Weeks five and six

I have been neglecting my blog- I apologize. So much has happened since visiting Girona. I don't even really know where to begin. I am going to split up my posts by event. First, Mary and I went to a small Spanish tapas place called La Xampanyeria where many locals go to get all boozy on cava which is only 1 euro a glass and eat big cheesy sandwiches and some traditional style tapas. We love this place and have been planning on making our way back.

We finally made our way to the Barcelona Cathedral which is walking distance from our school. The cathedral was built during the 14th century. The gothic style architecture is absolutely beautiful. I have learned so much about the Mediterranean gothic style in my architecture and painting class (I have a very knowledgeable and passionate professor) that I have come to appreciate it so very much.

The interior of the cathedral is unbelievable, it is hard to believe that something like this was built hundreds and hundreds of years ago. After visiting the cathedral we went to Museu Picasso de Barcelona. In my architecture and painting class we are learning extensively about Picasso and his life in Paris and Barcelona. It was really unreal to see Picasso's classic signature on his works.

 Self Portrait

 Picasso's signature

 Self Portrait With a Wig

I will do separate posts for my visits to Tarragona and Lisbon, Portugal. Until next time...

Week three & four

Today marks the day of my one month arrival in Barcelona. I have been busy with homework and basically fitting into my new life here. The last two weeks have been fairly mellow. I still wake up everyday in awe that I am actually here. Living the dream I have had for years.

Two weekends ago (I lagged on my post) we went to the beautiful city of Girona. The city is about an hour or so north of Barcelona and is one of the oldest Catalonia cities. It is a breathtaking city full of color and life. A river flows through the middle and the Pyrenees mountains can be seen from the top of the lookout towers which were used to protect the cit from invaders hundreds of years ago.

Picture perfect.

There were also some very cool vintage street vendors- if you know me you know I am obsessed with this kind of stuff. I picked up a couple one-of-a-kind pieces I can't wait to bring home.

So after spending a couple of hours in Girona exploring the cathedral and old Roman grounds we ventured north (I think it was north) to a small village called Besalu. Besalu was the sleepiest little Spanish village with a few shops, restaurants and of course a church (a city in Spain needs two things- a church and a market to be considered a city). The village was surrounded by water and had ruins of an old synagogue. 

The people of Besalu are born and raised there. If a foreigner comes to live in the village he or she will always be known as the foreigner regardless of how long they may live there.

The views here were so peaceful and surreal. 

So far, Girona has been my favorite place. It was so peaceful and the cobblestone grounds really took you back in time. I love learning about the old Catalan cities and their history. This weekend we will be heading to Tarragona a wine country town south of Barcelona which should be really exciting. Also, I will be going to an FC Barcelona futbol game so I will be sure to keep everyone updated! I am so grateful and happy to be here. Until next time...