Location 1: Barcelona, Spain

As some of you know, I'm taking some time this summer to do some travelling across Europe. I've got no real purpose or destination -- I'm simply taking the time I have to enjoy myself these next few weeks, and to think about how my life might be changing now that I'm approaching the big 3-0 (to be honest i'm kinda looking forward to turning 30, but it's as good an excuse as any to get out and see some more of the world). Basically, it's a trip of self-reflection and relaxation, with some adventure thrown in.

Currently I'm in Barcelona, my favorite city in Europe. I chose to begin my trip here because my brother is currently here as well, on his way back to the U.S. from a study-trip to Brussels with his MBA program. To my surprise, my Spanish has not deteriorated as much as I had feared, although I do have difficulty finding the words I want more often that not. I wish I could spend 3 months here and regain my fluency, but alas, it's not this trip. Perhaps the next one.

I arrived yesterday, and spent the day getting re-oriented with Barcelona, as well as going with my brother and a friend of his to Parc Guell, a planned neighborhood by the Gaudi -- a recommendation of mine, which I would also recommend to anyone else visiting Barcelona. In the evening we caught a flamenco show, which was truly impressive. I never really realized how much tapdance was involved in flamenco....the dancers were great, and it was well worth the entry price (although the dinner part of the dinner/show combo was sub-par). I also enjoyed the flamenco guitar playing, which is a lot of stacatto rhythyms and quick finger strumming. It reminded me of the Spanish classical guitar I have at home that has gone ignored for far too long. Perhaps I'll try my hand at learning that again this next school year.

That's all for now, but I'll be posting regularly on trip updates. I didn't bring my computer, so I can't really upload photos, but they will of course be available upon request when I return.