Celeste Summer

Ending up in a new country with a new language and culture tends to be a little overwhelming. With not one idea where to start, I think we had a tour guide sent from heaven. JJ, basically a Catalan himself now, picked up our asses and ran us around town. With 4 months under his belt in this beautiful city he knew where to go, when to go and how to not get us lost. Within four days we've not slept, but seen Montjuic, Arc de Triomf, La Rambla, and a peek of the Mediterranean ocean.

 The Markets on La Ramba may be considered my new heaven....well minus the last row of animal body parts hanging from string? Felt a little like China Town in San Francisco, but aside from that it was a fruit and dessert lovers oasis. Our attempt to eat out at restaurants has already failed miserably, but even though we have NO idea what anything means it's time to dig in. We may have drifted to the americans go-to sandwiches at Bo de B's, but the pollo and baguettes paired with a seat by the sea we've found it to be our afternoon rest spot.

Barcelona is starting to feel like the cities we know back in the states. Little parts are reminding me of New York and San Francisco. One thing that I didn't expect was how clean this place is. The infrastructure is up to date and modern, but the architecture and random doors (like this) make walking miles a day so much more fun and hold more historical background that I've seen before.

[ Sunflowers from the Market ]

[ Spiced Olives from the Market ]

 [ Cappukcino doughnuts ]

How to avoid being #americanidiots

[ What I've learned week #1 ]

 1. When ordering at Bo de B's: Order in groups if you all want the same thing (cinco pollo bocadillos).  They already don't like dealing with americans who can't speak the language so well, so make it easy! Plus when the line is long, no one behind you will hate you:)

2. My best friend reminded me of this one - try EVERYTHING! Even if you don't know what it is, try it because when it comes to food you are most likely going to have never heard of it.

3. Supermarkets close around 9, so get what you need before! 

4. Don't have your camera hanging from your hand as your walking through the streets and make sure your bag isn't open or unattended. Unemployment rate is at 27% and pickpocketing has become a job....they're way too sneaky and way to good at grabbing that new iphone. Thankfully every person on the street will you remind of it just in case you get lazy (I already have). 

5. Say your "s's" with a lisp. Throw that "th" in there and love doing it. 

6. Pay attention to where your cab driver is taking you. Just like any new city you go where you are unfamiliar with the area, they tend to take advantage of you and your money and that 5 Euro cab ride turns into 12. 

7. Don't pick up the smallest bananas you may have ever seen in your life at a supermarket to take a picture...you'll get yelled at (guilty).

8. Eat a million olives from the market - they are weirdly addicting

9. Take as many adventures down the ally's as you can! Shops, restaurants etc are hidden in every nook and cranny. You never know what you'll come across!

10. Get yourself lost. This big city isn't all that big and how else are you going to get around these streets! Grab a map and you will find your way back no problem.