Hooray palm tree!
I’ll admit I nearly forgot it was Independence Day. I’ve been in Barcelona since Sunday (where shouts of GOL! greeted me upon arrival; Spain won the Euro 2012 championship) and been deep into Spanish fever (in the good way) since.
I’ve been zipping all over town trying to get my bearings as I’ll soon be playing tour guide. I already have the crazy tan lines to prove all my trekking (yay, sunshine!)
I’m also speaking a strange mix of FranSpanglish (French + Spanish + English) as my brain tries to get up to speed. I was surprised when our faculty meeting this week was conducted almost entirely in Spanish – and even more surprised that I actually understood most of what was going on. Wow, it’s been 14 years since I studied in Mexico; I haven’t used Spanish much since. Words long buried are starting to rise up again.
Still, I open my mouth and French is the first thing on my tongue. It’s always interesting to return to the limbo of linguistic confusion.
Tomorrow I wake up bright and early to welcome students at the airport. I can’t wait to meet the students in my class!
Not sure how often I’ll be checking in this month, but just wanted to say hello. And send some sunshine your way in case you need it.
Bright colors in La Boqueria
Taking in art at the MACBA
Parque de la Ciutadella
Gardens at the University of Barcelona
University of Barcelona
Can’t get over those palm trees
paris (im)perfect 
So did I, but I’m in the States! It’s because the holiday is smack dab in the middle of the week, and it doesn’t have that holiday feel, so to speak.
Glad that you’ve had a great day and the photos are amazing!
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Yeah, always feels strange when holidays are in the middle of the week. Glad you enjoyed the photos!
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You’re allowed when you’ve been thrown into a new world! It’s going to be great. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
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Thanks, Lindsey! New world indeed. On so many different levels! Good for a writer’s soul ; )
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Those palms could pass for fireworks? Happy 4th and good luck with the new start!
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Oh great idea – palms passing for fireworks! And thanks for the well wishes. Just here a month!
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FranSpanglish…Awesome. When I was an exchange student in Germany, I called my mix-mash of language “Germish.” It sounds like something you can catch, if you’re not careful.
Glad to hear you’re having a wonderful time in Barcelona. Can’t wait to hear updates!
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Oh Germish *does* sound like something you could catch! So germy – ish ; )
I’ll let you know how the FranSpanglish is coming along.
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I am glad you are enjoying your sunshine in Spain. We have plenty here in Virginia, thanks. After a week or so of over 100 degree heat, we are finally getting a break; sunny and the 80’s. Enjoy your adventure there. I am sure you will give a rewarding experience to your students.
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Ohh man, Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the world, and these photos take me straight back to that wonderful sun-filled week I spent there. Haha, I remember just how mangled my Spanish was, mixing in French pronunciations with poor attempts to speak Catalan.. luckily the Spanish are so warm and accommodating 😉 Profites-en!
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Thanks, Christine. I am having such a wonderful sun-filled time here, too! My Spanish is still mangled, but my comprehension getting better. I am definitely taking full advantage of my time here. Thanks for the comment!
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I forgot it was the 4th of July until I saw a girl on the Metro wearing stars & stripes knee-highs. And I knew something was terribly wrong.
Just discovered your blog. And I’m glad I did.
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Glad you found it, too! Thanks for stopping by!
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Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is one of the most amazing place to visit specially if you are into photography. You will see different colors here. I, myself consider the fruits and vegetables for sale at La Boqueria is the nesting ground of art in photography. The Parc de la Ciutadella is an amazing place to visit too. The park’s fountain is fully crafted. I remember the beautiful Quadriga de l’Aurora on the top of the Font de la cascada. I really miss this place.
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I agree. It’s been a delight discovering the city.
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I have major ganas to visit Barcelona now!
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Do it! Madrid is great, too! Very cool that you’re having so many adventures there!
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