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!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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
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).
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.
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!
Hope all is well!
Adios!
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| Buy me! |
Adios!
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