Last night in Barcelona!

Today is my last day in Barcelona! I'm sad to leave Barcelona (especially the nice hostel...who knows what we will be staying in next!!!), but I'm excited to discover Italy and France. I am going to keep this update quick because I fly to Rome tomorrow morning and still have to stuff everything in my suitcase and (hopefully) get some sleep.

Our day had an early-ish start. We were planning to take the metro to Gaudi park which i was surely excited about. I was expecting a NYC subway station (hot, trash smelling, dirty and gross) but was surprised by hoe CLEAN it was! Not only was it cool with a nice breeze (way cooler than the beating sun outside) but it also smelt pleasant, the trash cans had actually been emptied, and I felt fine holding onto the pole inside. We arrived at our stop and took a bus to Gaudi  Park.

So far, Barcelona feels great but the vibe isn't extremely different from NYC. There are streets of gorgeous buildings and suddenly you come upon a monument or place of historical significance.

Although a lot of Barcelona doesn't have an exotic feel,  Gaudi Park is beautiful and unique. It is a park designed by Gaudi for a wealthy man who wanted a villa overlooking the city. Walking through the villa you can see Gaudis detailed mosaic art covering entire buildings. He was designing a set for a Hansel And Grettle play at the time, so he was inspired to create life-size gingerbread houses. While climbing up the villa I reached a long park bench  level overlooking the city. Te park bench is actually the longest in the world!! Climbing even higher we reach the highest part of the villa which has a breathtaking view of the city. I can't wait for. You to see pictures!

After this we stopped for lunch. To be honest, I have not been extremely impressed. Y Spanish food with the exception of the paella. It mostly consists of sandwiches and pork. 

Next we were given the choice to visit FC Barcelona stadium or tour La Sagrada Familia. Since I am not a huge soccer fan (or should I say "football") I chose to tour the church which was absolutely breathtaking! It was full of beautiful columns and breathtaking designs. They are finishing it's construction as planned by the original designer, but can't fully complete the design because doing so would require destructing two city blocks!

Next we had then choice to relax at the hotel or  visit the  Dali exhibit. Even though I was SO tired after allbof the subway rides, walking and busses, I could not POSSIBLY leave Barcelona with an opportunity missed! I went to the Dali exhibit with only 3 other girls (the other 26 decided to stay in the hotel!) The exhibit was so unique! There were lots of sculptures that we took Funny pictures with and some drawings that ai had seen in art textbooks before. For those of you unfamiliar with Dali, he  is the artist who drew the melting clocks.

Our final dinner in Spain was pretty special. We have yet to eat any "amazing" food (it has mostly been chowing down on bread or sandwiches..or both) and tonight we went to La Petit Galeria where we had an option of sushi or home-made stuffed pasta. I am not into the "raw fish" idea so i opted for the pasta which with was really good...but kind of saddening because we only got 4 ravioli and I am more familiar with larger portions =p The most unique thing was a  magic man working in the restaurant. He did some tricks that in couldn't even figure out... He did crazy things, but I don't want to bore you with long details...just go for yourself if you visit Barelona! Trust me, it was awesome!

Before packing (we leave for Rome in the morning) we went to a small theater to see a Flamenco show. It was nothing like I expected! This traditional Flamenco consisted of music and fast tap dancing. A man and a woman danced with passion and strength that I've never seen before.

Well I have to go...off to Rome tomorrow morning!

XXX
Jess