Days 2 - 6

Well, I'm winding down to day 6...just had my first dinner in the flat. My own version of a caprese salad (pretty sure that's italian but,whatever) - tomatoes, red pepper & cucumber that I bought at a local produce stand, mozerella & blue cheese and olive oil and balsamic. Accompanied by a baguette from a bakery a few blocks from the flat and a glass of white wine, of course. I feel like a real European! I ate it at twilight, looking over the Mediterranean from my flat...pretty amazing! It was a wonderful ending to a somewhat challenging day - first day alone here and feeling a tad homesick. Thank god for modern technology - emails and my new best friend - the web cam!

Ramey left yesterday morning and we had an amazing time together - mainly spent at...the beach! On our 2nd day here (July 2nd) we rented bikes and biked about an hour & a half north to a beach town, Bandolina. We had some minor detours figuring out the way there which involved some not-so-scenic areas (like the power plant!) but had fun figuring out our way. Spent most of the next day at the beach here at the flat - definitely an interesting place! PACKED with people from 9am to 9pm (though there are still plenty of people out there now at 10) and every two minutes you have an asian woman asking if you want a massage for 5 euro (I took one of them up on the offer the first day - not bad) and somewhat creepy dudes asking if you want a cerveza or coca cola. They are a little annoying but I've already gotten really good at the art of ignoring them.

Highlight of all the beaches was definitely the 3rd day (July 4th!) when we figured out the metro and train system and took a train about 30 minutes south of Barcelona to a beach town called Sitges. We had been told it was beautiful and it definitely did not disappoint! Gorgeous little town with narrow streets and the beach was lined with beautiful little buildings. Also very crowded as apparently it is the hot spot destination for Barcelona people to get out of town on the weekend. I will definitely go back as often as possible though...3 days on the beach - rough life, I know!

We had some great meals around town including my first seafood paella experience. I was proud that I ventured out to taste the local dish - complete with prawns, mussels, calamari & some mystery white fish. (I asked for all the fish de-shelled, still a little squemish) We also had our fair share of cava - considering it is cheaper than a diet coke and so very tasty AND, since champagne happens to be my favorite adult beverage, it's hard to resist! We also stumbled upon a fantastic Italian restaurant in the middle of nowhere by chance after we tried going to some fancy place that had been recommended to us and ended up being closed (even though we had called to make sure they were open). We had a really fun night (filled with one too many limoncellos) and I was reminded that often times the most fun experiences really happen by chance.

Now I'm just adjusting to exploring the city on my own. Walked ALOT today just wandering around and finding out where my feet take me. Still haven't had to use a map so I am happy that my navigation skills are still in tact. Going to watch a movie on my lap top now and look forward to another day of exploring tomorrow! Likely heading to a little area north of the city where there is apparently a really cool Gaudi park and some quiet streets. Downtown Barcelona seems to always be packed and is a little claustrophobic for me so something tells me most of my time will be spent at random parks or, of course - the beach! Weather here has been sunny and hot every day so, I really can't complain. And, I promise to share some pictures once I figure out how to a1)download pics from my new camera and b2)post pics on my blog!!

Feliz Cumpleanos a mi!

(I know my spanish isn't right - I've quickly learned that taking a Spanish refresher class should probably be on the top of my to do list here)

So...I arrived in Barcelona this morning without a glitch (even 30 minutes early!). I must say that waking up in Spain on the morning of my birthday is quite a way to start the new year! I took a taxi to my flat in Barceloneta and, I'm not going to lie - this place is UNBELIEVABLE! It's a really quaint small studio flat on the 4th floor of an old building. It is literally right on the beach and the views of the beach and ocean from the flat is amazing. There is also a rooftop deck that has spectacular views. As I type, I am overlooking the Mediterranean Sea as the sun sets, with the windows and door open and a nice breeze coming off the water (it is still hot though!).

The couple that I rented the flat from are wonderful - she is from Belgium and he is from London. They have lived in Spain for over 10 years, with their current primary residence in "the mountain" (Pyrenees). They were quick to give me many tips on acclimating to the city including their favorite restaurant (which I believe we're going to check out tonight for a special birthday dinner) and places to see. Katrien also organizes a yoga retreat in the mountains later in July which I am hoping to attend.

Within minutes of my arrival I had a special delivery - a gorgeous bouquet of sunflowers from Walt. Exhibit #110 that I have the most amazing boyfriend on the planet! Between the flowers and the pics of Casey and friends that I brought, the flat quickly felt like home. My good friend from college, Ramey, spontaneously booked a ticket to spend the first 5 days with me here and she arrived a few hours after I did this morning.

After unpacking we headed out to explore the city a little. Even without a map, we managed to navigate our way pretty easily. Ironically the city is laid out similarly to Seattle with mountains on one side and water on the other so I think/hope that'll help me navigate without having to look like the lame tourist with her face in a map. We stumbled upon a cute tapas place for lunch called el Rovell and had a few small plates and a glass of Cava (spanish champagne - which I have a feeling I will be drinking A LOT over the next 7 weeks). Then went to the mercato to pick up the basics (water, coke zero and cheese & crackers) which is just a few blocks from our flat. Then, in true Spanish fashion we proceeded home for a 3 hour siesta. Needless to say, I could really get used to this lifestyle!

That's about it - so far! Seeing that dinner and the nightlife doesn't get started until late here (perfect for the nightowl that I am) I have a feeling there's still some birthday fun to be had...between all the birthday wishes from my friends and family and being in such a magestic place, I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I have never felt so blessed, happy and loved in my entire life. If you're reading this it means that you are certainly one of the special people in my life and for that, I say - thank you! If today is any indication, I know that this is going to be an amazing year!

Adios Seattle!

Well, I survived my last day at work yesterday. After 11 years in the insurance biz it was definitely bittersweet and a little surreal. I was completely floored and touched by the love and support of my co-workers and clients. I will truly miss all of them, especially each member of my quirky little DiMar family.

I then had an amazing send off last night. Thai with my good friend Katie followed by some beers at Kings Hardware - my all time fav bar in Seattle. Thank you for everyone that came out! It meant so much to me to have each of you there and reminded me that I am blessed with the best friends on the planet!

It's a gorgeous, sunny day here in Seattle - perfect taste of the summer before I leave. I think the mountain may even be out to say good bye (ha!)...Passport? Check! Euros? Check! Wristband? Check! Guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be...flight to DC leaves at 2...adios Seattle! See you in September!

Welcome to my blog!

Hi Friends and Family,
I have created this blog to write of my summer adventures on the east coast and in Europe. I am leaving Seattle on June 24th and will be travelling as follows:
June 24 -30 - visit friends and family in Virginia
June 30 - fly from DC to Atlanta then to Barcelona
July 1 - wake up the morning of my 33rd birthday in Barcelona!
July 1 - Aug 5th - flat in Barceloneta
Aug 5 - 19th - travel
Aug 19th - fly from Venice to NY to DC
Aug 21 - Aug 28 - visit sister and friends in Boston
Aug 28 - fly back to Seattle
It should be quite an adventure - vamanos!!