Sunny Kind of Mood

You know how people say the weather affects one's mood? Well, I'm a true believer in this saying and this past weekend just reassured it for me. Lately the weather has been fantastic! Ignoring the fact that I have 3 papers, 2 oral presentations, and menial homework due this week; I spent my weekend in "el aire libre." Friday started off on a good note when I ran into Maddie on my way to meet Anjali to get Bo de B for lunch. It didn't take much convincing for Maddie to join us (no surprise there). It was a bit of a buzz kill we when arrived at Bo de B and the guys already waiting outside informed us they weren't opening until 1:30pm. Are they insane?!? How dare they make us wait even longer than usual! If you know anything about Bo de B, you know that a line begins forming on the sidewalk about 30 minutes prior to opening. In order to keep our 2nd place in line, we waited patiently and chatted with fellow Bo de B lovers to pass the time. The bocadillo and patatas bravas were definitely worth the wait, but who's kidding, when aren't they? After gorging myself, Anjali and I headed to the beach. Perfect! Now I could show off my expanded stomach to the world! Nevertheless, I relished in the Spanish Sun and was content people-watching for hours. Barcelona's beach happens to be a nude one so it's not uncommon to see...well, everything. 

Part of the beach & the W Hotel in the background

Saturday was another day spent on the beach with friends. However, the evening brought new and excitings things - the FCBarca vs. UD Almeria game! Anjali, Colleen, and I formed a plan earlier that day to go early to the game in order to scalp our tickets. After walking about 15 minutes to find an ATM near the football stadium and being hassled by countless scalpers, we got our tickets. Once we were in, there was the small issue of sitting together. Anjali may have had to jump over a barrier to get to our section, but in the end we were all together watching the game. The atmosphere and liveliness of the crowd was a new experience for me... the entire stadium chanting "Messi, Messi, Messi" while bowing down; the children sitting in front of me yelling at the players "¡Venga, Pique!" "¡Ai! Chuta, chuta!"; and of course the swift movements of the Barca players who dominated the field. Definitely a fun experience I'll always remember.

Best seats in the stadium...

Now it's almost mid-week and I'm attempting to balance my massive load of schoolwork, prepping for my Italy trip, and hanging out with friends before their program ends (this pertains to you, Deniz, Mo, and Colleen). Wish me luck!