Weekend in Spain!

Hola !

This weekend the super group (Henna, Emily, Aubree, Gabby, Brandon, Dave and I) traveled to Barcelona, Spain!
Thursday we thought it best to stay up all night since a car would be picking us up at 5. What a mistake ! After navigating the airport by ourselves we finally boarded our plane. I had planned to sleep through the 2 hour flight but, a few spaniards decided to get drunk and keep me awake by singing Journey.
When we reached our hostel we checked in then headed for breakfast. Starting the day off with coffee and baileys should have told me how the night would end. (Trying to order off a Spanish menu, is pointless! Pointing is really your best option even if it means you get your first swig of whiskey.)
After, breakfast we walked around and found La Sagrada Familia. This church blew the colosseum away in size. A famous architect, Gaudi, started building it in 1880! The current architect predicts it to be finished in 2026!
Barcelona is known for its architecture, Gaudi built everything to blow the next project away. By 7 o'clock though, we had blisters on our feet and were getting tired. We decided a nap was in order and after we would go out and experience what Barcelona is also known for, it's night life!
After a few hours we ended up at Ryan's bar. We had tapas(Spanish snacks) and met quite a few people. It turned out we were not the only travelers there. Istanbul, France, and Ireland were just a few countries we learned about Friday evening. The bartender insisted we try the sangria and tequila before we left Spain. I must say both can not compare to the states!
Around 1 am we decided to head back to our hostel. Because there are 7 of us we have to take two cabs. Little did I know, my 15 minute cab ride was going to turn into a 2 hour walk home.
When Brandon, Gabby and I got into our cab our driver spoke no English. I had to remember the basic Spanish I learned in junior high, "tres tres cinco" does not come easily after a few vodka sprites. Finally, Brandon and I communicated where we needed to go and we were off. twenty minutes later I had no idea where we were and neither did our driver. We decided it would be best to get out and find a new taxi.
It turns out Dupacio street is a side street off La Rambla and is not well known. Five cabs and thirty euro
later Brandon and I were freaking out. As gabby hugged a tree I looked at a bus map praying I could figure it out. ( if you know anything about me, then you should know how pointless this was.)
Completely sober at this point, I began to panic. Brandon was dealing with Gabby and I was left to navigate us home. By some strum of luck, a lovely French couple noticed my tears and used there iPhone to get directions. Turns out we were only three streets away!
Before coming on this trip everyone told me how much I would grow up on this trip, I never thought much of it until Friday night. It is amazing how being lost in a foreign country can make you thankful for what you have and really make you think someone else may be watching out for you.

Ps- gram, don't freak out Barcelona is also know for its low crime rate.

Long Days, even Longer Nights

Well here we are again, 1:54 am and I am wide awake. This jet lag is getting old. Last night two Tylenol PMs did not even do the trick! Here is a few pictures of the colosseum and my first bite of real pizza for those of you who are awake too!

First Day!

Currently, it is 3:17 am Rome time and I am posting a blog. Needless to say, my roommate, Aubree, and I are suffering from jet lag. It has been an Interesting first day here in Roma, after finding out my electricity converter will not charge my laptop, convert enough electricity to heat my straightener or run my hair dryer tensions were running high in room 303. To top off those problems there is also no safe water to drink inside my new home. If by chance we are invaded, hopefully Aubree can sneak outside to the well and pump us a bucket or two.

I was ever hopeful when I learned we would be traveling to the quaint town of Castel Gandolfo. After, a twenty minute uphill walk dodging fiats and angry Italians we arrived. Although red faced and sweating I could not hide my astonishment at the little town. It was the picturesque streets, cafes, and and cigarettes that you picture Rome to be. As my group and I explored, skipping mass of course, we all had renewed hope that adjusting would not be so difficult if we had this to look forward too.