When the girls and I decided to take on this adventure it seemed so unlikely to even happen, and yet, here we are at the end. I know there are some things I'm excited to go home to (a regular shower being in the top five) but I can't believe it's over. Andrea and I were talking about the flight over here and how it felt like we blinked and now we are checking in for our flight back.
I always get sad at the end of trips, but this seems different. It's like waiting a lifetime for something and then when it finally happens, it leaves a void of where that dream used to be. Dreaming about seeing all these places is something I have thought about since I can remember, what is next? What is my next dream? Kind of sad to think about, like loosing a security blanket or something (don't worry, I've still got mine) but also its kind of cool to think of experiencing my dream at 23... There are so many more years left to dream, and so many dreams left to dream!
This trip has been everything I wanted it to be. I can't imagine being closer to these girls than I am right now. We made a fantastic little travel family, learning (and sometimes working around) each of our little quirks. Dre and I learned inside voices, Lace saw the beauty in tennis shoes (though, still refuses to get any), and Brie learned to be assertive when dealing with three opinionated girls (she usually was the tie breaker). Lacey has walked farther than she ever has in her life, and Dre has convinced Brie and I to run a marathon with her, all while I planned my life and imaginary wedding in Paris (French husband included).
We spent our last night in Spain having dinner, drinking sangria, and being serenaded by men in tights. Seriously. Then the train ride was...long... Really... Really... Really... Long.
Finally, we arrived in Paris. We spent the day wondering down the Seine, rehashing our entire trip. The inside jokes still make me laugh as I type, and I don't know if we can ever relay the hilarity of Dre's "mmmm... Yummy" moment...or my "Mi padre es muy guapo"...or even Brie's "NO pigeon" or all of us saying "philidelphia is ugly" (which will be Dre's and my band name, with t-shirts that say 'we don't need philidelphia fans anyway')... or when Brie and Drea found this disgustingly rare burger on the pub crawl and insisted that Lacey (who was the least inebriated) hold it while we danced... Or Hank the sucker fish... Or when I was talking to a Parisian for about an hour and through my birthday druken haze asking him where he was from (after discussing how he was Parisian.)... Or all of us playing kings with the Spanish waiter's cards and Dre and I being amazed that we kept pulling the same cards (we would pull cards until they matched, and then insist it's because we were twins)... Speaking of twins, on my birthday Dre and I told everyone we were twins until someone asked Dre's age and she blew our cover... Dre trying to flamenco, and getting caught by a spaniard that could not be less amused... Or "Cait, how does 23 feel?" answer: "23 is spinny."...
I could go on, but I'm waking up the other girls by laughing. Thank you so much to my family for letting the girls and I have this moment in our lives, I don't know if you could have given us anything better. Also, thank you for enduring my lack of editing in these posts (who has time to edit in Europe?). Can't wait to see everyone! Love you! Avior, Ciao, Adios!!!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Flamenco... And Dre's Unknown Talent
Last night we went to the flamenco show that the girls had given to me as a birthday present, it was absolutely fantastic. Their feet move 1000 mph and their faces have the most intense expressions, it's like watching Spain come to life. Accented with loud stomps, the four colorfully dressed women danced with their whole body until it looked like the music was coming from the moves. Which actually was the case, the music accompaniment consisted of two guitars and claps from the gentlemen singing, the only other beat were the dancers shoes. There was also a male dancer that Dre and I would constantly call "Hey, Paulie" or "Hey, Tony"' he was obviously not into women but it didn't stop him from throwing various winks in our direction. Since it was my birthday, our waiter snuck me back to take pictures with him, he was one of the most incredible dancers I have ever seen. The night was amazing... And FULL of sangria.
Because of the copious amounts of sangria, Dre was doing flamenco during a bathroom break. Her flamenco consists of her jumping around and rolling her tounge to make a "drumroll" sound, mimicking the dancer's feet. This was hilarious until someone came out of the stall and caught Andrea mid shuffle. One of the best moments of the trip so far.
The end of the night was so much fun, Brie was dying for some McDonald's fries... Which sounded amazing to all of us... But apparently the Spaniards don't appreciate McDonalds like the Americans because it was closed. But it ended up as a win because several people on the street complimented all of us on our flamenco skills, which got better with each glass of sangria.
