The coffee shop by our school is
flocked with students from CEA. It
is where everyone goes and chats before, between and after classes. I often see people eating croissants,
ham and cheese baguettes and grilled chicken sandwiches. I go here every Monday and Wednesday
morning before class and get a “café con leche y sacarina para llevar”. It only costs a euro and thirty-five
cents and it is quick and good. It
is a place that I associate with studying abroad since I see the other America
students on my program there each day.
The only bad aspect about the place is the theft. I have heard on multiple occasions that
my American friends and other students have gotten their phones and computers
stolen while they are sitting at this café. It is unfortunate that the crime and pick-pocketing in
Barcelona is so frequent. I have
heard on multiple occasions that people have been robbed in Barcelona. In fact, I had my phone stolen from by
pocketbook once. It is a scary and
upsetting experience. However, it
is not the end of the world. While
studying abroad you must be prepared to encounter many difficult situations and
you must always be aware of your surroundings.
domingo, 22 de abril de 2012
Dow Jones!
My favorite Bar in Barcelona is
called Dow Jones. It is located on
Carrer de Bruc, 97. The bar is decorated in the style of an
Irish pub. I like this bar because
it always has a good crowd, the bar tenders are friendly, and it is a bar so it
give you the ability to have a conversation rather than being in a crowded and
loud club. The prices of drinks go
up and down according to what people in the bar are drinking. When the price changes and if the
“stock” or the drinks crash then all of the drinks go down and everyone at the
bar cheers and buys rounds of drinks at a low and reasonable price. Sometimes the bar tenders will make me
a special drink and give it to me for free or for an extremely good price. I have noticed that bar and restaurant
owners in Barcelona become friendlier as you come to their bar or restaurant
more frequently. Since the bar
tenders at Dow Jones now know me and like me, they help me out with a free
drink here and there. In the
United States although you might go to a bar every single night and the bar
tender may know you on a first name basis, he or she will probably never give
you the drink for free or for a better price. However, the bar tender will still probably enjoy a good
conversation with you.
Zara!
My favorite store in Barcelona is Zara. Amancia Ortea Gaona founded it in 1963
and he is one of the richest people in Spain today. It is one of the largest fashion brands in Europe right now
and here are over three thousand Zara stores in the world. The stores carry clothing for people of
all ages. Before coming to Europe,
I did not like Zara. In fact, I went
to Zara several times in New York City and I have never bought anything. Now, I cannot go into Zara without
wanting to buy something. There is
such a wide range of styles and very unique apparel. I think the Zara stores in the United States should be just
as good as the one in Barcelona.
However, Zara is great all over Europe. I have traveled to many different cities while studying
abroad and I have seen at least one Zara store in every city I have
visited. There is a large Zara
store located on Passeig de Gracia, which is one of the most beautiful streets
in Barcelona. This street houses
the top designer international and Spanish brands. I walk on this street all the time and pass Zara. It is difficult to not run inside and
see the latest trends and styles featured throughout the store. I will miss Passeig de Gracia, Zara and
everything this part of Barcelona has to offer when I return to the United
States.
Malaga/Marbella!
Over my Spring break I was able to travel to Malaga and
Marbella. My two best friends
Jillian and Elan traveled from Israel and met me in Malaga. We spent Tuesday April 3rd
in Malaga. After we arrived, we
put our luggage in the hotel and then, went for a walk to roam the streets of
Malaga. We walked for about two
hours. We walked all the way down
to the port area, which was very clean and beautiful. Everything was going great until, on our way back to our
hotel, we noticed a very large crowd of people throughout the streets. Then, we noticed that it was some sort
of holy parade going on. It turned
out to be Semana Santa de Malaga, which is a very big holiday in Malaga. Throughout the streets stood people in
long cloaks carrying candles and parading with large statues of Jesus. We were certainly shocked that we were
caught in the middle of this and that we were in Malaga at such an important
time. Although it was not what we
were expecting, it turned out to be very interesting. We learned about a new holiday that we did not even know
existed. Finally, we made our way
through the crowd and made it back to our hotel. The next day we went to Marbella. Marbella has the most beautiful beaches and it is a great
place to vacation in Spain. We
were able to walk around and go to several restaurants and shops in Puerto
Banus. Our trip was very relaxing and enjoyable.
Carnival!
I took a trip to Sitges in February
with my friend Mattie Kramer. We
decided to go to Sitges last minute to celebrate carnival. Although we were not prepared to go because
we did not have or buy costumes, we managed to find masks in my apartment and
wear those. Since it was only our
second month being in Barcelona, we were not very familiar yet with the trains
or how to go about traveling to Sitges, a beach town in Spain. However, after getting lost several
times and trying to communicate and get directions from multiple people, we
ended up making friends with a local couple who allowed us to tag along on
their journey to Sitges. We went
to the Renfee train station and took a train that was about forty-five
minutes. Everyone on the train was
dressed up, celebrating and drinking.
