The Final Post (From Spain)

My time in Spain has come to an end. Wednesday morning I will be boarding a flight for Newark, and then arriving in Kansas City after 6 PM. It is hard to believe that my adventures in Spain are coming to an end but the conclusion to this journey is just over 24 hours away!

To update you on the last couple of days, I moved out of my old apartment and moved in with Cole for my last 6 days in Spain. Our living together has consisted of poker and fine dining. I haven't complained yet, even with sleeping on a couch (that is more comfortable than the bed in my old apartment). Judith left last Thursday morning so it there has been a lot of brother hang out time.

We went out for Judith's last meal at a wonderful little restaurant in Born that served some of the best ham on this trip thus far and some epic bottles of Albarino. It was a stellar meal that may rank up with one of the best.

Cole, Andres and I stumbled across a new bar just up the street from El Otro. I am sorry to say it but it is somewhat better than El Otro. This bar is air conditioned, has a brand new dart board and serves cheaper drinks. The only reason we tried it out was because El Otro was closed for some reason when we wanted to go there one night.

This is the part of the post where I do some reflection on my last 70+ days in Spain. I have learned a lot about my self. When faced with adversity, whether it be a language barrier or a cultural one, this always work themselves out. There were a couple of time that I would have killed for an early flight home but I am glad it never happened. Being in Barcelona has opened my eyes to many different cultures outside of just Spain's. This city is full of tourists from all of Europe and the world and you interact with each other on a daily basis. It leads to some interesting and fun encounters, but all are taken in stride and are part of the journey of living here. This trip has also helped me realize what I have back home in Kansas. It takes time and distance to notice the things you miss and take for granted on a daily basis. For me, I have longed to see my family and friends, to drive my truck, and to speak my native tongue in all situations. I miss the familiarity of Kansas City and Lawrence.

But now the time has come to go back home. My new job with Kansas City Power & Light awaits, along with moving out on my own. I have another Half Ironman to finish training for and maybe a dog or two to buy. One thing that unfortunately is not happening is that I will no longer be enrolled at the University of Kansas. I will miss being a student. I am not sure when the full effects of this will hit me, but in the next couple weeks I bet it does.

So here's to you Spain! Thanks for a great summer full of learning about a new culture, learning about myself, and wonderful times!

Homeward bound!

Adios!

P.S.- I got my bike sold!

Birthday Extravaganza

Alli has finally turned the ripe age of 21! And being that it is tradition to go out and make poor decisions on your 21st birthday, a grand party was planned. However, due to Alli's annoyingly large class load and a looming presentation the day after her birthday, Cole and Judith, two of their friends Maura and Susie, and Alli and I went to a wonderful restaurant in Gracia called Famen. Following a few appetizers at Cole's place, we marched over. I have been there a couple of times but it was definitely an appropriate location for such a great dinner. We enjoyed wine, tapas, and fantastic entrees cooked by one of the best chefs in Barcelona! We even managed to get Alli a birthday cake desert so we could sing Happy Birthday to her. After dinner she had to go home to work but the rest of us continued on to El Otro (naturally) and played a few rounds of darts

Birthday girl

The following day I went to Andres' sports club with Cole for a few hours. I managed to get in a pretty solid swim and a good run while the other two ate lunch and played tennis. I even enjoyed the spa room with its therapeutic baths. This place was pretty nice. That night, Andres volunteered to make dinner for the entire gang. With the help of Cole, they made a wonderful dinner that filled everyone up. The next stop in the night was Part 2 of Alli's Birthday Extravaganze. We went to Opium Mar which is one of the nicest clubs in all of the city, positioned right on the beach. I was able to get us on the guest list which entitled us to free entry (20 euros per person) and we danced the night away. They played some great tunes and everyone had a good time, even though I may have drank a little too much (sorry Mom).

Strike a pose!

Cole found the Green Fairy!

The next day was pretty much a waste with the ensuing hangover and lack of motivation to do anything and the next day (Saturday) was more or less the same except Alli and I headed Back to Montjuic for the fountain show that is put on four nights a week. I was glad to get out and walk around because some rather serious storms had moved through earlier in the day and really tore a lot of trees and outdoor property apart.