Today we are doing some shopping... Maybe going to see Real Madrid's soccer stadium (if it's open) love you guys! Adios!
Because of the copious amounts of sangria, Dre was doing flamenco during a bathroom break. Her flamenco consists of her jumping around and rolling her tounge to make a "drumroll" sound, mimicking the dancer's feet. This was hilarious until someone came out of the stall and caught Andrea mid shuffle. One of the best moments of the trip so far.
The end of the night was so much fun, Brie was dying for some McDonald's fries... Which sounded amazing to all of us... But apparently the Spaniards don't appreciate McDonalds like the Americans because it was closed. But it ended up as a win because several people on the street complimented all of us on our flamenco skills, which got better with each glass of sangria.
Today we are doing some shopping... Maybe going to see Real Madrid's soccer stadium (if it's open) love you guys! Adios!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Madrid... The Heartbeat of Spain
Today, we arrived in Madrid. This place is huge, in fact, according to Dre's super dorky tour guide books, it's the third largest city in Europe. These books have been a godsend though, we have used them for everything and they are super helpful. Being my fathers daughter, I hate looking like a tourist (even when I have no idea what I'm doing), but Dre insists on pulling them out, no matter how cool I'm trying to look.
Madrid feels like an enormous city that is brimming with culture and vibrant people. Walking around the streets is a great way to feel the buzzing heartbeat of the city and it's constant hum of activity. It was a Saturday night tonight, and Madrid did not disappoint. Dre and I spent time just walking around our hostel to get a look at our surroundings. If you take a right, the street leads down to a plaza that was filled with locals drinking wine, which is a custom on weekend nights. They all take there bottles of wine to a plaza and have a sort of "wine picnic" before heading to tapas bars. There was a really cool group of hoodlums doing bike tricks that were really impressive and the square was packed. We found the cutest restaurant in it's second day of operation, and the food was delicious (maybe my favorite yet).
We walked down the street directly in front of our hostel after dinner. It lead to a whole new set of street performers that were incredible. Dre and I spent 30 min with about 50 other locals listening to three men play guitar. There was a rendition of "Hallelujah" that sent shivers down my spine and a few other American songs mixed with some of the foot stomping Spanish rhythms.
It was around 11, and we continued down the street and came across a famous square, "Puerta Del Sol". Unfortunately, Dre and I had unknowingly walked right in the middle of a protest filled shanti town. Thankfully, Dre had left the tour books at home, and we tried to keep the English speaking to a minimum until we were out of the square. I'm sure we fit right in and no one noticed. (I'm hoping my sarcasm transcends the written words of the last sentence)
Tomorrow, we researched a ENORMOUS flea market that is said to be the largest in Europe. It's called Rastro and sounds like Lacey's heaven, but I think we are all really excited. It's now 2 am, and due to my 4 hour long siesta, I'm not the least bit tired... However, because of Lacey's ability to stay at flea markets for inordinate amounts of time, I better get some rest. I love you guys! Adios!
Madrid feels like an enormous city that is brimming with culture and vibrant people. Walking around the streets is a great way to feel the buzzing heartbeat of the city and it's constant hum of activity. It was a Saturday night tonight, and Madrid did not disappoint. Dre and I spent time just walking around our hostel to get a look at our surroundings. If you take a right, the street leads down to a plaza that was filled with locals drinking wine, which is a custom on weekend nights. They all take there bottles of wine to a plaza and have a sort of "wine picnic" before heading to tapas bars. There was a really cool group of hoodlums doing bike tricks that were really impressive and the square was packed. We found the cutest restaurant in it's second day of operation, and the food was delicious (maybe my favorite yet).
We walked down the street directly in front of our hostel after dinner. It lead to a whole new set of street performers that were incredible. Dre and I spent 30 min with about 50 other locals listening to three men play guitar. There was a rendition of "Hallelujah" that sent shivers down my spine and a few other American songs mixed with some of the foot stomping Spanish rhythms.
