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!