Check, check, and check!

My list of things to do while in Spain, let alone Europe, is quite extensive.  I can happily say that today I got to check a few of these things off of my list.  1) I bought a 3-month student metro pass, which reminded me that I'm not leaving this country anytime soon, 2) I had my first plate of paella, and 3) I saw Parc Güell. Numbers 2 and 3 will be repeated activities, but I'm proud to say that I accomplished both today.  The paella was...different, for lack of a better word.  It was basically what I was expecting, except for the octopus legs and full-bodied shrimp.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and all, but I think there may be other types of paella I'd like to try without all that fishy stuff.  The lunch itself was great, mostly because there were four of us: Anjali, Deniz, and her friend Lee, and the conversation (and vino) was muy bueno! After lunch, I took my first siesta. I awoke around 5:00pm, had a cup of tea, and put on my running shoes.  Anjali and I mapped out how to get from our place to Parc Güell and it was a success! We didn't get lost and arrived at the park as the night was falling.  People were out walking alone, in pairs, and with dogs.  It was beautiful and I can't wait to go back and take pictures.