When we arrived in Sitges at carnival, the streets were pact with people
dressed up in costumes. People
were drinking, smoking, dancing, and celebrating this holiday. There were huge parades throughout the
entire beach town. The parades and
crazy amount of people was fascinating to watch. If I had to compare it to a holiday in America, I would
compare it to Halloween. However,
carnival is much more wild. We
stayed in Sitges until about two in the morning. At two o’clock am, we got on a crowded line to take the
train back to the Barcelona. The
train was as much of a scene on the way back as it was on the way there. Overall, it was an awesome experience
and a great way to immerse ourselves into the Spanish culture.
lunes, 16 de abril de 2012
Go Barca: Football Game!
Football
is a huge part of the people who live in Barcelona’s lives. I have always heard about the football
games in Barcelona and I always saw all of the advertisements and clothing
around Barcelona but I did not know or understand what a Barcelona football
game was like until I experienced it.
I was fortunate to go to two different Barcelona football games this
semester. The first game I went to
a game was in March and Barcelona won obviously! I went with five of my girl friends and we bought tickets in
Las Ramblas at a booth on the street.
Our tickets ended up being the farthest seats away from the field you
could possibly be. The players
looked like ants. However, it was
so cool to watch it from that perspective. I was able to see the entire stadium and all of the fans
cheering and celebrating the success of their team. A Barcelona football game is more than just a game it is
part of the culture of Barcelona.
The amount of spirit and excitement present in the crowd was
incredible. People were chanting,
singing and screaming. Most of all
the people there were supporting Barcelona and Catalunya as a country. This sport is more than a sport; it is political. Barcelona is an amazing team and
football is a huge part of the Spanish culture. The second time I went to a game was last Tuesday night. My family was in town and we were able
to get great seats to the game! This
time, I was able to watch the game from a seat that was much closer to the
field. Unfortunately it was
raining but luckily we had seats that were located under the overhang and we
did not get wet. Even though it
was raining, each player still played his hardest and the fans continued to
cheer and support their team while getting wet. The people of Barcelona are very spirited and the players of
the Barcelona team are very talented.
I am so glad I was able to see these games while I was studying abroad
in Barcelona!
El Born: The Stylish Part of Town!
El Born is located very close to my
house. I walk to El Born every
night for dinner and I know the area very well. Many people are afraid to go to El Born at night because
there are many small alleys way street and it is very easy to get lost. It is sometimes scary at night because
there are people who will come up to you and try and bother you and say hello
but you need to know how to respond.
It is vital to make sure you are always aware of your surroundings and
to travel with another person if it is late at night. My teacher Xavi Alcon once told us a story about how he was
mugged in a small ally way that only had one exit. Luckily, he was okay but it can be scary at night. A person should never go into a dark
ally way alone at night here.
Aside from that, I usually feel very safe and comfortable in the area I
live in. There are also many shops
I love in El Born. There are small
local stores and there are also stores such as Custo that I enjoy going to. There are many cafes in El Born that
you can go to and have some food and a coffee and sit outside. The style of this area is very diverse
and there are all different types of people. This area is not where you will find the clubs and the crazy
nightlife but there are some bars and great restaurants. I even found a place to get my haircut
in El Born. It is called Anthony
Llobet, which is located on Calle Carders, 34. A nice Scottish hairdresser did my hair great and he even
spoke English!
Nightlife: It’s Always an Adventure!
The nightlife in Barcelona is one
aspect that pulled me toward coming abroad here. I was definitely interested in learning Spanish and learning
about the culture of Barcelona but I was also excited to experience the
nightlife that I heard a lot about.
Since I am not twenty-one in the United States and am not able to get
into the clubs, I was eager to see what these clubs were like and was excited
that I was legal to go to them.
However, before coming to Barcelona I heard that people do not eat
dinner until eleven o’clock at night and that they do not go out to clubs until
two in the morning. I did not
really understand the concept of this nor did I think I was going to do it and
be able to adapt to it. However, I
do eat dinner much later. I often
eat dinner at ten-thirty or eleven o’clock at night instead of eating around
six or seven o’clock at night. I
also go out to bars and clubs much later and stay out much later. Another aspect of this city that
appealed to me was that there is a beach.
When I arrived in Barcelona and was informed that there were many clubs
located on the beach I was so excited and was eager to go see these clubs. Luckily, I have had the chance to go to
many of these clubs. However it is
sometimes hard to go because I have class during the week and have to wake up
early. These clubs include, Shoko,
Opium, CDLC and Catwalk. These
clubs are the nicest clubs I have ever been to. There are often concerts at these clubs too. I was able to see Steve Aoki on a
Thursday night. It was one of the
craziest concerts I have ever been to.
