We made it to Barcelona! Although we've been off to a somewhat rocky start, we're thrilled to begin this new adventure.
A few of the good things:
our apartment is next door to the only grocery store we've seen yet...we're less than a block away from the metro...we've already seen three of Gaudi's amazing buildings...we haven't been mugged...roommates are nice (two Persian girls and one Japanese girl...lucky Jason!)...we've already started learing how to get around using the metro...it's funny seeing how much the Spaniards love American things like "FlinTstones" and Mickey Mouse and American surf brands of clothes (although they are twice as expensive - Jason was considering buying some Quicksilver board shorts but did not feel like giving up $100)...our airport pickup taxi waited an hour and a half for us and we didn't have to pay any extra (we were super late thanks to waiting in line to register our lost luggage)...at London's Heathrow Airport there were gummy snakes instead of gummy worms (that's obviously Jason's "good thing" haha)...
A few of the not so good things:
missed our connecting flight (thanks to Naomi leaving a water bottle in her carry-on and the London security taking their sweet time to give us clearance)...Heathrow airport forgot to send our luggage...had to wear the same disgusting clothes for three days (Naomi wised-up and went shopping, Jason, on the other hand, still looks like a bum)...Naomi getting mistaken for a "sir" on the airplane (Naomi questioning her new short "pixie" hair cut)...almost getting ripped off at our first store (when Naomi finally bought her new clothes, they charged us twice for two of the three items...fortunately Jason noticed she was up to something and made her refund us for the charges)...everything takes forever (really missing american efficiency)...maximum six items in the dressing room means "go back in line with the next six", not "I'll hold the rest and you can switch them out"... the only internet we can find is at McDonalds...food portions are much smaller (or maybe that's a good thing?)...our kitties are not here...
Wow...it must appear as if we have had a lot more bad experiences than good, but it just happened that they made for a funnier blog. All in all, we are so grateful to be here. The weather is amazing (some may consider it on the hot side, but we like it that way...especially in the evenings when everyone eats out on patio tables on the street and the breeze is incredible). We are enjoying public transportation and walking everywhere. We are already adjusted to the time change - we slept 12 hours our first night! Although there's lots of weird food, there's also pizza everywhere (Naomi won't starve...she just might put on a few LB's...haha). OK! more to come later...we love and miss you all!
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Polly is doing very well so far. She is just about to take over as the Queen of the kitties!
ReplyDeleteKeep on blogging! It's ironic -- we'll know more about what you are doing in Barcelona than we did when you lived up the freeway! Can't wait for your next blog!
ReplyDeletehaha Thanks mom and Auntie!
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun. Makes me kinda sad though that right as we are moving back west, you guys left. That's okay though. It sounds like you guys are having a fun/interesting time. Take care of yourselves and we will keep in touch as we always have.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that Spaniards love to wear California surf t-shirts that don't even make sense. For example, "California Bakersfield Beach Club" is on my personal faves. I called the guy out on it too. Of course, he had never heard of Bakersfield. haha
ReplyDeleteAlso, trying things on outside the dressing room is a big no no. I got in trouble once for trying a sweater on off the rack. ooops.
And....customer service stinks. When eating out, prepare to wait at least 45 minutes for the check. No biggie though, you'll get used to it :)
I look forward to reading about more of your adventures in ESPANA. OLE!!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI am a fire captain with the FD your aunt Denise works for, she gave me your link. Congratulations on making a cool trip out of the job change. I was hoping to follow your blog if I could for a few reasons:
1. My son John is in Spain for a one year immersion program his junior year at UCSB. He is in Cadiz until approx Aug 15, then he will move to the University of Barcelona where he'll be from late aug until July of 2010. He's looking at settling in the Gracia barria (how bohemian of him). I hope he too can locate near a grocery store, since he said the diet is pretty greasy and not much produce. Anyway..as a parent it would be nice to have a contact with adults from the US with "boots on the ground" for some intel..or if some catastrophic thing that goes down.
2. Hopefully he could pick up some tips from your guys' blog about chronicaling a trip (nice start btw)
3. He may be looking into getting a low level ESL tutor job somewhere later in 09/early 10. If you hear of credible places that hire students (not overly exploiting them) that'd be cool.
4. Even though I'm 52...I think blogs..especially travel blogs are cool
So glad things are going well! And thrilled that you are doing this through a non-facebook/twitter/myspace social medium! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you are there safe and sound!! Your stories are reminding me of when I was there in the summer 2000!! Gaudi is amazing and the town is great! Thank you for keeping us updated because we can live vicariously through you!
ReplyDeleteAdrian and I went to Cherie's graduation at Azusa! It was weird being there without you and Sharon. I was so proud of her!
Gianna is becoming such a lady and waiting for her little brother to show up! Only 4 more months to go! UGH!
I miss you already, and look forward to your next blogs!
Think I got this figured out now....you know me and technology - not a good thing - just want to say I love you - proud of you - and hope you two have a blast!
ReplyDeleteGlad you guys made it there safely. All the difficulties just make for a better story... no big deal.
ReplyDeleteRowdy and Pam are doing great... they let Zoey maul them. Sox seems to be afraid and is not asserting any ownership rights yet. Tipsy is summer skinny and needs to work out if she wants to be in charge. Taffy is running scared.
Susan and Jen made it back from Oz today... great trip!
All is fine here. I'll be in Germany end August, first week in September. I did not book extra days to come see you... I'll do that on the next trip.
We miss you already! Love,
Papa
oh my gosh!!!! it is so good to hear how you guys are doing- great posting- keep up the good work:) by the way, nomi's hair story made me laugh out loud!!!
ReplyDeletelove and miss you guys soooo much!!!!!!
Miss you two... glad 2 see you are there safe and sound, let the stories and adventures begin...xoxo
ReplyDeletealright - new posting PLEASE now that you have your luggage!
ReplyDeletewrite something new, darnit!
ReplyDelete1 year blog:
ReplyDelete>>> got here.
>>> went home.
end blog.
Hey, what's the best cat repellant to use. Rowdy and Pam are underfoot and on counters... I think you gave us more that 2 cats because the seem to be EVERYWHERE, all the time! Pretty tricky.
Skype call this weekend... any time is good for me and Mom... don't know Zoey's schedule.
Love,
Dad
Thanks everyone for all your comments and for following our blog! We love reading your comments, hearing about your stories, and getting a good laugh out of everything. Thanks for reading along. And thanks for those of you new comers to our story (Jack) :). Also, Mom & Mark - please keep the kitty updates coming! ;)
ReplyDeleteWe miss you guys!