Bonita Barcelona

I have made it to my hostel, and i am typing slowly on a keyboard with have of the letters rubbed off. Everyone has been so nice. All the people i have met speak English, and it is spoken asourn the hostel as the common language...few! I started off in a swanky hotel Dad set up for my by the airport so i could adjust to the time and rest. The next day I set off on the metro (subway) for my hostel. Of course I got off at the wrong stop (Brian, dont roll your eyes!) and i had to take a taxi to the city center. I shared the cab with Constance, a girl from France, who used to live here. She gave me some good pointers for navigating the city.

When I got to the San Jordi Arago Hostel it was a bit of a shock for me... like going back in time to the first day in the dorms. Lots of young people, little space, little privacy. I am used to it now, and impressed by the diversity of folks here. I share a room with 6 other people- 2 from Sweden, 2 from France, 1 from the states, and 1 from Televiv. I have to admit I felt pretty anxious and a bit helpless and sad at first, thinking ¨what did i get myself into¨. But that didn´t last long.

Yesterday I got right on my feet and walked around the city. I saw several Gaudi buildings, and toured La Pedrera. It was so strange and beautiful- Dr. Seuss must have drawn inspiration from him. I took lots of pictures, and had passersby take horribly unflattering pictures of me. I will try to post them later, once i dig out my card reader.

Last night was the Euro Cup final, and I went out with a group to the Barri Gotic neighborhood- tall buildings with narrow streets that open up to large courtyards with fountains, street performers, and obvious tourists. Every place was packed, but we somehow managed to find a bar playing straight reggae with only a few people at the counter. I was with-3 girls from Sweden, 1 guy from Televiv, 1 guy from Baltimore who live in Dubi working construction, and 1 guy from Finland (TOTAL Nels look a like... i took pictures that i will post later... he even does the ¨yeaop¨). We got a spot right in front of the big pull down screen with a table and chairs. Anyway, the bar got packed, hot and loud. It was full of energy! Whrn the game was over the streets were crazy! People in Spanish flag capes dancing and chanting ¨Es-pa-ña¨ in the streets, air horns, noise makers, and tossed rolls of T.P. filled the air. Guys were climbing up th lamposts, and swings, while others were atop news stands juggling and balancing futbols on their heads. It was wild! We took the long walk home through the crowds.

Today I ventured out to the supermarket. THAT was interesting. I actually really enjoyed it (the AC probably helped). I still want to see a few more museams here and hit up the beach. Whatever i dont do now, i can do at the tail end of the trip when i retuen to Barcelona. Tonight I think i will join a group going out for tapas and ¨chupitos¨or shots, then go out to a dance club.

I hope everyone is well. The bustle of the city makes me appreciate the simple rivers and trees of Oregon.

Eugene to Palos Verdes

Zephyr and I arrived in San Francisco around 1 am. Dom and Mer had a great set up waiting for me downstairs. In the morning I got to meet my nephew, Leo, and Zephyr was reunited with Mac Gyver. Around noon I left with the lunch my brother Dom had packed for me. I enjoyed the first turkey sandwich for lunch. I got out of the car at a gas station, and Zephyr assumed the other sandwich must have been for him, so he helped himself. He spent the next hour sleeping off his big meal.

Now I am at my folks' house in Palos Verdes. We just had our famous family spaghetti dinner with my brother Ben and his girlfriend Alexandra. Now it is time to make the last decisions about what stays and what goes in the pack (unfortunately Zeph' won't fit).