Spain Day 2

My plan was to explore Barcelona today but my plan didn’t have any more details beyond that. I was fortunate enough to meet a few Californians early in the day at a little cafe. The world is so small, one guy’s mom actually lives in Atascadero. He is also traveling solo and he’s a huge foodie/wino so we instantly clicked. I tagged along with him most of the day. It was great because he had done a lot of research on places to eat and how to get around so I didn’t have to do or think about anything! 

He had plans for the day and was kind enough to let me tag along. We took the metro up to Montjuïc and found a perfect little bar at the top of the hill. I wish a bar like this was at the top of every hill! 

After we had a quick drink, we wandered around Fundació Joan Miró a modern art museum. I liked the way this guy just blew through the museum. He was like “I’m not trying to interpret each piece of art to figure out the meaning of life. I just want to see some shit and then go” which was great because I felt the same way. 

After the museum we went to a tapas bar called Quimet & Quimet. He said he was happy to have me along because it meant he could try more things. Tapas are definitely meant to be shared. I was happy to be with a foodie who knew what to order. I’m not a very adventurous eater, but I committed to at least trying everything. I was out of my comfort zone and tried anchovies, caviar, and olives. 

We kept the party going and wandered over to another restaurant on his list called Cañete. We just wanted one drink but they were like, this is a restaurant you have to order food. So we ordered a second lunch of lobster croquettes, jamón, and champagne. 

We chatted and made friends with the others seated at the bar and one French/American guy was like “Wow I’ve never seen anyone just order a bottle of champagne and drink without an occasion” I felt judged and I was glad when he left bc I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life! Who needs a special reason to drink good champagne!?

After two lunches and champagne I was ready for a siesta! My foodie friend added me to his dinner reservation and we made plans to meet up at 9:00 for dinner (seems so late to me but I guess that’s the Spanish way). 

Back at my hotel I got text and messages from two of my good friends who just arrived in Italy. Im having serious FOMO so I may end up in in Italy some times this week, even if it’s just one night.

Dinner was at a place called Xavier Pellicer which was a such a gorgeous relaxing and organic environment. I want my house to look like this restaurant! All day I had to try to eat outside of my comfort zone but dinner was everything I love. We ordered the omnivore menu but it was still very plant forward. Each dish was so yummy, here are some pics. 

Then after dinner we went to a bar that is famous for their gin and tonics. I’ve never had gin, so this was a great way to end a gastronomically adventurous day. 

I really lucked out meeting my CA foodie friend. He’s continuing his adventure in San Sebastián and I headed to Mallorca today so we parted ways but hopefully we cross paths again back home! 

This trip started off so strong, it’s going to be hard to top a day like today! 

Spain Day 1 - SFO to ZRH to BCN

Well I actually forgot about this blog for like 6 years. It took some digging, but I finally found it and figured out my login! Let me catch you up real quick:

In 2016 I got a big girl job that basically just sucks the life out of me! Just kidding (kind of). But it is demanding and also does require me to limit how much of my real life I make available online.

I thought I’d resurrect this blog this week because it actually is cool to look back and see some of the adventures I’ve been on. I wrote about the first time I traveled to Europe solo on this blog and rereading it last night reminded me that I was so scared that trip that I actually cried at the airport 😂. That was like 10 years ago. 

I’ve had lots of adventures since my last post. Mostly domestic (probably like 10+ new states in the past few years) and one trip to Italy in 2018. 

So there you go, you’re basically caught up. 

—

I’ve had anxiety about this trip over the past couple of days. It’s still a little scary traveling to another county alone. My Spanish sucks so I’m out of my comfort zone.  I also know I’m risking a lot traveling during COVID (I thought COVID was going to be over by now when I rebooked this trip). I also feel anxious about being abroad and traveling so close to 9/11. Like, I purposely chose to fly back on 9/12 just in case! 

My trip to Spain was booked pre-COVID and kept getting postponed. Luckily I think I’m in a window where the EU is still accepting American tourist so I was able to make it in to the country but things can change quickly so I’m ready for anything. I’ll keep an eye on the regulations over the next week and a half but so far I’ve had great luck. 

Since I wasn’t sure this trip was actually going to happen, I didn’t really plan much. I have my hotels booked for the first 5 nights and then after that I’m just winging it. I have a couple of friends in different places Europe and I’d love to meet up with each of them but again it all depends on COVID safety so I try not to get my heart set on anything. 

I flew out of SFO for the first time. I have to admit the few trips I have taken this year have actually been sort of pleasant because of social distancing. I’m one of those people that hopes social distancing will stick around forever. I love not having people breathe down my neck while standing in line!

I made it to SF with just enough time to park, shuttle to the international terminal, present my documents, and then board the plane.

The first flight was 11 hours but the most amazing thing happened on this flight… the middle seat was empty! It was such a comfortable flight. I took a melatonin and drank a glass of wine but couldn’t really sleep. 

Overall it was an easy arrival. I hope this is how the rest of my trip goes! 

New York

Went to New York earlier this month. We stayed in Brooklyn which ended up being our favorite borough.

Myra and Roxanna's first time flying!

Had to figure out the subway system.

Brooklyn

Museum of Modern Art

New York Bagel 

Yankees game!