It was around 11, and we continued down the street and came across a famous square, "Puerta Del Sol". Unfortunately, Dre and I had unknowingly walked right in the middle of a protest filled shanti town. Thankfully, Dre had left the tour books at home, and we tried to keep the English speaking to a minimum until we were out of the square. I'm sure we fit right in and no one noticed. (I'm hoping my sarcasm transcends the written words of the last sentence)
Tomorrow, we researched a ENORMOUS flea market that is said to be the largest in Europe. It's called Rastro and sounds like Lacey's heaven, but I think we are all really excited. It's now 2 am, and due to my 4 hour long siesta, I'm not the least bit tired... However, because of Lacey's ability to stay at flea markets for inordinate amounts of time, I better get some rest. I love you guys! Adios!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Happy Birthday!
I have had "Happy Birthday" sung to me in 4 different languages... I'd count that as a good birthday!
We started the festivities this morning at 1am when we started out to the club. At the door, the nice man waved the cover charge for all of us because it was my birthday. Then when we were inside, the bartender gave us all a free shot and then a free bottle of champagne in the VIP section. Needless to say, we were off to a good start. Brie and Lace's first time at a club was a success! The bar was hoppin' and reminiscent of Vegas, with lights that tend to make the dance floor seem like a constant sezure and people dancing so close that really the whole club is doing one constant side-to-side movement.
We met a man from Paris that sang me happy birthday in French, a spanish man who sang it in spanish, and a Swedish man who sang to me on the street (which I don't remember due to all the free birthday drinks).
Nursing a extremely bad hangover, all of today was spent mostly in bed. But when we finally emerged, we went to a fantasic dinner of seafood at this place that is the "oldest tavern in Barcelona". They are not afraid of their seafood here and we all spent some time braking the heads off our food and picking bones out of fish, but it was still fantastic.
At the end of dinner the girls sang me happy birthday in Spanish and then in English with the ENTIRE restaurant joining in. Then came the best part: presents. I received a bracelet that I loved in Paris and the girls went back to get it without my knowledge... And... They all got us tickets to a flamenco dance show in Madrid. It was perfect! I'm beyond excited and feel very lucky to have such great family and friends.
Another one down, here is to 23!
We started the festivities this morning at 1am when we started out to the club. At the door, the nice man waved the cover charge for all of us because it was my birthday. Then when we were inside, the bartender gave us all a free shot and then a free bottle of champagne in the VIP section. Needless to say, we were off to a good start. Brie and Lace's first time at a club was a success! The bar was hoppin' and reminiscent of Vegas, with lights that tend to make the dance floor seem like a constant sezure and people dancing so close that really the whole club is doing one constant side-to-side movement.
We met a man from Paris that sang me happy birthday in French, a spanish man who sang it in spanish, and a Swedish man who sang to me on the street (which I don't remember due to all the free birthday drinks).
Nursing a extremely bad hangover, all of today was spent mostly in bed. But when we finally emerged, we went to a fantasic dinner of seafood at this place that is the "oldest tavern in Barcelona". They are not afraid of their seafood here and we all spent some time braking the heads off our food and picking bones out of fish, but it was still fantastic.
At the end of dinner the girls sang me happy birthday in Spanish and then in English with the ENTIRE restaurant joining in. Then came the best part: presents. I received a bracelet that I loved in Paris and the girls went back to get it without my knowledge... And... They all got us tickets to a flamenco dance show in Madrid. It was perfect! I'm beyond excited and feel very lucky to have such great family and friends.
Another one down, here is to 23!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Scandals in Barcelona...
Well, the day started off with an adventurous four girls roaming the boardwalks for nudy beaches. Luckily, every beach in Barcelona is a nudy beach. It's awesome, and perfect for people watchers like Andrea and myself.
So we set off, loaded with SPF... The four of us were the whitest people there... And finally found a spot worthy of sitting down. The day wasn't so sunny to be unbearable but broken up with cool breezes. As some of you may know, Dre and I have no qualms about nudity. I feel like I was naked in 75% of all of our family videos (even when it wasn't an appropriate age) and Dre feels the same (though there is less documented footage). The two of us were all about the topless fashion of virtually every girl on the beach. When else are you in Spain, in your 20s, where nudity is not a crime, but in fact encouraged? The answer was: this is a once in a lifetime chance to do something crazy that we will never forget. Sans odd sunburns, I think it was a good time for all of us.
