Barrrthelona

WHOA.

Greetings from Valladolid, a safe and pretty city! Whirlwind weekend in Sitges/Barcelona. I don't know how to start this. Let's go with the tried and true "chronological" method.

Wednesday: A few people from the group head up to Barcelona early. A backpack containing a passport is promptly stolen. Spanish life lessons gleaned from this: (22) Don't hang out in touristy spots (Americans in McDonald's are candy for pickpockets) and (23) When in cities, one hand on your bag at all time. 

Unofficial lesson: Trust no one.

Thursday: On that happy note, we left Valladolid after tests by bus to airport, plane to Barcelona, metro to bus station, bus to Sitges, feet to Swedish man who gives us our hotel keys, stumps to our apartments (our feet had been worn off at this point). Sitges is a funny little beach town, very pretty, very flamboyant (and apparently the gay capital of Spain, the ratio was 60% gay (men), 40% straight people. Gladys has a sense of humor). After eating a decent but grossly overpriced dinner (however, it was like manna from heaven as I had not eaten since breakfast) we planned out the next day and hit the sack. 

I forgot to take pictures in Sitges.

Friday: We awaken bright and early and a small group of us hops on the train to Barcelona. Jake and some others head to the American consulate to obtain a new passport. Cheyanne, Leah, and I begin our adventure. We walk around Barcelona (extremely paranoid) and are frustrated by our inadequate maps and everything touristy. Additionally, Leah and I are extremely cranky due to the previous day's stress. Cheyanne has a great attitude - props to you, Cheyanne! Leah drinks a coffee and I eat some pastries and we feel much better. We seek out the Picasso Museum and are handsomely rewarded - easily the highlight of my weekend. If you are ever in Barcelona, FORGET EVERYTHING ELSE AND GO SEE PICASSO! 

After la Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, it is rather late and we have grown weary.

Favorite thing.

Gaudi formal

Gaudi fun!

Saturday: Beaches (funnier when Gladys says it in her lovely thick accent - hint: rhymes with Sitges).

Sunday: Despite needing to leave at  6AM and three minutes of panic when we can't find the bus right before it is expected to leave, the day goes extremely smoothly. Bus rides are very relaxing, especially with castles and mountains in the distance.

Overall - Barcelona has quite a bit to offer, but there's no place like Valladolid.