Barcelona Day 2

And now, for today´s post.

My group had a lazy morning. After going on such little sleep for so long, we needed it. It was a gray day today, unlike the GORGEOUS yesterday we had. Yesterday the sun was out in full force and we were comfortable walking around in jeans and a thin shirt. Today it was cold and the forecast called for rain.

We ate breakfast at the hostel and then went out and got a 2 day pass for a bus tour. They run all over Barcelona and are a great way to see the city. We started riding on top of the bus but then it rained and we were forced to go inside it. It was really great to see more of Barcelona. I hadn´t anticipated Barcelona being as HUGE as it is. Its also very spread out which, after living in extremely condensed Aix, also suprised me. It was really neat to see some of the Gaudi buildings- especially La Sagrada Familia which is huge cathedral. It is Gaudi´s most famous work and has yet to be finished. They started construction in 1883. It´s breathtaking with its 12 spires for each disciple and all of its intricate detailing. We plan on seeing more of it tomorrow. After our bus tour, we went to go get food. We were starving and got some great gelato. Later as we were walking to dinner, Amy pointed out a French sandwich shop that looked good. I quickly shot down that idea citing the fact that we were in Spain, so we couldn't possibly get French food. I then quickly recommended Subway and the girls cracked up. lol Seeing as how I genuinely wanted Subway, was confused. The girls pointed out that I shot down French food and suggested we eat at an American chain. lol-oops. It was a funny moment. After dinner we went to Mass at Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. It was so beautiful and after Mass we took pictures. We then walked back along La Rumblus which was bustling with people and walked back to the hostel, where I am now.

General Observations of Barcelona-
People don´t sleep here. We think Barcelona should steal NY´s nickname. This is truly the city that doesn´t sleep. We came back at 2 last night (we went to dinner after the show- I had a very Spanish dish...some type of rice. didn´t like it) and the streets were still packed with people.

Spaniards are nice!! Or, at least the one´s we´ve met. They´re friendly, helpful and are a definite change from the French that we´ve met. That being said, we are slightly homesick for France. At least there we can somewhat speak the langauge. Here langauge barriers are definitely more pronounced for us. haha- pronounced. Another funny thing, we keep trying to speak French to them. I guess its habit for us to respond to people with "oui" or "si vous plait". lol We keep laughing at ourselves for doing it. Ashley ordered at Starbucks in French and the guy talked to her in French, thinking it was her first langauge. haha hilarious.

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We're doing a girls night tonight. We are going to take a nap (because we have to stay out as late as the Spaniards) get dolled up and hit the down. Maybe go out dancing... we really are loving Barcelona. I'll try to keep you posted (oh so many lame puns tonight) with the events of the evening and tomorrows happenings. There is a lot do and much to see. I´m taking a lot of pictures and look forward to showing them to you! Hope all is well!