The beach was so nice, the water was a little cold, but the sand was soft. The European men had shorts on that rivaled George's short shorts, there was a little pink number that captured my attention... He rocked his short shorts.... The other girls were not impressed at the euro style and haven't stopped making fun of me.
The people are so expressive here. When they are in love, they show it. Which also makes for fantastic people watching. Once the sun proceeded behind the clouds, it was time to go home. We walked back to the music of street performers and are now siestaing before getting ready to discotec tonight.
My birthday is tomorrow, but people don't go out here until like 1 am... So technically I will be celebrating my birthday. Brie and Lace have Dre's mouth on lock down because of her insistence on telling me my birthday present... I can't wait. Here is to 23 years of fantastic family and friends... I love you guys :)Salud!
So we set off, loaded with SPF... The four of us were the whitest people there... And finally found a spot worthy of sitting down. The day wasn't so sunny to be unbearable but broken up with cool breezes. As some of you may know, Dre and I have no qualms about nudity. I feel like I was naked in 75% of all of our family videos (even when it wasn't an appropriate age) and Dre feels the same (though there is less documented footage). The two of us were all about the topless fashion of virtually every girl on the beach. When else are you in Spain, in your 20s, where nudity is not a crime, but in fact encouraged? The answer was: this is a once in a lifetime chance to do something crazy that we will never forget. Sans odd sunburns, I think it was a good time for all of us.
The beach was so nice, the water was a little cold, but the sand was soft. The European men had shorts on that rivaled George's short shorts, there was a little pink number that captured my attention... He rocked his short shorts.... The other girls were not impressed at the euro style and haven't stopped making fun of me.
The people are so expressive here. When they are in love, they show it. Which also makes for fantastic people watching. Once the sun proceeded behind the clouds, it was time to go home. We walked back to the music of street performers and are now siestaing before getting ready to discotec tonight.
My birthday is tomorrow, but people don't go out here until like 1 am... So technically I will be celebrating my birthday. Brie and Lace have Dre's mouth on lock down because of her insistence on telling me my birthday present... I can't wait. Here is to 23 years of fantastic family and friends... I love you guys :)Salud!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Zumba... In a thunderstorm.
So last night we were all set to go out, when a huge thunderstorm hit. It sounded like the sky was breaking in half and every time we saw the flash of lightning, we braced ourselves for the cacophony that followed.
Not knowing what to do, we started reminiscing about the old days. Soon enough we were on to music of our youth, creating a play list of hits from the 90s. With hits streaming, we talked about our obsession with them and how all of them invariably ended up with memories of the four of us tied forever to that melody. This went on for a good hour or so, when a song come on that Brie knew all too well.
I don't know if I wrote this in an earlier blog, but Brie zumbas. The way I found this out was at a roman salsa club when Shakiras "Waka Waka" came on and Brie started doing zumba in the bar line to get drinks. For those who don't know, zumba is a workout that is a cardio rendition of African dance. It was hilarious at the time and Dre and I have consistently made fun of Brie... Until last night.
Brie spent a good hour and a half teaching Dre and I this zumba dance... Normally I'd say "I wish I could show you how hilarious it was", but fortunately, unbeknownst to us, Lacey was filming. I really hope you can see the video because I have had problems uploading images. If not, we sent them to Michelle and I will load it here later.
A night that was supposed to be rained out, turned into such a fun party for four. Today we are going to see La Sagrada Familia and a few other Gaudi masterpieces. I love you guys miss you guys.
Not knowing what to do, we started reminiscing about the old days. Soon enough we were on to music of our youth, creating a play list of hits from the 90s. With hits streaming, we talked about our obsession with them and how all of them invariably ended up with memories of the four of us tied forever to that melody. This went on for a good hour or so, when a song come on that Brie knew all too well.
I don't know if I wrote this in an earlier blog, but Brie zumbas. The way I found this out was at a roman salsa club when Shakiras "Waka Waka" came on and Brie started doing zumba in the bar line to get drinks. For those who don't know, zumba is a workout that is a cardio rendition of African dance. It was hilarious at the time and Dre and I have consistently made fun of Brie... Until last night.
