey! So, it looks like you guys are going to get a “two for one” today. I’m feeling quite blog-a-licious. It happens. Anyways, I just got back from the Palau de la Música Catalana a few hours ago. Four of my friends and I headed over there this afternoon to listen to an afternoon concert (which started at 7pm... phew!). The music was all in Catalan or Spanish (or by Spanish composers) and was incredible. I loved it! The Hall was beautiful, and I took some pictures (even though there was a picture vigilante running around (grr.. the flash was off!). You can check them out here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23073&id=1323450019&l=4bc52ed0fd

Oh! I believe there are some museum and small group photos in there, as well. The paintings were done by Sorolla in the early 1900’s and are a representation of each of the different regions in Spain. They are normally in NY, but were shipped over to the MNAC (museo nacional del arte de catalunya). What luck! All of the paintings are MASSIVE and beautiful, and I am sooo grateful they allowed photos.
Right after the museum trip, I headed over to small group (20’s and 30’s group from the church) and, well, had a camera handy so I took a few pictures. Enjoy!

Feria de Abril

I know, I know! It’s May, and I’m writing about something that happened in April... I believe this is an instance where my British friends would tell me to stop being a “skiver” ... but I’m still very shaky on the meaning and usage of that...Anyways, Thursday... yes, LAST Thursday, my friend Anna took me to the Feria de Abril, a celebration of all things Andalusian, down at the Forum near Diagonal del Mar. It was AWESOME! Flamenco dresses were walking around everywhere, and people were dancing like there was no tomorrow! The amount of music was absolutely overwhelming! ...they even began stereo wars of tunes that could easily be compared to “campesino”... er... EDUCATIONAL! It really was an amazing time, and the more I walked around, the more I thought about friends back home who would die to get themselves into some of those dresses. You know who you are!

Hmm... I got mistaken for being German again, but I’ve come to terms with it. I would say it’s like getting in touch with my roots, but sadly... well, I’m not German. Haha! I had just told Anna that many people had been mistaking me for European, when a shop holder walked up and asked me if I was. I just slowly turned to my friend with a frustrated but humorous expression, and she crumpled up laughing! Good times =)
OH! this is random and a bit of an old story, but! I went to Mont Serrat with Anna to visit her family for the Pascua, (which was incredible!) and bought myself some chocolate up on the mountain. Now, the reason why, was because it’s made by the monks and is absolutely famous in this area. And what happened when I tried it? Why, thank you for asking! I put some in my mouth, and the words “my GOD!” escaped my lips. Yes, it tasted that divine. I pray I get the opportunity to bring some home as a offering of my gratitude, but Alas! I’m afraid I won’t get the opportunity to make the pilgrimage back again. Are you groaning yet? Because I can keep this up for a while!
Right, I’ll spare you... Toodles!