First stop after leaving the apartment was back to Placa de Catalunya. This is considered the "center" of town, and where our school is located. I
n the center of the square is a huge area with a star shaped pattern in the ground. There are tons of pigeons, everywhere, and lots of little stands where you could buy feed for the pigeons. So, we bought some bird food, and began to feed the pigeons. At first I was a little apprehensive, but 
they were very friendly, and it was quite fun, especially sharing the food with small children who also wanted to feed the pigeons.Next we ventured down Las Ramblas. (The other day we only went a few streets down) Today we travelled the whole way down. After the bird stands, and numerous "human statues" there were fresh flower booths, and local artists selling their painting. Las Ramblas is quite the place. I have a feeling it is considered very touristy, but it is still a fun trip for one of the first few days in Barcelona. At the end of the street (on weekends) there is a small market with local artists and vendors. Lots of really cool jewelry, scarves, and purses! Ahhh, everything I love. I have to limit myself though, considering I have 4 months to make purchases. While perusing the stands, it was necessary to speak Spanish, as many of the vendors couldn't speak English. I am starting to get more bold when it comes to speaking Spanish. At first I was hesitant, but instances like this give me more confidence that I can do IT!
After exploring the street market, we finally got to the MEDITERRANEAN SEA! It was so beautiful, but it was beginning to get dark, and very chilly. We didn't stay too long, but it was nice to see. I think it will be more beautiful when I can see it not at the Port (which is where we were). Next time I will try to go to the beaches to see it. After exploring down by the peer, we walked back up Las Ramblas.
We stopped at a small souvenir shop and each bought a caganer. (Angelina bought The Queen of England, and I bought Obama.)The caganer is a particular feature of modern Catalan nativity scenes, and is also found in other parts of Spain and southwestern Europe, but it is most famous in Barca. According to wikipidea (not a "reliable" source, i know, but good enough for now) "possible reasons for placing a man who is in the act of excreting waste in a scene which is widely considered holy include: tradition, humor (which the Catalan people truly have), equality of people (everyone defecates), fertilization of the earth, naturalism, etc" At any rate, I had to get one while here. (despite being over priced, and very souveniresque)
After shopping around, we stopped at a small cafe for some coffee. I got my favorite, cafe con leche. (Basically half espresso and half milk in a small cup) It is so delicious. Angelina got Suizo, which is hot chocolate. (Which is extremely thick!!) I need to find some churros before I get this. mmmm. Another interesting note about all the cafes here. At home, we are so accustomed to coffee on the go, but here it is much less common to get coffee and take it away. People enjoy drinking their coffee in a mug and sitting down and relaxing with friends in the cafe. I like this idea, but sometimes it would be nice to take it with me on the go to. I guess I just need to relax a little. haha. I don't think coffee to go is completely obsolete, but it is definitely much less common.
Took the metro home, and relaxed until dinner, and then relaxed until bed. The exhaustion from the past few days caught up to all of us. I think we were running on adrenaline or something those first few days, but thankfully I got a much needed good nights sleep last night, and now feel great.
Off to explore the grocery store with Tina and then go to my class. Later we have a scavenger hunt around the city. (Should be interesting). Hasta Luego.
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