Brie spent a good hour and a half teaching Dre and I this zumba dance... Normally I'd say "I wish I could show you how hilarious it was", but fortunately, unbeknownst to us, Lacey was filming. I really hope you can see the video because I have had problems uploading images. If not, we sent them to Michelle and I will load it here later.
A night that was supposed to be rained out, turned into such a fun party for four. Today we are going to see La Sagrada Familia and a few other Gaudi masterpieces. I love you guys miss you guys.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Hola!
Spain. Is. Gorgeous.
Barcelona has been great so far, honestly though, we have been here for maybe 4 hours. I'm just pumped about our hostel. I think it's the nicest we have had so far and its located right on this famous street, Las Ramblas. The street is bustling with tourists and street performers and the occasional frustrated local trying to get somewhere. The buildings remind me somewhat of the French buildings with flat roofs and blending of juxtaposed borders. The beach is located just down the street and on the way is about 100 tapas bars.
We are currently trying to "absorb the culture" by taking a 3 hour nap, from 1 to 4pm. Seriously. They shut down for at least 3 hours, something I think ACC should look in to.
We just made dinner reservations for my birthday that is on Friday. I cannot believe I'm 23. I have no idea where the last 5 years went. Birthdays get weirder and weirder as you get older. It's like every year leading up to 21 is a countdown, and every year after is a day to evaluate life. Like judgement day for yourself. Questions like: Where am I going?; What is next?; Where did I think I was going to be?; Do I still want to go there?; How do I get there?; they keep popping into my head. These questions are important, and very relevant to life, but if being out here has taught me anything, it's to make these questions apply to the now.
Let me explain: life goes so fast, especially when you are trying to see 3 countries in a matter of days. So when planning and evaluating the future takes away from the moment of experience, then all you are doing is planning for more moments of planning. You will be constantly evaluating how far you have come and how far is left to go. If you take the first question, "Where am I going?" and apply it to the now, it becomes less about trying to write a future and more about the fact that I want to see what tapas are like in Spain. So in answer to that question, I'm probably gonna head out to a tapas bar.
Do I have a lot I want to accomplish in the coming years? Yes. Do I have dreams that I have not yet attained? Yes. But right now, in this moment, I'm a 22 year old (going on 23) in Spain, and I intend to live every moment in the now. I plan on starting this revelation in 3 hours, when siesta is over.
Adios!
Barcelona has been great so far, honestly though, we have been here for maybe 4 hours. I'm just pumped about our hostel. I think it's the nicest we have had so far and its located right on this famous street, Las Ramblas. The street is bustling with tourists and street performers and the occasional frustrated local trying to get somewhere. The buildings remind me somewhat of the French buildings with flat roofs and blending of juxtaposed borders. The beach is located just down the street and on the way is about 100 tapas bars.
We are currently trying to "absorb the culture" by taking a 3 hour nap, from 1 to 4pm. Seriously. They shut down for at least 3 hours, something I think ACC should look in to.
We just made dinner reservations for my birthday that is on Friday. I cannot believe I'm 23. I have no idea where the last 5 years went. Birthdays get weirder and weirder as you get older. It's like every year leading up to 21 is a countdown, and every year after is a day to evaluate life. Like judgement day for yourself. Questions like: Where am I going?; What is next?; Where did I think I was going to be?; Do I still want to go there?; How do I get there?; they keep popping into my head. These questions are important, and very relevant to life, but if being out here has taught me anything, it's to make these questions apply to the now.
Let me explain: life goes so fast, especially when you are trying to see 3 countries in a matter of days. So when planning and evaluating the future takes away from the moment of experience, then all you are doing is planning for more moments of planning. You will be constantly evaluating how far you have come and how far is left to go. If you take the first question, "Where am I going?" and apply it to the now, it becomes less about trying to write a future and more about the fact that I want to see what tapas are like in Spain. So in answer to that question, I'm probably gonna head out to a tapas bar.
Do I have a lot I want to accomplish in the coming years? Yes. Do I have dreams that I have not yet attained? Yes. But right now, in this moment, I'm a 22 year old (going on 23) in Spain, and I intend to live every moment in the now. I plan on starting this revelation in 3 hours, when siesta is over.
Adios!
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