The Train Station
I knew I had left France and had arrived in Spain because the organization on the train had drastically deteriorated. We decided to get off the train and get something to drink and upon reboarding found the Spanish train assistants giving the Arab looking passengers a hard time, inquiring about their passports. Being white, Jay (another American assistant) and I were let on right away. There are times when I am grateful to be white, male, and American. Customs is one of those times.
McDonald's
Once we arrived in Barcelona we were starving. So where did we go considering all of amazing food that exists in Spain (tapas and paella to name a couple)? McDonald’s of course! (crazy Americans). You just can't beat the dollar (Euro) value meal when you are on a budget. Anyhow, it was not at all an American experience. The McDonalds in Spain prides itself on inefficiency. The same person who takes your order also prepares your food, makes your drinks, and bags it. Everyone else in line just waits while he does this. The whole process took about an hour from the time we walked in the door and finally sat down to eat. This definitely brought new meaning to the term fast food.
Architecture
Spanish architecture is truly beautiful. One of Barcelona's premier modern architects is named Gaudi. He was a naturalist and you can't miss his work because it literally looks like it just grew there. His Sagrada Familia, a most impressive church, is so ornate and complicated you could spend hours looking at the surfaces of the exterior walls and never really feel like you were able to see it all.
After a few art exhibitions we made it to the point were Columbus set sail for the new world. It is crazy to think that it was only about 500 years ago that we were all convinced that the world was flat. This monument is dedicated to the discovery of the fact that the world is round.
Canadians in Spain
At our youth hostel we ran into the three greatest Canadian girls. After a few jokes about having forgotten that Canada even exists and a discussion about American obesity (quite a problematic stereotype), we decided to head out for some dinner. We finally got to have some of that great Spanish food. In fact, we had such a great time that, without planning it, we ended up spending the rest of the trip together.
Street Vendors
Holy cow! Spain does not play games when it comes to street vendors. Every freak show with a personality, a talent or a trick is out on the streets. With all the costume and make-up it's like Halloween twenty-four/seven (not that I am complaining, it was all quite entertaining) Anyhow, it was definitely worth mentioning.
The Last Day
After some more sightseeing we ended up at Park de la Cuidadella. A gorgeous and sunny day, the park was even more spectacular than the whether. Spain, is host to some of the most beautiful European parks. Having had a picnic on the grounds, a bit of letter writing, and a walk through the robust and ornate Spanish fountains, Jay and one of the Canadian girls showed up with what looked like the crossing of a tandem bicycle and a car. With four bicycle wheels and pedals for two, it also had a steering wheel and a canvas roof over the top. Clearly being built for two, all five of us decided to climb in: two in the seats, one on a lap, one in the basket in the front of the “vehicle” so that the driver could not see, and me on the top waving at everyone like a celebrity. Needless to say we were a sight these Spaniards had never seen before and their faces made it clear (crazy kids- definitely not from this continent). Once I finally got behind the wheel it was all over.
Live and Learn
Did I mention that Jay lost our return train tickets. (Yikes!) Luckily, we (or Jay rather) managed to purchase new ones. All ready to head home we discovered that there are actually two train stations in Barcelona. This discovery was made at the train station where we were not supposed to be, at about five minutes before our train was due to depart. Needless to say, we had an unexpected change of plans.
About ready to kill each other, Jay and I made it to the Spanish/French Boarder and stayed over night in a little town called Cerbère. The hotel room, cheaper than our youth hostel, was the epitome of southern France. Decked out in blue and yellow prints, the room was reminiscent of the nautical town that is Cerbère or (Cerbera if you are in Spain). The tiny village was so lovely that we decided to take a stroll, although it was already midnight. It was not actually until this point that we realized we were on the Mediterranean Coast.
Our friendship still in tack, we counted our blessings, had a great night sleep, and made back to France in the morning.
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