Day 1: Fly to Spain. I got too see my parents in the morning. They had come into town for a dive trip to the Keys, so we met for breakfast and got to hang out for a little while, then they drove me to the airport while Russell went to work, and my adventure began. All of my flights were delayed...this was ok, because I had a long layover in Newark, and both flights were delayed. So after many hours in airports and alseep on planes, I landed in Barcelona around 11 am local time. I have been to Europe twice, but never to Spain. Getting through customs was a breeze (dear the TSA and US customs....). As I was getting my luggage I noted the pictures of ETA members posted all over the airport. Once out, I caught a cab to my Hotel. I was staying in the Barceloneta district, down by the beach, in a Student Residence. It is a pretty sweet setup, kind of a combination of a dormitory and a hostel. It was clean, pleasent, and unlike some Hostels, pretty quiet. Thanks to my sleep on the plane, once I had cleaned up, I was ready to go explore the city.
I flew in to Barcelona two days before the conference started so I could at least see a little. I wandered out from the hotel and out into the City. My first stop was the Barcelona Aquarium. I can't help it, whenever I am in a new city with an aquarium I have to go. The aquarium was nice, not huge but with relatively good displays. I really liked their Mediterranean stuff.
After the aquarium I headed up into the old Barri Gotic (the old Gothic District). Parts of this district have been in place since Roman times. It was my favorite neighboorhood, all narrow streets and winding alleys, too small for vehicles but full of cool shops.
I spent the rest of the day wandering this part of town before meeting my labmates for dinner.
Day Two: Barcelona is Famous for its architecture, and having done a report in my Spanish class about Gaudi, I was determined to to go see a lot of his stuff. So my labmate Amy and I set off first thing to go check out the Sagrada Familia.
And I loved this staircase.
Late now. Tomorrow (or Saturday) I'll post part II: More Gaudi, the Conference, and Montjuic.
1 comment:
holy crap meredith. This totally kicks the pants off of switzerland!
How's hurricane season?
PS: have you seen my new bike? And I'm going to paris to see the end of le tour.......
kisses and pony nuzzles.
klo
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