Yesterday was the final piece of Alli's present, a day at Tibidabo. Tibidabo is an amusement park located on a mountain that overlooks the city. It is at the base of a monastery and is quite fun to go to. We spent the morning getting up the mountain and then enjoyed the scenic views and fun attractions the rest of the afternoon. There was a roller coaster that was pretty unique with the way it was built to give that sensation that you were going to fall off the mountain. We also ate some fair-esque food and quite a bit of candy. After two trolley rides back down the mountain and a metro ride, we had made it back safely.

Blue Tram

What a view!

Overall, I would say the extravaganza was a success. Hopefully Alli enjoyed all of the festivities!

I am now under 10 days left in Spain. Looking back, the summer has gone remarkably fast and has been a lot of fun!

As for training, it is starting to falter a little bit. I got a ride in yesterday and a run today. I am putting the bike up for sale by the end of the night to try and get that money back before I return home. If you know anyone in Spain who wants a bike, let me know!

Buy me!

Hope all is well!

Adios!

Tour Guide

I would just like to start off by saying how much I enjoyed the past weekend with Dave and Sara. I am very glad that I was able to show them around Barcelona and hopefully they enjoyed themselves!

I picked them up Thursday afternoon and helped them to get checked into their hostel. From there we walked around Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya and up Passeig de Gracia. Then it was off for beer and Sangria at a way over-priced hotel terrace. Those places just suck your money dry. Next was a dinner of tapas down in Born with Cole and Judith. The food and drinks were phenomenal and Sara could not resist declaring this meal her favorite meal ever! The pirate-themed bar Hook was our next destination followed by another pub located just down the street. I would say that the first night was a great welcome for Dave and Sara.

Sara is a fan of the gelato

So is Dave

About to eat tapas!

The next day was all about the beach. Unfortunately the weather did no cooperate so we headed back to my apartment. After some food shopping  for the night's dinner, we went to La Sagrada Familia so that Sara could go in and enjoy the cathedral. Even though it was my second time, I still enjoyed the tour with her. I wasn't going to let her go by herself. Dave and Alli spent the two hours in the park and at a cafe until we got out. For dinner that night I cooked a Chicken Marsala for the four of us and Judith. It was delicious (of course) and we were later joined by Icar and Cole. We spent a few hours on the terrace then went out to El Otro for a few rounds of darts.

Saturday morning started off with Dave and I getting his a bike to ride. We rode up the mountain close to my place called Tibidabo and saw the sanctuary that is at the summit. From there we descended the mountain into the city for a tour by bike. Three hours later, my legs were killing me but it was off to Parque Guell which is a park designed by Gaudi. Following a brief nap, the group got back together and went down to the marina for a nice dinner. Cole and Judith joined us for the meal and stuck around for some post dinner drinks.

Found him the same bike as mine

Piadinas!

View from Parque Guell

Crazy cat guy...

Dave is ready for some Paella 

Sunday was Dave and Sara's last day. We tried the beach again and were very successful. The sun was out for the majority of the 4 hours we were there. We also did some site-seeing in the Gothic neighborhood and in Born. For dinner that night we went out for pinchos which are snack-sized food that comes on sticks. This allows for everyone to eat a variety of items, much like tapas. It was then off to the airport to send Dave and Sara off!

Even the Spanish make fun of Arkansas

Overall the weekend was a blast. This week is Alli's birthday (the 27th) and all the festivities that are planned with it: dinner wednesday night, a night at Opium Mar (beach side club) and an amusement park on Friday. It should be a lot of fun!

As for training, I have been good about the biking and running still but swim time is still lacking. I should be alright. I had a short run this morning and tomorrow is a bike-run brick.

New shoes

Lastly, yesterday was my parent's 30th Anniversary! I could not have asked for better parents, role models, protectors and friends. They have always been there for my brothers and I and I wish them another wonderful 30 years! I love you Mom and Dad!

I hope everyone is doing well!

Adios!