He jumped into the crowd and was thrown around on his back by people. He threw four different cakes into the
crowd at people and he also poured orange juice and alcohol (grey goose) into
the crowd. This concert was like
nothing I have ever experienced before in my life. Surprisingly the concert was very under control. I wonder if it would be this under
control if it were happening in the United States. In the United States, since a person is not legal to drink
until the age of twenty-one years old, many people abuse alcohol and do stupid
things. Spanish people look at
Americans at some of these clubs and think that they are crazy because many of
these Americans are taking shots and getting very drunk. I have learned a lot about the
different cultures especially the culture in Barcelona. I think the nightlife in Barcelona is
amazing and fun but I am a person who loves to go to bars and talk and meet
people. I am able to also go to
bars here; however, clubs are more popular. I think it is more fun to be able
to have a conversation and talk to someone rather than be in a crowded club
dancing. I do not regret my
decision to study abroad here and I would recommend many students to study
abroad in Barcelona because there is never a dull moment. I am so lucky that I am able to live in
such a happening city that has so much to offer.
Milk Restaurant: Breakfast Time!
Another restaurant I love is called
Milk. It is located on Calle
Gignas, 21. It is located very
close to Bo de B. Calle Gignas is
located right off Calle Merce.
This restaurant is great for a weekend brunch with friends. I am so used to eating at diners
and having large breakfasts, since
that is what I eat often on the weekend in the United States. This place is the only place in
Barcelona where I have found different omelet options (that do not contain
potatoes) and large scrambled eggs.
Their portions are huge and they come with all different sides such as
potatoes, beans, bacon and more.
The ambiance of this restaurant is very cool. There are velvet couches and box shaped chairs that you sit
on. There are pillows on every
chair. The man who works there and
who serves us food is from Australia.
He always laughs when I come with large groups of American girls because
we all have specific requests for our meals. We are truly Americans when we dine there. This place was exciting for me to find. I have changed my eating habits and
adapted to the food in Barcelona; however, it is nice sometimes to be able to
go to a restaurant and get food similar to the food in the United States and
act like an American.
Bo de B Restaurant: The Best Sandwich I’ve Ever Had!
The restaurant Bo de B is located
on Calle Merce 35. It is a small
stand that opens at one o’clock in the afternoon. Around twelve forty-five in the afternoon, there is already
a line down the street of people waiting to get into this restaurant. It looks like a shack and is very
small. There are about three or
four tables inside the small restaurant.
The restaurant sells sandwiches and platters. You get to choose what you want in your sandwich or on your
platter. There are the options of
chicken, steak, eggs, or vegetables and then there are about fifteen different
ingredients and sauces you can also add.
You watch this old lady cook your meat in front of you on the
grill/fryer. This restaurant gives
you a huge portion for a very small price. Many students like to come here and get food during their
lunch break. Since this restaurant
is located very close to the port, you can take the food to go and then bring
it and sit with friends outside at the port. This restaurant has a lot of style and character; it has been
around for a very long time and is a favorite to many people who live in
Barcelona and to many who visit Barcelona. I love this restaurant and think there should be more of
them around Barcelona.
Princesa 23 Restaurant!
Another restaurant that I love to
go to is called Princesa 23. It is
also located in El Born. It is
located on Calle de la Princesa, 23.
I love to sit at the lounge area here with friends, have a drink, and
watch the soccer game. There is
always a big crowd here when a soccer game is on because they have flat screen
televisions surrounding the entire restaurant. The service here is very good and the food comes very
fast. You can order all sorts of
tapas at this restaurant. It is
not fancy and is also priced very well.
I am able to get a big meal there for about twelve euros. There is also a bar in the restaurant
that is fun to sit at and meet and talk to local people having a drink. I highly recommend this place to
students who are studying abroad.
It is fun to eat at during the week because it is not very fancy and you
can throw on clothes and walk over for a fun dinner with friends. It is also a great place for large
groups. It is important to make a
reservation here on the weekends because it gets booked quickly. There is usually a long wait for a
table on the weekends if you do not have a reservation. I find that many restaurants in
Barcelona are a lot more crowded and booked on the weekends than they are on
the weeknights. Therefore, most
people cook and eat home during the week.
La Luna Restaurant!
My favorite restaurant in Barcelona
is called La Luna. It is located
in El Born on Carrer dels Abaixadors, 10.
