Nothing Like Family

Even before my arrival in Barcelona I had begged my parents to come visit. Of course they wanted to visit their daughter in Europe, but the logistics of it all were a little complicated. After much time spent talking on Skype and looking into all the possibilities, a decision was made. My mom and Aunt Patricia would come visit me in Barcelona. Yippee! Let's not skip over the fact that I had really wanted my dad to visit. I could just see him holding a tiny tapa and rolling his eyes at the "meal"; using his elementary school spanish; and enjoying all the beautiful art and sites Barcelona has to offer. Instead, he took one for the team and stayed home with my unruly 16-year old brother, while my mom and aunt traveled across the blue sea to see me!

{Sisters by the Arc du Triomf}

Finally, the day arrived when my mama and aunt landed down in Barcatown. Being with my family and giving them hugs after a couple months of separation was an amazing feeling. A little piece of home had made it's way over to Spain. It was my obligation and desire to be their personal tour-guide for the week. Tuesday was their first full day of getting to know the city so I took them into the Barrio Gotico, up Passeig de Grácia, saw la Manzana de Discordia, and walked through Gaudi's Casa Mila. Casa Mila is an exceptionally unique and beautiful building, especially on the inside. My favorite part was the rooftop, which had strange looking sculptures and a wavy floor with different levels.  However, I can't say the same for my aunt...she's deathly afraid of heights and after a millisecond of being on the rooftop, she couldn't stand and had to beg the guard to let her back down the "one-way" staircase. After that experience, my mom and I knew better than to bring Aunt Patricia to anything high off the ground, which is why she didn't join us for the elevator ride up to the Nativity Façade bridge of the Sagrada Familia. Thank goodness because even my mom's knees went weak. I on the other hand, loved the view of Barcelona and the close-up look at the construction still going on. Tuesday night was a party at Mercedes' house! Anjali and her boyfriend, Malcolm, joined all of us over at the apartment for a meal prepared by chef Mercedes. We had a great time even with the language barrier. Hand gestures, translations, and wine helped the flow of conversation. 

{Last day in BCN at Mt. Tibidabo}

Between Casa Mila and the Sagrada Familia, we also saw Parc Guell, the beach, El Catédral, el Palau de Música Catalana, the Magic Fountain, Catédral de Santa Maria del Mar, and Mount Tibidabo. I was lucky enough to go to a spanish guitar performance at the Palau de Música, which was the best way to see the ornate architecture of the building. On Friday, all of us laid down in the grass in Parc Ciutadella and took an hour long nap. It was a busy week, but worth the blisters and sleep deprivation. We ate delicious food at Sagardi, Cervesaria Catalana, Caputxes, Gelaaati!, and many other spots. Mom and Aunt Patricia became fans of cava, sangria de cava, and all the cheap wine Spain has to offer. One thing's for sure: the Spanish people know how to eat and drink. A meal here is definitely a cultural experience and a necessary one if you really want to get to know Catalunya. Being a tourist for a week made me appreciate Barcelona even more. It's weird to think I only have 2 more weekends left here. Where has the time gone?!

{Me, Mercedes, & Mom}

{Mom & I in front of Sagrada Familia}