Cosmo Barcelona: Combining the old with the new

After reading a number of friend´s blogs, I realized that I have yet to really describe the city of Barcelona, Spain, and what I think and feel about it so far. I guess this is because I´ll be here until February, and therefore, my thoughts and feelings will just come out in my postings over time, and not in a 3 or 4 paragraph summary such as if I were staying for a shorter period. However, I think that I should try to give you my initial impressions after only 2 (almost 3) weeks here.

Barcelona is the capital of the province Catalunya. The main language spoken here is Catalan, which is kind of like a dialect of Spanish, only it´s very different (more French and Italian). The second language is Spanish, and then maybe English or German or Dutch. While there are many english speaking foreigners, there are very few from North America (which is something I was not expecting). It is possible to get around with only english, but it is not easy, and really only in the touristy places. The city is a very old one, originally established by the Romans (I think) around 500BC. Like all european cities, it´s history is displayed everywhere you turn, and is part of what defines it. A combination of this old feeling (churches and narrow cobble streets), and the new modern updates ('92 Olympics for example) are what give this centre it´s distinctive character and culture. The number one industry in this city is tourism (services) and then agriculture and finally industry (especially construction). Catalans are fiercely proud of their region and will almost always differentiate themselves from the rest of Spain (they aren´t Spanish, they are Catalan). They're fanatical over their futball league team: Barcelona, and in comparison, they only half-heartedly support the national team currently at the world cup.

When people immigrate to Spain, they must become spanish in order to survive,... This seems very different from Toronto, where there seems to be less of a change in immigrants lifestyles, as they bring some of their culture and customs with them to the new country

I can see what people mean when they refer to this city as very cosmopolitan. There is so much to do for those who live to be an urbanite. You have more shopping than one could ever imagine, beaches at your doorstep, cafés, restaurants, art and architechure, fashion, discoteques, the list goes on and on. Needless to say, as I explore this city and integrate myself into the spanish way of life, I am learning a lot about myself, and what I´m capable of.

For those who are less urban and like the outdoors, there are still some activities to keep you busy, but they are not as well advertised, and you need to search them out. Peter (an Australian IAESTE student) and I went for a run this past Sunday up one of the 'mountains' which surround the city. It is more like a very large hill, and is called Tibidabo. At the top is a cathedral that is surrounded by a very commercial amusement part. I found that a bit ironic and sacreligious, but my work colleagues seem to find it just perfectly normal. The view from the top was well worth the dehydration that resulted from the run up there. We have learned our lesson, and now realize why it is not a good idea to exercise here midday.

I played some tennis last Monday with two guys from work, Diego and Favian. They are much better players than I am, and took it easy on me, but it was a lot of fun. It took a couple of days to recover. I play again today after work :)

Last week I went to a club called La Paloma with my friend Anton (from work), and his girl friend, Carla, her flatmates and some other Spanish friends, and Peter (the Australian). Ironically enough everyone that I went with was a chemical engineering student. This club is a little different as it’s an old theater that seniors use for ballroom dancing in the evening, and then after midnight it transforms into a discoteque. Every 2nd Wednesday of the month they have an ‘ethnic’ themed night. It was hilarious as I saw everything from topless trapeze artists to bollywood dancers. The main event was a Spanish pop/rock band called Maga from Sevilla (in the south). It was a lot of fun, and I was the first to go home when I dragged myself away at 3am. I don´t know how people function at work when they’re doing this on a regular basis. (see the pics below) http://www.lapaloma-bcn.com/ing/index.php

Last Friday night there was a bbq for everyone at work. Everyone under 30 at work loves a party, and there were about 20 of us in total. I think that the food was very typical Catalan cuisine with lots of cerveza, mojitos and sangria and to eat: olives, bread with tomato and oil, sausages, kabobs, cheese and then finally ice cream. I love the food here. Dinner turned into dancing and then around 4 or 5 in the morning, all of us still at the party decided it was a good time for a night swim at the beach. Arriving home as the sun came up I was exhausted and slept pretty much all of Saturday. Saturday night I had a chance to meet a bunch of the other IAESTE students who are here in Barcelona.

I am now into my 3rd week here and I have just begun my main project at work. I have a rediculous number of mosquito bites all over my legs from the bbq on Friday, but with rest they and my cold will soon be gone. The weather is starting to heat up.

I never meant for this posting to be so long,... but I´ve been adding to it for a week now.

To all of my fellow travellers, and to everyone at home who is looking for any excuse to see an incredible part of Europe, PLEASE come and visit me. I will be your own personal tour guide (when I'm not at work).

Missing you all in Canada very much. - Sarah