It is on a very small cobble stone street that is hidden away in an
ally. The closest main road to it
is Carrer de la Nau. The first
time I went to go eat here it took me thirty minutes to find it. It is a restaurant that has both a
dinner menu and a tapas menu. The
waitresses now know my friends and me since we go there so often. I even took my parents to the
restaurant when they visited me in Barcelona and they loved it too. My favorite dish is the Salmon and
vegetables made with a mustard sauce.
I also love this one chicken dish that comes with avocado but
unfortunately they don’t really make it anymore unless I beg them to! I recommend this restaurant to anyone
who visits Barcelona because it has a quiet atmosphere, good food and is
located in a very important part of the city. It is a great place to go to with a big group because you
can share appetizers and then each get your own main course. The appetizers are also great. They have really good salads and
amazing grilled vegetables that come with mozzarella cheese. They also make good sized beverages
that way you get your moneys worth!
El Raval! Fieldtrip 4
We first met at Cafe Zurich near Placa Catalunya for this
fieldtrip to El Raval. From there,
we walked towards Las Ramblas and then walked off to the right of Las Ramblas
into El Raval. El Raval borders
Las Ramblas. It is located in the
neighborhood of Ciutat Vella, which is close to the port in Barcelona. It was very surprising to me to see
because I had been living in Barcelona for three months and still had never
been to this part of the city.
This part of the city has so much to offer. It contains so much style and culture. I am so lucky to have been taken on
this fieldtrip and am fortunate that I was able to learn the history of this
famous and important part of the city.
This part of the city is known historically for its nightlife. However, El Raval has many cool
restaurants and bars, there are no clubs located in this area. This part of the city is home of many
immigrants and young people living in Barcelona. There are many parks and places where children can play and
people can roller-skate or skateboard.
We passed a cool skate shop called ¨Free¨ that looks young and hip. We also passed a cool hotel that our
teacher recommended to us. There’s also a library in this area that has a
modern style. There are rentable
bikes also located in this area, which is similar to many other parts of
Barcelona. During the fieldtrip we
were taken to Foment de les Arts I del Disseny, which is a modern art
museum. We were able to go inside
and there was a really cool exhibit with young and modern art. The entire building was modern and the
interior design made the artwork within it look even better. The exhibit we saw is called La Incubadora
Del Fad and it was there from April 14th until April 29th. We were also taken to MACBA, which
stands for Museu Dárt Contemporani De Barcelona. This is a large, white very modern building. Near this building we saw a big sign
for a protest. This sign was in
black and white and had many images of different people in a collage. It was large and made a statement. Signs like these show the style and
expression of personality and opinion of the local people of the city. We learned about the garbage cans in El
Raval also. The way they are built
is fascinating; you throw the garbage out in the correct bin and they are
stored underground. We also saw an
Okupa house. An Okupa house is a
vacant building taken over by people and they move in and make it their
home. This building has graffiti
all over it. El Raval has so much
style that you can see just from walking down the streets. The various posters, graffiti, shops,
and bars within El Raval all help to express the style and youngness of this part
of Barcelona. However, there is
also an older part of El Raval where there are stone and ancient buildings that
are now offices but still look the same as they did many years ago.
El Born! Fieldtrip 3
What Was Once Occupied by Jews Is Now Extinct! Fieldtrip 2
We went on a field trip to the Jewish Quarter of Barcelona,
which is also located in the Gothic Area.
Our teacher explained to us a little bit of history about the Jews. I learned that the Jewish community
occupied Barcelona from 1200 to 1850 and during the year 1350, there was the
first attack on the Jewish community in Barcelona. During the field trip, we walked down different
streets/alleys and learned about the landmarks. Our teacher showed us different cafes that we can go to and
have lunch at around 2:00 pm for some homemade food. We walked past the
L’Antiga Sinagoga, which is a Medieval Major Synagogue. The Synagogue is
located on Calle de Sant Domènec in Barcelona. We learned about how all the old
little restaurants and shops are going out of business today and are becoming
souvenir shops. This is sad
because these places and restaurants give the area character; it is really
unfortunate that they are not making enough income to survive. We also visited different apartment
buildings and learned about what types of people lived on each floor. The wealthiest people lived on the
first floor and as the floors progressed, it was less expensive and not as nice
apartments. Xavier Alcon explained
to us that when many of these apartment buildings were built, they were only
legally allowed to have three floors; however, people illegally built the
buildings with four floors and called the first floor Principal. Lastly, we
visited Square Sant Felipe Neri, which is a
church but today the outside fountain area is where children play during
recess. In 1939, during the Spanish Civil War, people were lined up there for
execution. This filed trip was
very informative and interesting because I was able to see a part of Spain that
is so hidden yet so beautiful.
Making Our Way Through the Old Roman City of Barcelona! Fieldtrip 1
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